Published 2026-01-13

What does show up on a background check for a security clearance? A lot. The process is far more in-depth than a typical employment screening, extending beyond criminal records to encompass financial history, foreign contacts, personal references, social media activity, and even your online presence. Obtaining a TS or SCI clearance requires a comprehensive look into your life, designed to assess your suitability for handling sensitive information. ^[1] This isn’t a simple yes/no determination; it’s a holistic evaluation of your character, trustworthiness, and reliability.

The Scope of a Security Clearance Background Investigation

Unlike a standard employment background check that primarily verifies employment and criminal history, a security clearance investigation, conducted by the DCSA or other authorized investigative bodies, is significantly broader. It’s tiered based on the level of clearance sought, with higher levels (like SCI) requiring more extensive scrutiny. ^[2] The investigation process generally follows these phases:

• Initial Check: A preliminary review of publicly available records.
• National Agency Check with Law and Credit (NACLC): This is a core component, involving checks with various federal agencies and credit reporting bureaus. ^[1]
• Subject Interviews: Investigators will speak with you, your references, and potentially neighbors, coworkers, and former acquaintances.
• Record Checks: These include criminal history databases, financial records, education verification, and employment history.
• Adjudication: A final review of all collected information to determine your suitability for a clearance. ^[5]

The goal is to identify any potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an adversary. This is why the investigation delves into areas beyond simply whether you have a criminal record.

Criminal History and the Clearance Process

While a clean criminal record is certainly preferred, it’s not always disqualifying. ^[7] The DCSA considers the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, and how much time has passed since the incident. ^[3] Factors considered include:

• Severity of the offense: Minor traffic violations are unlikely to be a concern, while felony convictions will receive significant scrutiny.
• Recency of the offense: Older offenses are generally less concerning than recent ones.
• Rehabilitation: Evidence of rehabilitation, such as completing probation or community service, can be a mitigating factor.
• Honesty and transparency: Failing to disclose a past offense is often more problematic than the offense itself.

It's crucial to be upfront and honest on your SF-86 application. Withholding information can be seen as a lack of trustworthiness, which is a key disqualifier.

Financial Considerations and Security Risk

Financial stability is a significant factor in the security clearance process. ^[6] Significant debt, unpaid taxes, or a history of financial irresponsibility can raise concerns about potential vulnerability to coercion or bribery. ^[3] Investigators will look at:

• Credit history: A poor credit score or a history of defaults can be a red flag.
• Debt levels: High levels of debt, particularly if it’s owed to foreign entities, can be concerning.
• Bankruptcy: While bankruptcy isn’t automatically disqualifying, it will be reviewed carefully.
• Unexplained wealth: Investigators will scrutinize any significant unexplained sources of income.

The concern isn’t necessarily about being poor, but about being financially vulnerable and potentially susceptible to outside influence.

Foreign Contacts and Allegiances

Given the nature of sensitive information, investigators will thoroughly examine your foreign contacts and any potential allegiances to foreign governments or organizations. ^[3] This includes:

• Citizenship: Dual citizenship, while not automatically disqualifying, requires a thorough review. ^[4]
• Family members: Investigators will scrutinize the citizenship and foreign contacts of close family members.
• Travel history: Frequent travel to foreign countries, particularly those considered adversarial, can raise concerns.
• Foreign financial assets: Any financial assets held in foreign countries will be reviewed carefully.
• Foreign contacts: Investigators will ask about your relationships with foreign nationals and any foreign organizations you may be affiliated with.

The goal is to identify any potential conflicts of interest or vulnerabilities to foreign influence.

Social Media and Online Activity

In today’s digital age, your online presence is often a reflection of your character and beliefs. ^[2] Investigators may review your social media accounts, online forums, and other online activity as part of the background investigation. This includes:

• Publicly available information: Investigators will review publicly available posts, comments, and photos.
• Extremist views: Expressions of extremist views or support for violence can be disqualifying.
• Inconsistent statements: Inconsistencies between your online activity and your statements on your SF-86 application can raise concerns.
• Problematic behavior: Online behavior that suggests poor judgment or a lack of discretion can be scrutinized.

It's important to be mindful of your online presence and avoid posting anything that could raise concerns about your suitability for a security clearance.

Navigating the security clearance process can be complex. Understanding what investigators look for and being honest and transparent on your application are crucial steps. For more detailed information about automatic disqualifiers and common concerns, refer to our pillar guide: /guides/automatic-disqualifiers/.

Related Articles:

• What is a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)?
• How Long Does a Security Clearance Take?
• Can a Security Clearance Be Revoked?

Related

• What Disqualifies You From a Security Clearance?
• TS Definition
• SCI Definition
• TS/SCI Definition

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