The Security Clearance Process

Federal jobs that involve access to sensitive information often require a security clearance. Applying for these jobs is a four-step process:

1. Receiving the job offer
2. A basic background check of the individual’s criminal and credit histories
   A basic background check includes a review of law enforcement records and verification of education, past employment and citizenship. Being honest is more important than having a spotless record. Past mistakes will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but falsification of records (including omission of important events) will generally disqualify you for a job.
3. A more intensive clearance investigation once the offer has been made
4. The agency’s decision of whether or not to grant clearance, based on the clearance investigation
   About 90% of background investigations go through one agency, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

The hiring agency makes the ultimate decisions about the job offer and granting clearance and therefore dictates how long these steps will take. OPM’s Web site answers many questions about the rest of the process (steps 2 and 3).

Tips for Smooth Security Clearance Process

• Ensure your package is complete with properly rolled fingerprints.
• Follow up after a reasonable interval (roughly a month) if you have not heard back.
• It may be possible to work for the agency in a nonsensitive position (also referred to as a "low public trust") while you wait for the security clearance. Ask your agency for details.
• Prepare in advance: know the kinds of questions that will be asked of you as you seek to get a security clearance. See the "Standard form 86" on OPM's Web site.
• Keep track of where you live and a contact who knew you when you lived at each place. This is especially important if you study abroad, because it's often hard to reestablish contact with someone overseas if you no longer have up-to-date contact information.
• Consider a summer internship with an agency that requires a security clearance. If you need a security clearance after graduation, getting an updated clearance will be considerably faster than the initial investigation. Note that such internships generally have deadlines before November 1.