Published 2026-01-10

How to Get a Security Clearance

A security clearance is how the U.S. government decides whether it can trust you with sensitive information^[1].

Think of it this way: the clearance itself doesn't determine what job you'll do. A software engineer, an analyst, and a janitor at a classified facility might all hold the same clearance level. What the clearance determines is your trust level: can the government trust you with information or access to resources that, if mishandled, could damage national security?

The level of clearance (Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret) reflects how much potential damage could result from a breach. The higher the clearance, the more thorough the investigation to establish that trust.

You Need a Sponsor

You cannot apply for a security clearance on your own.

Unlike a driver's license or a professional certification, you can't just fill out an application and pay a fee. You need a sponsor: either a government agency or a contractor company that has a legitimate need for you to access classified information^[2].

In practical terms, this means you need a job offer first. The government won't investigate you speculatively^[1]. Your sponsor initiates the process, and the government pays for the investigation.

This means:

• You cannot get a clearance "just in case" or to make yourself more marketable
• You cannot pay to expedite or obtain a clearance independently
• No job requiring clearance = no clearance process

Eligibility Requirements

Before you can be granted a security clearance, you must meet basic eligibility criteria^[9]:

U.S. Citizenship

You must be a U.S. citizen. The Director of National Intelligence may grant rare exceptions based on compelling national security needs, but these are extremely uncommon^[1].

Need to Know

A clearance alone does not grant access to classified information. You must also have a demonstrated "need to know" based on your job duties^[1]. This is why clearances are tied to specific positions.

No Automatic Disqualifiers

While there are very few absolute disqualifiers, certain factors make clearance approval unlikely. These include current illegal drug use, recent criminal activity, or demonstrated disloyalty to the United States. See our guide on automatic disqualifiers for details.

The Five Steps to Getting Cleared

Step 1: Get a Job Offer

The clearance process begins when a government agency or cleared contractor offers you a position requiring access to classified information^[8]. This is typically a conditional offer, meaning employment depends on successfully obtaining your clearance.

For federal jobs, the hiring agency initiates your clearance through the appropriate channels.

For contractor positions, the company's Facility Security Officer (FSO) initiates your access to the application system^[2].

Step 2: Complete the SF-86

You will complete Standard Form 86 (SF-86), titled "Questionnaire for National Security Positions," through the e-QIP (Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing) system^[3][7].

The SF-86 is comprehensive. You'll provide detailed information covering the past 7 to 10 years (depending on the question) including:

• Residence history: Every place you've lived
• Employment history: All jobs, including reasons for leaving
• Education: Schools attended
• Foreign contacts and travel: Foreign nationals you know, countries visited
• Financial records: Bankruptcies, delinquencies, financial issues
• Criminal history: Arrests, charges, convictions
• Drug and alcohol use: Illegal drug use, alcohol-related incidents
• Mental health: Counseling or treatment (with privacy protections)
• References: People who can verify your history

The government estimates the SF-86 takes approximately 150 minutes to complete^[3]. In practice, gathering all the required information often takes longer.

Critical warning: Knowingly falsifying or concealing information on the SF-86 is a federal felony punishable by fines and up to five years imprisonment^[3]. Always be truthful, even about unfavorable information. Honesty about past mistakes is viewed more favorably than attempted concealment.

Step 3: Background Investigation

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) conducts background investigations for most DoD and contractor clearances^[5]. Other agencies may conduct their own investigations.

What investigators check:

• National databases: Federal criminal records, credit reports, court records
• Employment verification: Confirming work history with employers
• Education verification: Confirming degrees and attendance
• Reference interviews: Speaking with people who know you
• Subject interview: Often, investigators will interview you directly

The investigation depth depends on the clearance level:

During the investigation, you may be granted interim clearance if initial checks are favorable. This allows you to start work while the full investigation continues.

Step 4: Adjudication

After the investigation, an adjudicator reviews the findings to determine whether granting you a clearance is "clearly consistent with the interests of national security"^[6].

Adjudicators evaluate your case against 13 guidelines established in Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD-4)^[4]:

1. Allegiance to the United States
2. Foreign Influence
3. Foreign Preference
4. Sexual Behavior
5. Personal Conduct
6. Financial Considerations
7. Alcohol Consumption
8. Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse
9. Psychological Conditions
10. Criminal Conduct
11. Handling Protected Information
12. Outside Activities
13. Use of Information Technology

The adjudicator uses a "whole person" concept, weighing potentially disqualifying factors against mitigating circumstances. Having an issue in one area does not automatically disqualify you. Factors like the recency of the issue, evidence of rehabilitation, and honesty during the process all matter.

Approximately 75% of security clearance denials involve financial considerations, personal conduct, or foreign influence issues.

Step 5: Clearance Granted (or Denied)

If adjudication is favorable, you receive your clearance and can access classified information at the appropriate level for your position.

If denied, you have appeal rights. You can request reconsideration and present additional information. For DoD clearances, the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) handles appeals, where you can present your case before an administrative judge.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times vary based on clearance level and individual circumstances^[5]:

Factors that can extend timelines:

• Extensive foreign travel or contacts
• Complex financial history
• Periods of unemployment or gaps in residence
• Previous security issues requiring additional review

The fastest way through the process is submitting a complete, accurate SF-86 the first time.

Tips for Success

Before You Apply

• Organize your records: Gather addresses, employment dates, supervisor names, and reference contact information for the past 10 years
• Know your foreign contacts: Document foreign nationals you have relationships with
• Check your credit: Review your credit report and address any errors or delinquencies

During the Process

• Be completely honest: Attempted concealment is worse than the underlying issue
• Be thorough: Answer every question completely; don't leave gaps
• Respond promptly: When investigators contact you, respond quickly
• Bring documentation: Have supporting documents ready for your interview

What Not to Do

• Don't try to contact your investigator to check status
• Don't discuss your investigation details with others
• Don't panic if asked for additional information; this is normal
• Don't assume one negative factor means automatic denial

After You're Cleared

Receiving a clearance comes with ongoing responsibilities^[9]:

• Report changes: Marriage, foreign travel, financial problems, arrests, and other reportable events must be disclosed
• Continuous vetting: The government now monitors cleared personnel continuously rather than waiting for periodic reinvestigations
• Protect classified information: You're legally obligated to safeguard any classified material you access
• Maintain eligibility: The same standards used to grant your clearance apply throughout your career

Related

• Security Clearance Levels Explained
• 5 Automatic Disqualifiers
• How Investigations Work

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