Background Investigation
A background investigation is the process of collecting and reviewing information about an individual to determine their eligibility for a security clearance. The investigation verifies information provided on the SF-86 and uncovers any potential security concerns.
Quick Facts
| Conducted by | DCSA (for most DoD/IC positions) |
| Types | Tier 1, Tier 3, Tier 5 (based on clearance level) |
| Duration | Weeks to months depending on complexity |
| Scope | Employment, residences, finances, criminal, foreign ties |
What Investigators Look For
Background investigations examine several areas[1]:
Identity and Citizenship
- Verification of who you are
- Citizenship documentation
- Legal name history
Personal History
- Residence verification
- Employment verification
- Education confirmation
- Military service records
Financial Responsibility
- Credit history
- Bankruptcies or delinquencies
- Unexplained wealth or financial issues
Criminal History
- Arrests and convictions
- Court records
- Law enforcement databases
Foreign Connections
- Foreign travel
- Foreign contacts and relationships
- Foreign financial interests
Character and Conduct
- Reference interviews
- Neighbor interviews (for higher clearances)
- Subject interview (for Tier 5)
Investigation Tiers
The level of investigation depends on the clearance required[3]:
| Tier | Clearance Level | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Low-risk positions | Database checks |
| Tier 3 | Secret / Confidential | NACLC-equivalent |
| Tier 5 | Top Secret / SCI | Full field investigation |
Higher tiers include everything from lower tiers plus additional scrutiny.
The Investigation Process
- Initiation - SF-86 submitted and released
- Scheduling - Case assigned to investigator[2]
- Record checks - Database and file reviews
- Field work - Interviews and verifications (Tier 5)
- Report compilation - Findings documented
- Adjudication - Separate process to make decision
Subject Interview
For Tier 5 investigations, you will typically have a personal interview[4]:
- Conducted by a federal investigator
- Reviews your SF-86 responses
- Clarifies any concerns or inconsistencies
- Explores foreign connections in depth
- May ask about issues discovered during investigation
Be honest and forthcoming - investigators are trained to detect evasion.
What Can Delay Investigations
Common factors that extend investigation timelines:
- Extensive foreign travel or contacts
- Multiple residences or employers
- Difficulty locating references
- Discrepancies requiring resolution
- Complex financial situations
- Incomplete SF-86 information
Your Role
During the investigation:
- Respond promptly to investigator requests
- Be available for interviews
- Provide accurate contact information for references
- Notify your security officer of any changes
Related
References
- ^ Investigations & Clearance Process. Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. Accessed 2026-01-10.
- ^ DCSA Personnel Vetting. Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ Security Clearance Process: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Congressional Research Service. Accessed 2026-01-10.
- ^ DoDI 5200.02: DoD Personnel Security Program. Department of Defense. Accessed 2026-01-08.