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.

Do they call references for 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 disqualifies you from a security 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.

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.

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

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.

How often are security 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 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.

Do they check credit for Secret clearance?

Imperfect financial circumstances, such as bad credit scores, can have a negative influence on your application and potentially cause your security clearance to be denied. In fact, financial issues comprise a large percentage of security clearance denials.

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.

How long does security clearance take after interview?

The clearance process takes approximately 60-120 days to complete from the time you submit your forms to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS). Investigations may take substantially longer than 120 if there is a security, suitability, or medical issue to resolve.

Do background checks always call references?

While it's true that not 100% of Human Resources (HR) departments will call your references during pre-employment screening, most do. If you're about to begin a job search, you should expect to have your references checked.

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.

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.

Is it hard to pass a security clearance?

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.

Why would I fail SC clearance?

Incomplete Application Or Missing Information

This is a more common reason to fail a security clearance than you may think. You also need to include any documents they ask for, such as birth certificate, utility bills, or anything else that proves your identity.

What delays a security clearance?

The security clearance process is very dependent upon several factors – foreign influence and frequent moves are two of the factors that are more likely to delay the process. The other issue (and one that security clearance-holders can affect) is making sure your security clearance application is accurate.

Do security clearance check text messages?

While it is true that security clearance investigators can dig deeply into all the financial, personal, and social aspects of your life, your text messages, and private online accounts are safe, for now.

How do employers verify references?

Most employers check references as part of the hiring process. Checking references involves contacting previous employers, supervisors, schools, and so forth to verify key employment and educational information and learn more about a candidate's background, experiences, and skills.

Do federal jobs check references?

Typically, the person who will be making the final hiring decision checks the top candidates' references. Alternatively, a human resources (HR) specialist may check references.

What credit score do I need to get a security clearance?

For that reason, the person deciding your case won't necessarily deny your clearance application just because you have a low credit score. There is no specific credit score needed for security clearance.

How do you fail a secret clearance?

What shows up on a security clearance check?

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 security clearance look at social media?

Security clearance holders should know that comments made publicly can be used against them in the security clearance process. The best step to take to ensure information doesn't come back to bite is to keep your accounts locked down and private.

Why is it so hard to get a security clearance?

Obtaining a top secret clearance is a lengthy process that involves an in-depth background check. Denial of a clearance can occur for a variety of reasons, including financial problems, mental disorders and criminal violations.