TS/SCI (Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information)
TS/SCI refers to the combination of a Top Secret clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information. It is not a separate clearance level but rather indicates that someone holds both qualifications.
Quick Facts
| Clearance required | Top Secret |
| Additional requirement | SCI access approval |
| Investigation | Tier 5 (Single Scope Background Investigation) |
| Polygraph | Often required, varies by agency and compartment |
| Reinvestigation | Every 5 years / Continuous Evaluation |
Understanding the Distinction
TS/SCI is often misunderstood as a single clearance level. In reality, it represents two separate determinations[2]:
- Top Secret clearance - Eligibility to access Top Secret classified information
- SCI access - Additional approval to access sensitive intelligence information within specific compartments
You cannot have SCI access without first holding a Top Secret clearance, but having a Top Secret clearance does not automatically grant SCI access.
How SCI Access Works
SCI access is granted on a need-to-know basis for specific programs or compartments. Each compartment protects different types of intelligence information[2]:
- Access must be explicitly granted for each compartment
- Being "read into" one compartment doesn't grant access to others
- Access is tied to your specific job requirements
Investigation Requirements
TS/SCI requires a Tier 5 investigation (formerly called SSBI), which includes[3]:
- Everything in a Tier 3 investigation
- In-person interviews with the subject
- Interviews with references, neighbors, and coworkers
- Detailed review of foreign contacts and travel
- Often includes a polygraph examination
Common Positions
TS/SCI access is typically required for:
- Intelligence community personnel
- Military intelligence roles
- Certain defense contractor positions
- Cybersecurity roles handling sensitive data
- Analysts working with classified intelligence
Related
- Top Secret (TS)
- SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information)
- SCI Compartments
- Polygraph
- Clearance Levels Explained
References
- ^ Executive Order 13526: Classified National Security Information. National Archives. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ ICD 704: Personnel Security Standards and Procedures Governing Eligibility for Access to SCI. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ Security Clearance Process: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Congressional Research Service. Accessed 2026-01-10.