Downgrade / Upgrade

Upgrading a clearance means obtaining eligibility for a higher classification level (e.g., Secret to Top Secret). Downgrading means your access is reduced to a lower level, typically because your position no longer requires higher access.

Quick Facts

Upgrading a Clearance

Moving from a lower to higher clearance level^[2]:

Secret to Top Secret:

• Requires new Tier 5 investigation
• Existing Tier 3 doesn't cover TS requirements
• More extensive field work needed
• Subject interview required

Adding SCI access:

• Requires TS clearance as baseline
• Additional adjudication for SCI eligibility
• May require polygraph
• Program-specific read-in

Upgrade Process

1. Position requires higher access - Job justifies upgrade
2. Employer requests upgrade - Submits through security channels
3. New SF-86 may be required - Updated information
4. Higher-tier investigation - DCSA conducts investigation
5. Adjudication - Decision on higher-level eligibility
6. Access granted - If favorable

Upgrade Advantages

If you already hold a clearance^[3]:

• Some background information already verified
• Investigation may credit previous work
• You may have interim at current level while upgrade processes
• Continuous evaluation data available

Downgrading a Clearance

Reduction to lower access level^[1]:

Why downgrades occur:

• Position requirements change
• Moving to job needing less access
• Organization request
• Cost savings (higher clearances cost more to maintain)
• Voluntary request

Downgrade Process

Downgrading is administrative:

1. Determination made - Position only requires lower level
2. Security office processes - Updates records
3. Access adjusted - Higher-level access removed
4. No new investigation - Already qualified for lower level

A TS-cleared person inherently qualifies for Secret access.

Important Considerations

Upgrade Doesn't Guarantee Approval

Just because you hold Secret doesn't mean TS will be approved:

• Higher scrutiny at TS level
• Issues acceptable for Secret may not be for TS
• More extensive investigation may reveal concerns
• Different risk threshold

Maintaining Higher Clearance

Even if your position only requires Secret^[1]:

• Some employers maintain TS for flexibility
• Reinvestigation schedule based on highest level held
• Consider career implications of voluntary downgrade

Reciprocity After Upgrade

If you upgrade:

• New higher level follows reciprocity rules
• Can transfer at new level to other positions
• Previous investigation history maintained

Cost Implications

Organizations consider^[2]:

• TS investigations cost more than Secret
• Continuous evaluation more intensive for TS
• Some organizations downgrade to reduce security costs
• May affect your clearance portfolio

Career Considerations

Before accepting downgrade:

• Will you need higher level in the future?
• How long to re-upgrade if needed?
• Does employer support maintaining higher level?
• Impact on future job opportunities?

Related

• Top Secret (TS)
• Secret Clearance
• Tier 3 / Tier 5 Investigations
• Transfer Clearance

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