Published 2026-01-10

Common Security Clearance Myths

The security clearance process is surrounded by misconceptions. Some people avoid applying for cleared jobs because they believe myths about automatic disqualifiers. Others stress unnecessarily about issues that rarely cause problems.

Here's the truth about what actually matters - and what doesn't.

Myth: Any Past Mistake Will Disqualify You

Reality: The government uses a "whole person" concept when evaluating clearance applications^[1].

Adjudicators look at your complete background, not isolated incidents. According to official guidance, "We don't have automatic disqualifiers, so every person is looked at via this 'whole person' concept"^[2].

What matters is:

• How recent the issue was
• How serious it was
• The circumstances surrounding it
• Evidence of rehabilitation or change
• Your honesty about it

Someone who made mistakes ten years ago and has demonstrated growth is in a very different position than someone with ongoing issues.

Myth: Mental Health Treatment Disqualifies You

Reality: Seeking mental health help is viewed as good judgment, not a red flag.

Multiple government agencies have stated this clearly:

• "The mere fact of counseling or therapy will not, by itself, result in the denial or revocation of an access authorization. To the contrary, the act of seeking help is seen as a sensible step and evidence of good judgment."^[4]

• "Mental health treatment and counseling, in and of itself, is not a reason to revoke or deny eligibility."^[5]

According to one federal law enforcement agency, over 99% of employees with psychological conditions obtain or retain their security clearance^[5].

The SF-86 specifically states you don't need to disclose most counseling^[3]. Only court-ordered treatment or counseling related to violence or specific diagnosed conditions requires disclosure.

Myth: Having Debt Means Automatic Denial

Reality: Most Americans have debt. Having debt is not disqualifying.

What matters is how you manage it:

• Are you making payments or working on a plan?
• Is the debt creating vulnerability to coercion?
• Are you living beyond your means with no path forward?

A mortgage, student loans, and reasonable car payments are normal. Even significant debt can be mitigated if you're addressing it responsibly. The concern is financial irresponsibility or vulnerability - not the existence of debt itself.

Myth: Foreign Family Members Disqualify You

Reality: Naturalized citizens hold the highest clearances. Having foreign relatives is common and not automatically disqualifying.

Dual citizenship does not automatically disqualify you^[6]. The State Department explicitly notes that dual citizenship "does not automatically result in a security clearance denial."

What adjudicators evaluate is whether foreign connections create:

• Undue foreign influence
• Vulnerability to coercion
• Conflicts of loyalty

Declaring your foreign contacts honestly on your SF-86 is what matters. The question is about influence and vulnerability, not whether foreign relationships exist.

Myth: Past Drug Use Always Disqualifies You

Reality: Past drug use is evaluated in context, not as an automatic disqualifier.

The Director of National Intelligence has issued guidance that past marijuana use is "relevant, but not determinative" to clearance decisions^[7].

Factors that matter:

• How long ago the use occurred
• How frequent it was
• Whether it happened while holding a clearance
• Your honesty about it

Experimental use years ago is viewed very differently than recent, regular use. Current illegal drug use will likely result in denial, but past use - especially marijuana - is increasingly common among cleared personnel.

Lying about past drug use is worse than the use itself.

Myth: You Need a Perfect Background

Reality: Perfect people don't exist, and the government knows this.

The whole-person concept exists specifically because adjudicators recognize that people make mistakes, grow, and change. The clearance process isn't looking for perfection - it's assessing whether you can be trusted with classified information.

What they're really evaluating:

• Honesty and integrity
• Judgment and reliability
• Ability to follow rules
• Vulnerability to coercion

Many people with imperfect backgrounds hold clearances because they demonstrated honesty, took responsibility for past mistakes, and showed evidence of growth.

Myth: You Can Speed Up or Buy a Clearance

Reality: There is no legitimate way to purchase a clearance or pay to expedite the process.

Security clearances are granted by the government based on investigation results and adjudication. No private company can grant you a clearance or guarantee approval.

Some contractors can sponsor you for a clearance, but the investigation and decision remain with the government. Processing times vary based on backlog, investigation complexity, and your background - not payment.

Be wary of any service claiming to "get you cleared" for a fee.

Myth: Clearances Transfer Automatically Between Jobs

Reality: Clearances are tied to positions, but there is reciprocity between agencies.

When you leave a cleared position, your clearance becomes inactive. However, if you take another cleared job within a certain timeframe (typically two years), your clearance can often be reinstated without a full reinvestigation.

This is called reciprocity - agencies generally accept clearances granted by other agencies^[8]. However, some positions require additional access (like SCI) that may need separate approval regardless of your existing clearance.

The Bottom Line

Most clearance myths overstate how strict the process is. The reality is more nuanced:

• Past mistakes don't automatically disqualify you
• Context and honesty matter more than perfection
• The whole-person concept gives you room to explain circumstances
• Many people with concerns in their background hold clearances

If you're worried about something specific, the best approach is usually to disclose it honestly and let the process work. The cover-up is almost always worse than the underlying issue.

For detailed information on what actually causes denials, see our complete guide: What Disqualifies You From a Security Clearance?

Related

• What Disqualifies You From a Security Clearance?
• How Security Clearances Work
• Security Clearance Levels Explained
• How to Get a Security Clearance

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