Do references get contacted for Secret clearance?

They will absolutely check with your references. For secret, they'll interview your references, your coworkers, landlords, maybe even neighbors.

Do they contact references for secret clearance?

The security clearance process typically includes a FBI reference check of former employers, coworkers, friends, neighbors, landlords, and schools along with a review of credit, tax, and police records.

Who gets contacted for security clearance?

Security clearances only apply to positions that fall under the purview of the federal government. Executive Order 12968, Access to Classified Information, provides that security clearances are only granted to persons employed by, detailed or assigned to, or working on behalf of the federal government.

Does security clearance look at search history?

Although security clearance background checks can be intensely thorough, the government can't view your emails, Internet browsing history, hard drive data, and other virtual assets without a subpoena or warrant.

Do they interview friends for secret clearance?

An investigator may show up to your current employers office. Not sure about your neighbors. I was interviewed by an investigator because I was listed as an associate or friend of a Soldier obtaining a Top Secret Clearance. So friends may be interviewed.

How to Pick a Contact or Reference

How often are secret clearances denied?

You may even wonder if you should continue with the process, particularly if you're not getting a paycheck while you wait. But don't lose heart – 20-30% of all interim security clearances are denied, but that is vastly different than the figure of final clearance denials, which hovers around 1%.

Is secret clearance hard to get?

Those who have gone through the security clearance process understand the significant headaches involved in both the initial background investigation as well as periodic reinvestigations. Obtaining a security clearance is no easy task, and not everyone who applies will be granted access.

What can jeopardize a security clearance?

Criminal sexual behavior, pornography and repeated, high-risk sexual behavior are all examples that suggest lack of self-control and trustworthiness to retain security clearance.

How far back does Confidential clearance go?

For a secret clearance in a national security position, the investigation requires agents to interview people who have lived or worked with the applicant at some point in the past seven years, or sometimes farther back.

What are red flags for security clearance?

A criminal arrest, financial bankruptcy, unreported foreign travel, drug abuse, mishandling of classified information, serious mental health disease, etc., could result in removal from access, if the government knew.

What do they check for a secret clearance?

Credit and criminal history checks will be conducted on all applicants. For a Top Secret security clearance, the background investigation includes additional record checks which can verify citizenship for the applicant and family members, verification of birth, education, employment history, and military history.

Do you always get interviewed for security clearance?

Not every security cleared position will require a face-to-face interview. Some lower-level clearances, such as Security Check (SC) or Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) roles, will often only require a written questionnaire and a background check. For higher level clearances, an interview is a must.

How many people interviewed for top secret clearance?

For Top Secret clearances, investigators are generally required to interview at least two coworkers at each job location in which you worked for six months or more.

How do you fail a secret clearance?

Does anxiety affect security clearance?

Security clearances are not denied for seeking help. Pro-actively seeking counseling is a positive indicator and often mitigates security concerns. Less than 1% of security clearances are denied or revoked due to psychological concerns.

Can family members affect security clearance?

Hardly. Previous questions have included if a spouse being listed on the sex offender registry for a decade-old arrest or if a jail stint would affect the applicant's security clearance. Those issues would likely only be an issue of the applicant was involved in some way.

Do people lie on security clearances?

Many enlistees going into the military provide false or erroneous information on security clearance applications in order to get past the screeners. Often times they are told by a recruiter or someone else to not disclose information such as illegal drug use which might be disqualifying.

How long does secret clearance process take?

The security clearance process takes an average of three to four months to complete but can take up to a full year to complete depending on your background.

Is a secret clearance higher than confidential?

The federal government provides three levels of clearance: confidential, secret, and top secret. Top secret clearance is the highest security clearance level anyone can get. A candidate's responsibilities determine the level of clearance granted.

Is a secret clearance good for 10 years?

Periodic reinvestigations for Top Secret Page 2 2 security clearances are due every 5 years and Secret security clearances periodic reinvestigations are due every 10 years. 3.

How many references do you need for security clearance?

4 People You Should List as References on Your Security Clearance Application. Like any other application, those applying for security clearance need references—people who can vouch for not just your work ethic, but also your trustworthiness and your likelihood of trying to overthrow the government.

What questions do they ask your references for security clearance?

If you worked with the person, you'll be asked how they were in a professional setting. If you supervised the person, you're going to be asked how good of an employee they were. If they were terminated for any reason, expect a slew of follow up questions.

Why am I being interviewed for a secret clearance?

A security clearance interview helps employers determine whether your experience, training and education match the job's requirements and whether you're eligible for special security clearance.

What happens during secret clearance interview?

Investigators will seek data about you from federal databases, including those run by the military, FBI and IRS. Your credit is checked. Investigators contact local law enforcement agencies where you lived and worked during the last five years. Investigators corroborate your date and place of birth.