How often do people fail security clearance?

myth #1: Many security clearances are denied.

Less than 1% of security clearances investigations result in denial. Individuals may not be eligible for an interim clearance, and they may have significant issues that need to be mitigated.

What percentage of security clearances get denied?

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%. Your interim Top Secret security clearance may be denied for a number of reasons.

How often do people get denied security clearance?

“Probably 5 to 10 percent of the people who go through the process experience some degree of issues,” Bigley estimated.

What are the odds of getting security clearance?

The denial rate for interim clearances is around 20 to 30% but is only 1% for full security clearances. So if you receive a denial, be patient; odds are you'll be a security clearance holder working to protect our national security soon.

Do people fail security clearance?

This may seem obvious, but criminal conduct is one of the most common reasons for security clearance denial. However, keep in mind that not all criminal conduct is equal and criminal conduct is not an automatic disqualifier.

Top Reasons Applicants are Denied a Security Clearance

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?

There are many reasons security clearances get denied or revoked. However, personal conduct, drug involvement, and security violations are three reasons that we frequently encounter in our work.

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.

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 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 far back do security clearance checks go?

Security Clearance Adjudicative Process

The clearance process for Secret level access uses an investigation called the National Agency Check with Law and Credit that goes back five years, while the clearance process for Top Secret uses a Single Scope Background Investigation that goes back ten years.

Is it easy to lose 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.

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.

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 are top secret clearance Disqualifiers?

security concern and may be disqualifying include. (1) Unauthorized disclosure of classified information; (2) Violations that are deliberate or multiple or due to negligence. (c) Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include actions that: (1) Were inadvertent; (2) Were isolated or infrequent; (3) Were due to ...

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.

Does security clearance check your phone?

For what it's worth, security clearance background investigators also don't bug phones or conduct surveillance on applicants, so you can rest a little easier knowing your every move isn't necessarily being watched.

What credit score do I need for 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.

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.

How do I pass a security clearance interview?

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.

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.

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.

Do they interview neighbors for security clearance?

In particular, investigators will perform numerous interviews with your former employers, neighbors and landlords, among others. In some cases, they also will interview relatives, particularly those who are not U.S. citizens.

What are they looking for in a security clearance?

Checks of employment history within scope verifying dates of employment, whether there were any issues, the circumstances of leaving, and eligibility for rehire. Checks of residence history within scope for any known issues, payment history, and if you are in or left in good standing.