L Clearance
An L Clearance is a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance that grants access to Secret Restricted Data and National Security Information. It is the DOE equivalent of a DoD Secret clearance.
Quick Facts
| Issuing agency | Department of Energy |
| Equivalent to | DoD Secret |
| Access granted | Secret RD and NSI |
| Investigation | Tier 3 equivalent |
| Reinvestigation | Every 10 years |
| Common at | DOE facilities, some lab positions |
What L Clearance Covers
L clearance provides access to[1]:
- Secret Restricted Data (RD) - Limited nuclear weapons information at the Secret level
- Confidential Restricted Data - Lower-level nuclear information
- Secret National Security Information (NSI) - Other classified national security information
L clearance does not grant access to Top Secret information or the full scope of Restricted Data available to Q clearance holders.
L vs. Q Clearance
| L Clearance | Q Clearance |
|---|---|
| Secret equivalent | Top Secret equivalent |
| Limited RD access | Full RD access |
| Faster processing | More extensive investigation |
| Lower-level positions | Most lab and technical work |
Who Needs L Clearance
L clearances are typically required for[2]:
- Administrative staff at national laboratories
- Some contractor positions at DOE facilities
- Support personnel who need limited classified access
- Entry-level positions that may later require Q clearance
Many positions at DOE and NNSA facilities start with L clearance requirements, with Q clearance needed as responsibilities increase.
Upgrade Path
If your position later requires Q clearance access, you will need to undergo the additional investigation requirements. Having an L clearance can expedite part of this process since background information is already on file[3].
Reciprocity
L clearances generally have reciprocity with DoD Secret clearances[3]:
- An L clearance holder can typically access DoD Secret information
- A DoD Secret holder may transfer to an L clearance more easily
- Reciprocity for Restricted Data specifically may require additional verification
Related
References
- ^ DOE Order 472.2: Personnel Security. Department of Energy. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ Security Clearances in the Nuclear Security Enterprise. National Nuclear Security Administration. Accessed 2026-01-10.
- ^ Security Clearance Process: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Congressional Research Service. Accessed 2026-01-10.