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Sep 17, 2020 · Learn how to get a Top Secret security clearance, which requires more interviews and verification of information than a Secret clearance. The criteria are the same for both levels, but the investigation is more extensive for Top Secret.
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Feb 15, 2024 · Learn about the purpose, types, and process of security clearance for access to classified national security information. Find out how foreign contacts, mental health, debt, and substance use can affect your eligibility for security clearance.
Learn about the personnel vetting process, trust determinations, and credentialing for government employment or contracting. Find out how to apply for security clearances and what factors are considered for eligibility.
Learn how to obtain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance and meet the eligibility criteria for DIA jobs. Find out what happens during a background investigation, a drug test, a polygraph examination, and other procedures.
- Overview
- What is top secret or sensitive compartmented information clearance?
- How to get TS/SCI clearance
- Types of jobs that require TS/SCI clearance
To access classified information, individuals must first prove they’re willing and able to keep such information secret. Those who have shown that they can keep sensitive information secure may be given a top secret or sensitive compartmented information (TS/SCI) clearance. TS/SCI clearance can help you to increase your earning potential and qualif...
TS/SCI clearance allows you to access sensitive information that is not available to the public. Sometimes, this can mean access to data, information or even technology that is only available to those with the appropriate clearance level. Often, the type of data that someone with a TS/SCI clearance might access involves national security. To keep c...
1. Gain sponsorship
An ordinary citizen cannot request TS/SCI clearance on their own. A sponsor must request this type of clearance on your behalf. Often, government agencies such as the FBI or CIA require some level of security clearance for the people they employ. There are also civilian companies that require some level of security clearance, especially if the company specializes in sensitive data such as finance or internet security, or if the company works closely with government agencies.While some companies have their own process of vetting someone for TS/SCI clearance, many agencies ask you to complete Personnel Security Questionnaire (SF-86) and provide extensive information on your personal history. Most times, you must inform them of any international travel you have made in your lifetime and up to 10 years of information detailing your address and work history. Companies that offer you a position that requires TS/SCI clearance may add that the job that is contingent upon successfully receiving this clearance.Related: What Is a Contingent Job Offer?
2. Undergo a background check
Anyone seeking a TS/SCI clearance must undergo a background check. The agency or agencies responsible for processing your application—typically the Office of Personnel Management, the Defense Department and the Office of the Director of the National Intelligence—also interview your family, friends, acquaintances and previous employers.The agencies review all the information you provided on your application to ensure you are being honest. It's in your best interest to give them complete and accurate information from the beginning so you are likely to pass the verification process and receive TS/SCI clearance. If the information they find through their research conflicts with what you've told them, you may not be eligible for this security clearance, or you may need to go through the process again.Related: A Comprehensive Guide to Background Checks
3. Take a polygraph test
Sometimes, agencies require a polygraph test during the processing of your application. They use this step to verify information or determine your fit for working with national security issues. Some employers may not require this step, but agencies like the CIA require candidates at all levels to complete a polygraph test before considering them for employment.Some agencies may be more likely to request a polygraph test if they suspect you have connections to people in foreign countries who may use their relationship with you to gain access to sensitive information. Polygraph examiners may also ask if you have secrets or financial troubles that could make you vulnerable to outside influences who may use that information against you.
While many of the jobs that require TS/SCI clearance are in the government or military, some civilian jobs also require some type of security clearance. Companies that work in counter-intelligence or data security also hire candidates with TS/SCI clearance. Often, companies that require security clearance are especially interested in candidates who already have some level of clearance, as the process of getting TS/SCI clearance can be costly and time-consuming.Here are some government agencies that often require security clearance:
•Army Intelligence
•Border Patrol
•Central Intelligence Agency
•Department of Defense
•Department of the Treasury
May 21, 2019 · Learn about the background investigation process, national security adjudicative guidelines, interim determination, reinvestigation, and continuous evaluation for security clearances. Find out the purpose, types, and levels of security clearance, and who determines them.
Nov 9, 2023 · At the top of the cleared pyramid is the ‘Top Secret’ level. This clearance is reserved for the most sensitive national security information. Access to Top Secret information requires the highest level of scrutiny during the background investigation, as disclosing such information could reasonably be expected to cause grave damage to ...
