How to Obtain and Keep 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. Confidential 2. Secret 3. Top Secret

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? 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 Process Start End Submit SF86 Review by Sponsoring Agency Investigation Polygraph (if required) Briefing Adjudication by Sponsoring Agency

The Clearance Process Start End Submit SF86 Review by Sponsoring Agency Investigation Polygraph (if required) Briefing Adjudication by Sponsoring Agency

Complete 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 Process Start End Submit SF86 Review by Sponsoring Agency Investigation Polygraph (if required) Briefing Adjudication by Sponsoring Agency

Review 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 Process Start End Submit SF86 Review by Sponsoring Agency Investigation Polygraph (if required) Briefing Adjudication by Sponsoring Agency

The Polygraph The Truth About the Polygraph

The Clearance Process Start End Submit SF86 Review by Sponsoring Agency Investigation Polygraph (if required) Briefing Adjudication by Sponsoring Agency

Evaluation Categories Officially 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 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 Process Start End Submit SF86 Review by Sponsoring Agency Investigation Polygraph (if required) Briefing Adjudication by Sponsoring Agency

Briefing 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 Lifeline Periodic Reinvestigation Periodic Reinvestigation Life with a Clearance Clearance Process Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3