PCL (Personnel Clearance)
A Personnel Clearance (PCL) is the security clearance granted to an individual person, as distinguished from a Facility Clearance (FCL) granted to an organization. Your PCL represents your personal eligibility to access classified information at a specific level.
Quick Facts
| Purpose | Individual access to classified information |
| Levels | Confidential, Secret, Top Secret |
| Sponsor | Government agency or cleared contractor |
| Portability | Transfers with you between jobs |
PCL vs. FCL
| PCL | FCL |
|---|---|
| Granted to individuals | Granted to companies |
| Based on background investigation | Based on facility security |
| Transfers between employers | Tied to specific company |
| Your personal credential | Company's authorization |
Both are required for classified work - you need a PCL, and your employer needs an FCL[1].
PCL Components
Your personnel clearance involves[2]:
Eligibility determination:
- Based on background investigation
- Adjudication against guidelines
- Results in eligibility at specific level
Access:
- Tied to specific sponsor
- Based on position need
- Can be active or current (inactive)
PCL Levels
| Level | Access Granted | Investigation |
|---|---|---|
| Confidential | Confidential info | Tier 1/3 |
| Secret | Secret and below | Tier 3 |
| Top Secret | Top Secret and below | Tier 5 |
Additional access (SCI, SAP) requires Top Secret PCL as a baseline.
Obtaining a PCL
The process[3]:
- Sponsor identifies need - Position requires cleared access
- SF-86 submitted - Your background questionnaire
- Investigation conducted - DCSA investigates
- Adjudication - CAF or agency makes determination
- PCL granted - You're eligible at specific level
- Access activated - Sponsor activates your access
PCL Portability
Your PCL eligibility belongs to you:
Changing employers:
- New employer verifies your PCL
- Can activate your access
- No new investigation (if current)
- Relatively quick process
Between government and contractor:
- Reciprocity generally applies
- Verification required
- Some additional steps possible
PCL Status
Your clearance can be in different states[1]:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | Currently sponsored, can access |
| Current | Valid but not sponsored, cannot access |
| Expired | No longer valid, needs new investigation |
Maintaining Your PCL
To keep your PCL valid:
- Meet reporting requirements
- Pass continuous evaluation
- Complete reinvestigations when due
- Maintain employment requiring access (to stay active)
PCL as Career Asset
Your PCL represents[3]:
- Investment in investigation process
- Competitive advantage in job market
- Access to cleared opportunities
- Portable credential
Protecting your PCL through responsible behavior benefits your long-term career.
Related
References
- ^ DoDI 5200.02: DoD Personnel Security Program. Department of Defense. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ 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.