How many references do I 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.

Do you need references for a security 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.

What do security clearance investigators ask your references?

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.

What disqualifies you from secret clearance?

You were dishonorably discharged from the military. You are currently involved in illegal drug use. You have been judged as mentally incompetent or mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional. You have had a clearance revoked for security reasons.

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%.

Does a Secret clearance contact current employer?

It is a requirement of a background investigation that your current employer be contacted. We must verify your employment data and make other inquiries concerning your background. If you are a Federal employee, it may be that your current employer needs you to have an investigation for the work you do.

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 can ruin a security clearance?

Does security clearance run a credit check?

The debt you currently owe—which is another factor in determining your credit score—will also be reviewed during your security clearance application process.

Do background checks actually call references?

The references you provide to employers may be contacted about your employment history, qualifications, and the skills that qualify you for the job. In addition, many organizations check with previous employers to get information on your work history and ability to perform on the job.

How long does a security clearance interview take?

The security clearance interview itself tends to last approximately one to two hours, although the duration varies depending on the difficulty of the case. Usually, just one investigator is assigned for the personal interview, but in some cases there can be two investigators.

Who can be a referee for security clearance?

Your referees should be people who have known you well over a significant period of your life. During the process you will be given advice on what to tell your referees and how to manage the relationship with them during this period and going forwards.

Can you put down friends as references?

Friends can make excellent professional and personal references for your job search.

Does everyone get interviewed for a security clearance?

The answer – no, not standard protocol. But it's also not out of the ordinary. A number of things can trigger an interview as a part of a Secret clearance investigation.

Do they interview family for Top Secret clearance?

In some cases, they also will interview relatives, particularly those who are not U.S. citizens. Investigators typically also ask interviewees for additional points of contact, so they can obtain the broadest possible set of opinions and comments about you.

How much debt is too much for a security clearance?

Is There a Debt Limit to Obtain 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.

Why would I fail SC clearance?

If the applicant or their immediate family have any ties to radical groups, terrorism, espionage etc., the right to refuse clearance may be used. Gaps in employment history that cannot be confirmed or traced. Refusal to answer some of the questions in the questionnaire or interview process.

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.

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.

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 they call previous employers for security clearance?

Listing previous employment on your SF-86 is required and the background investigator may or may not contact your previous employers, depending on the level of security clearance you obtain.

Will my supervisor be contacted for secret security clearance?

Often, it's not necessarily required for the background investigator to contact your current supervisor, and if you provide clarification and enough other resources for your background investigator, you may find them quite sympathetic to your situation.

Who gets interviewed for security clearance?

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 credit score is needed for a security clearance?

There is no specific credit score needed for security clearance.