Table of Contents
How long does Secret security clearance take?
In general, expect a CONFIDENTIAL or SECRET clearance to take between 1 and 3 months. A TOP SECRET will probably take between 4 and 8 months. However, some individuals have been waiting for the results of their TOP SECRET investigation for more than one year.
How hard is it to get a secret clearance?
Obtaining a security clearance is no easy task, and not everyone who applies will be granted access. Stringent suitability requirements, particularly in the intelligence community, weed out many unqualified applicants before they ever reach security clearance processing.
Why is my Secret security clearance taking so long?
The security clearance process is very dependent upon several factors – foreign influence and frequent moves are two of the factors that are more likely to delay the process. The other issue (and one that security clearance-holders can affect) is making sure your security clearance application is accurate.
Can bad credit affect your security clearance?
Imperfect financial circumstances, such as bad credit scores, can have a negative influence on your application and potentially cause your security clearance to be denied. However, the dollar amount associated with your financial troubles is usually less important than the reasons behind your financial situation.
How long does it take to get a secret clearance 2020?
Top Secret clearance processing times are sitting around 159 days, on average. To gain Secret clearance, the process is taking around 132 days. These processing times are for industry applicants. Processing times are slightly faster for Department of Defense civilians and service members.
How can I speed up my security clearance?
12 Tips for Speeding Up the Security Clearance Process
- Provide complete and accurate information.
- List good sources.
- Review your credit report before completing the SF-86.
- Don’s submit a sloppy SF-86.
- Don’t lie.
- Review your SF-86 before the interview.
- Verify your reference data.
- Be prepared with recent information.
Who do they interview for Top Secret clearance?
For a secret clearance in a national security position, the investigation requires agents to interview people who have lived or worked with the applicant at some point in the last seven years (or more).
Is a security clearance worth it?
The ultimate worth of a security clearance-having one currently and/or being able to obtain a new clearance with few problems-is that it provides access to jobs which may be statistically higher paying than those that do not require such clearances.
What are the requirements for a secret clearance?
The first requirement for obtaining a security clearance is the need for one. If your position requires that you be allowed access to restricted information or you work in a restricted facility or with a restricted unit, you will need to obtain a security clearance.
How long does it take to process a security clearance?
Depending on the level of Clearance required it can take from two (2) weeks to one (1) year or more. For the Reliability Clearance (aka Enhanced), the process takes about two weeks to a month from the day that the Security Clearance request form is submitted to PWGSC by Dynamic Personnel.
Can you lose a secret clearance?
You could lose your security clearance by demonstrating inability to carry-out the duties of handling classified information , including security breaches and unauthorized or reckless disclosures. 12. Guideline L: Outside Activities
How far back does a secret clearance go?
The new SF86 requires employment history information back to 7 years uniformly for all the investigations. In the old days, a secret clearance traces back to 5 years, and a TS/SCI traces back to 10 years.