Secret Security Clearance – Defense Department
Congratulations! We have received a Secret Security clearance from the Department of Defense. A security clearance is a status given to people. It allows them access to classified information, like state secrets or restricted areas. This access comes after a thorough background check is completed. The term “security clearance” is also used in private organizations. These organizations have a formal process to vet employees. This process allows access to sensitive information. A clearance alone is usually not enough to get access. The organization must decide if the cleared person needs to know the information. No one should get access to classified information just because of their rank, position, or security clearance.
FAQs
Who can apply for a security clearance?
Individuals cannot initiate a security clearance application on their own. The Bureau of Human Resources decides if a Department of State job needs a security clearance. This decision is based on the job’s duties and responsibilities. If the position requires access to classified information, then a personnel security background investigation must be conducted. This is only done after a conditional offer of employment is given to an individual.
Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to receive a security clearance from the State Department?
According to Executive Order 12968, Access to Classified Information, only U.S. citizens can access classified information. An exception can be made in certain cases, when there are strong reasons to allow limited access. This access can be given to an immigrant or foreign worker. They must have special skills for certain programs, projects, contracts, licenses, certificates, or grants.
What is the purpose of a security clearance?
A security clearance aims to see if a person can protect classified national security information. This is based on their loyalty, character, trustworthiness, and reliability.
How is it decided what level of clearance a person receives?
The Bureau of Human Resources decides if a Department of State job needs a security clearance. They also determine the level of clearance based on the job’s responsibilities.
How many types or levels of security clearance are there?
There are three levels of security clearance, with the highest level being Top Secret. Secret is the next level of clearance, and Confidential is the final.
What work does each clearance allow a person to do?
A clearance lets a person in a specific job access classified national security information. This access is up to their clearance level as long as they need to know the information.
Will my clearance be transferable to other federal agencies?
Federal agencies usually accept another agency’s investigation for a security clearance. This is true if your last investigation was done within the past 5 years for a top-secret clearance. A secret clearance must be within the past 10 years. You also should not have a break in service of more than 2 years. Also considered is whether there have been any significant changes in your situation since your last investigation. Some federal agencies may have extra requirements for investigation or decision-making. These must be met before they accept a clearance from another agency.
How long is my security clearance good for after I leave the federal government?
The Department of State will revalidate a security clearance if two conditions are met.
- The person has not been out of federal service for over 2 years.
- The person’s clearance is based on a current and appropriate security investigation.
Can I transfer my security clearance for private-sector employment?
Security clearances only apply to positions that fall under the federal government’s purview. According to Executive Order 12968, Access to Classified Information, security clearances are given only to certain people. These include those employed by or assigned to an executive agency, like Armed Forces members. It also includes experts or consultants for an agency, and contractors or licensees of an agency. This consists of all subcontractors and personal services contractors. It also covers anyone else who works for an agency. The agency head decides who falls under this category.
Does having a security clearance guarantee employment with the State Department?
No. The hiring process addresses whether someone will be initially selected for a particular position within the State Department. The security clearance process does not begin until after a conditional offer of employment is given.
Who does the records check?
The Office of Personnel Security and Suitability, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, conducts all national agency and credit history checks in support of its investigations. Diplomatic Security investigators located worldwide conduct all other investigative leads, including local law enforcement checks.
Are my family members or people living with me subject to a security check?
There are circumstances where limited records checks or an investigation may be conducted on a spouse or cohabitant*. National agencies check the backgrounds of spouses or partners of people applying for a top-secret clearance. This is done with the spouse or partner’s permission. Additional investigations may be conducted when the spouse or cohabitant is a foreign national.
A cohabitant is someone you live with as if you are married. This relationship includes shared rights, duties, and obligations. These are often seen in married couples, but they do not always depend on sexual relations.
For what reasons would I be denied a security clearance?
Various reasons exist for why someone may be denied a security clearance. The key factors in an investigation are honesty, openness, and carefulness. These qualities are essential when filling out security clearance forms. Each case is looked at individually. We use the National Security Board’s 13 Adjudicative Guidelines. These guidelines help us decide if granting or keeping a security clearance is best for national security.
The adjudicative guidelines cover many areas. These include loyalty to the United States, foreign influence, and foreign preference. They also address sexual behavior, personal conduct, and financial issues. Alcohol use, drug involvement, and emotional or mental disorders are included too. Criminal conduct, security violations, outside activities, and misuse of information technology systems are also part of the guidelines.
How often is a security clearance renewed?
A person usually goes through a reinvestigation at least every 5 years for a Top Secret clearance. For a Secret clearance, this happens every 10 years.
What are some typical delays that occur in the security clearance process?
Some of the most common delays occur when security packages are incomplete. Other delays result from poorly collected fingerprints. Investigations that cover many overseas activities can also cause delays.
People can help speed up the process by filling out all forms correctly. They should also learn what an adequately rolled set of fingerprints looks like. This way, they can ensure their own fingerprints are done right. They should provide local references who can confirm their activities abroad if possible.
How long does it take to process a typical security clearance?
Each case varies, but the general time averages about 120 days. The Department of State has recently initiated a goal to render a security clearance decision in 90 days.
What happens if I’m denied a security clearance? Is there an appeal process?
If you are denied a security clearance, you will be told why.
If you lose access to classified information, you will also know why. You will also receive instructions on how to file an appeal. You can respond to any negative information found during the investigation.
What can I do in advance to ease the process of my background investigation?
A background investigation requires extensive information, such as complete names, addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth for relatives. We recommend printing the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (Standard Form 86). Start gathering the information now so you have it ready when needed.
Where can I get assistance completing my security clearance package or inquire about the status of my security clearance?
For help with your security clearance package or to check your clearance status, please email us at SecurityClearance@state.gov. You can also speak with a personnel security specialist at our Customer Service Center. We are available from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. EST. Call us toll-free at 1-866-643-4636 (1-866-643-INFO) or 571-345-3186.
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