Interim Clearance
An interim clearance is temporary access to classified information granted while your full background investigation is still in progress. It allows you to begin working in a cleared position without waiting for the complete investigation to finish.
Quick Facts
| Purpose | Allow work to begin during investigation |
| Duration | Until final determination (or denial) |
| Scope | Same level as final clearance being sought |
| Risk | Granted based on preliminary review |
How Interim Clearances Work
Interim clearances are granted after preliminary checks[1]:
- SF-86 submitted - Investigation initiated
- Initial checks complete - National agency checks, credit, criminal
- No immediate concerns - Preliminary review shows no disqualifying information
- Interim granted - You can access classified information
- Investigation continues - Full process proceeds in background
- Final determination - Eventually replaced by full clearance (or denied)
Who Can Get Interim Clearances
Not everyone qualifies for interim access[2]:
More likely to receive:
- Clean preliminary record checks
- No significant foreign connections
- No financial red flags
- Straightforward background
Less likely to receive:
- Extensive foreign travel or contacts
- Complex financial situations
- Previous clearance issues
- Incomplete SF-86 information
Interim clearances are a judgment call based on risk assessment.
Interim vs. Final Clearance
| Aspect | Interim | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation status | Ongoing | Complete |
| Basis | Preliminary checks | Full investigation |
| Can be revoked | Yes, at any time | Yes, with due process |
| Access level | Same as requested | Based on adjudication |
| Stability | Temporary | Established |
What Interim Clearances Allow
With an interim clearance, you can[3]:
- Access classified information at the interim level
- Begin working on cleared projects
- Enter classified spaces
- Handle classified materials
You're treated essentially the same as someone with a full clearance at that level.
Risks of Interim Clearances
For you:
- Can be revoked if investigation reveals issues
- Less job security than final clearance
- May need to stop work if interim is pulled
For employers:
- Risk of employee losing access mid-project
- Investment in training may be lost
- Some programs don't accept interim clearances
When Interim Is Denied
If you don't receive an interim clearance:
- You wait for the full investigation to complete
- Cannot access classified information during this time
- May be able to do unclassified work
- Doesn't necessarily mean final will be denied
When Interim Is Revoked
If your interim clearance is revoked during investigation[1]:
- Information discovered that raises concern
- Access is immediately terminated
- Investigation continues to completion
- You may still receive favorable final determination
- Or final denial with appeal rights
Employer Considerations
Some positions or contracts[2]:
- Accept only final clearances
- Require full clearance before start date
- Allow interim for some tasks but not others
- May have project-specific requirements
Ask about interim acceptance during the hiring process.
Related
References
- ^ DoDI 5200.02: DoD Personnel Security Program. Department of Defense. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ Investigations & Clearance Process. Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. Accessed 2026-01-10.
- ^ Security Clearance Process: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Congressional Research Service. Accessed 2026-01-10.