How long can a security clearance be inactive?

A security clearance becomes “inactive” once a person leaves the military or if their job responsibilities change and their need for clearance ends. Even after it has expired, a security clearance can be re-activated up to 24 months after its lapse date without having to go through the application process again.

Does security clearance expire?

When does security clearance lapse? Confidential level clearance, the lowest security threat, is good for 15 years. Secret clearance lasts 10 years. Top Secret clearance must be reinvestigated (reauthorized) every 5 years.

How long does it take to reactivate a security clearance?

It depends on the level of clearance you have applied for and on your background (ie. Number of jobs held, number of places lived, etc.). It has been estimated that the average wait time for final clearance is 4-6 months. However, some will be granted quicker and some will take longer.

How do I know if my security clearance is still active?

To determine the current status of your security clearance, please contact the agency's personnel security office that granted your clearance. If you are a contract employee, your company's facility security officer may also be able to assist you.

Can you lose your security clearance?

While a security clearance can be difficult to obtain, it can be surprisingly easy to lose. The federal government can revoke employees' security clearance for a variety of reasons.

3 Common Myths About Security Clearances

What can make me lose my clearance?

What can ruin a security clearance?

In fact, one common area that can be troublesome on a background check is financial behavior that indicates the applicant is frequently over-extended on credit, personal debt, etc. Having too much debt and not enough income creates a potential circumstance where a security clearance application can be disqualified.

How do I get my security clearance back?

If you left your clearance when you left your last job, you're still 'current' – assuming your investigation hasn't expired. Simply accept a new cleared position and your security officer can easily reinstate your access in the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS).

What are the 5 levels of security clearance?

What level of active security clearance do you have meaning?

There are three basic levels of security clearance: Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. Each clearance level is granted based on the sensitivity of the position and the need-to-know. If your position only requires access to basic systems or facilities, you may only need a Confidential clearance.

How do you list inactive security clearance on a resume?

How often does a secret clearance last?

How often is a security clearance renewed? An individual is normally subject to reinvestigation approximately every five years for a Secret or Top Secret clearance. For what reasons would I be denied a security clearance?

How long is a CI Polygraph good for?

Polygraph examination results are valid for a two-year period. Applicants are eligible to take the polygraph again after that time period.

Can you reactivate a security clearance?

Even after it has expired, a security clearance can be re-activated up to 24 months after its lapse date without having to go through the application process again. If a veteran has an active or inactive security clearance, he is still “cleared” and will not have to undergo any more background investigations.

What is the lowest security clearance?

The Department of State official site lists three federal clearances from lowest to highest. They are, respectively, Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret.

Who has Top Secret security clearance?

A Top Secret clearance may be granted to those persons who have a "need-to-know" national security information, classified up to the Top Secret level, and who need unescorted access to FBI facilities, when necessary.

Who has the highest level of security clearance?

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.

Do security clearances check Internet 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.

How much debt is too much for a security clearance?

No branch of the military has a set amount of debt that is the breaking point for security clearance. You could owe $5,000 or $50,000 and be granted or denied clearance. It's all a matter of how you deal with the debt. Responsible behavior in tackling your debt problems is considered a positive.

Does my credit score affect my security clearance?

Credit scores are not specifically mentioned in the Code of Regulations as being examined by the Diplomatic Security Service. So when it comes to obtaining your security clearance, there isn't a clear “cut off” point or range for acceptable credit scores.

Can you lose security clearance for depression?

Seeking mental health services does not affect one's ability to gain or hold clearance eligibility. Adjudicators regard seeking necessary mental health treatment as a positive step in the security clearance process.

What disqualifies you on a polygraph?

Questions on the Police Polygraph or CVSA

Illegal drug trafficking or dealing. Illegal drug or medication use, including steroids. Use of alcohol. Falsification or minimization in your requested information.

Can you lose your clearance if you fail a polygraph?

The reality is while the government can't deny a security clearance based solely on a failed polygraph, it can absolutely deny a clearance based on negative information disclosed during a polygraph – that's the entire point.

Do all top secret clearances require a polygraph?

Polygraph tests accompany some Top Secret or TS/SCI clearances; however, they are not required to obtain either type of clearance and are not part of the clearance background investigation.

How long is a top secret clearance good for 6 years?

Security Clearance. Expiration: Secret Clearance expires after 10 years. Top Secret expires after 6 years.