SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information)
SCI is a classification category for intelligence information requiring additional access controls beyond standard clearance levels.
Quick Facts
| Type | Access category, not a clearance level |
| Prerequisite | Top Secret clearance |
| Additional requirement | Compartment-specific approval |
| Handling | SCIFs (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities) |
Key Points
- SCI is not a clearance level—it's an access category
- Requires Top Secret clearance as a baseline
- Access is granted per-compartment ("read in")
- Information must be handled in approved SCIFs
Common Compartments
Specific compartment names are classified, but SCI generally covers:
- Intelligence sources and methods
- Signals intelligence (SIGINT)
- Human intelligence (HUMINT)
- Satellite imagery and reconnaissance
TS/SCI
When you see "TS/SCI" in job postings, it means:
- Top Secret clearance required
- SCI access required (specific compartments vary by position)