How to How to Obtain and Obtain and
Keep a Keep a Security Security
Clearance?Clearance?
What Is A Security Clearance?What Is A Security Clearance?
A determination made by the government that you are stable and trustworthy, and can be placed in a position of obligation with protecting the secrets of the nation.
There are three levels of clearance:1. Confidential2. Secret3. Top Secret
Why Would You Want A Clearance?
Why Would You Want A Clearance?
• More Job Opportunities– Usually the more interesting programs
• Career Advancement– Positions with clearances can mean more $$
How Do You Get A Clearance?How Do You Get A Clearance?
• Only the Government can issue a clearance
• The process can take from 45 days to 18 months after the paperwork is submitted depending on the level of clearance
• All clearances require an investigation that will range from a National Agency Check to a full background investigation
• Some clearances require polygraphs
The Clearance ProcessThe Clearance Process
Start
End
Submit SF86Review by Sponsoring
AgencyInvestigation
Polygraph (if required)
BriefingAdjudication by
Sponsoring Agency
The Clearance ProcessThe Clearance Process
Start
End
Submit SF86Review by Sponsoring
AgencyInvestigation
Polygraph (if required)
BriefingAdjudication by
Sponsoring Agency
Complete the SF86Complete the SF86
The SF86 initiates the Clearance Process by asking you to complete a personal history on yourself that goes back 5 to 10 years depending on the level of clearance.
• Personal Data• Residences• Education• Employment History• Financial Information• And more…
The Clearance ProcessThe Clearance Process
Start
End
Submit SF86Review by Sponsoring
AgencyInvestigation
Polygraph (if required)
BriefingAdjudication by
Sponsoring Agency
Review and InvestigationReview and Investigation
•You will be interviewed by an investigator
•Your neighbors, co-workers, will be interviewed
• Your supervisor and two co-workers will be interviewed
• Former employers will be interviewed
• Your financial stability will be examined
The Clearance ProcessThe Clearance Process
Start
End
Submit SF86Review by Sponsoring
AgencyInvestigation
Polygraph (if required)
BriefingAdjudication by
Sponsoring Agency
The PolygraphThe Polygraph
The Truth About the Polygraph
The Clearance ProcessThe Clearance Process
Start
End
Submit SF86Review by Sponsoring
AgencyInvestigation
Polygraph (if required)
BriefingAdjudication by
Sponsoring Agency
Evaluation CategoriesOfficially known as Adjudication Guidelines
Evaluation CategoriesOfficially known as Adjudication Guidelines
Allegiance to the United States
Foreign Influence
Foreign Preference
Sexual Behavior
Personal Conduct
Financial Considerations
Alcohol Consumption
Drug Involvement
Psychological Conditions
Criminal Conduct
Handling Protected Information
Outside Activities
Use of Information Technology Systems
Factors that could raise concernFactors that could raise concern
•Misuse of Prescription Drugs
•Questionable Judgment
•Dishonesty / Unreliability
•Failure to comply with rules and regulations
•Sexual Behavior that indicates a personality disorder or reflects a lack judgment
The Clearance ProcessThe Clearance Process
Start
End
Submit SF86Review by Sponsoring
AgencyInvestigation
Polygraph (if required)
BriefingAdjudication by
Sponsoring Agency
BriefingBriefing
• You will be asked to make a verbal attestation that is legally binding.
• You will sign an oath acknowledging acceptance of the responsibilities inherent with a security clearance.
• Responsibilities may include: – Reporting of adverse information– Reporting of changes in personal status, e.g., marital,
naturalization– Suspicious Contact – Foreign Travel
• Desire not to work with Classified Information
Clearance LifelineClearance Lifeline
PeriodicReinvestigation
PeriodicReinvestigation
Life with a ClearanceLife with a Clearance
Clearance ProcessClearance Process
Phase 1Phase 1 Phase 2Phase 2 Phase 3Phase 3