What does a secret clearance ask?

What type of information is requested on a security clearance application? The application form requires personal identifying data, as well as information regarding residence, education and employment history; family and associates; and foreign connections/travel.
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What questions do they ask for a secret clearance?

Questions about experience and background
  • Name three responsibilities you had in your last job and describe what you learned from them.
  • Can you tell me about your law enforcement experience?
  • Have you ever held a security clearance before?
  • Have you ever had access to classified or top-secret information before?
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What will disqualify you for a secret clearance?

What can disqualify you?
  • You are not a U.S. citizen.
  • 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.
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How do I prepare for a secret clearance interview?

Security clearance interview advice
  1. Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or military ID card.
  2. Bring a personal address book or anything that contains contact information on your associates and family members.
  3. Bring a copy of your SF86.
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What to expect from a security clearance interview?

You can expect to be asked difficult, highly personal questions about any aspect of your life. For instance, topics that may be covered in a security clerance interview include sexual history and preferences, drug and alcohol use and watching pornography.
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What’s Checked in a Secret Investigation?



Do they tell you why you fail security clearance?

Presidential Executive Order 12968 requires that denied applicants be provided with a written explanation of their denial and a chance to request a review.
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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.
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How long does secret clearance 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.
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How hard is it to get a secret level 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.
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Who gets interviewed for secret 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.
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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.
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What can hurt security clearance?

Online Behaviors That May Damage Your Clearance
  • Unauthorized Access.
  • Modification, Destruction or Manipulation.
  • Use of IT System for Fraud, Theft, or Personal Gain.
  • Introduction of Unauthorized Software.
  • Misuse of Government or Corporate IT Systems.
  • Personal Harassment.
  • Failure to Protect Information.
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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.
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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.
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Is having a secret clearance worth it?

Depending on where you want to be located and your field, having a Top Secret clearance offers a lot more job security. And it also offers future job opportunities too. Just because it's best to do some research doesn't mean that you should avoid the option.
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Do you make more money with a secret clearance?

Based on survey data, on average, a security clearance generates 10-20% salary premium with higher clearances commanding the largest increases.
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What are the 5 levels of security clearance?

Types of Security Clearances
  • Confidential Clearance. Confidential clearance gives the holder access to information that could damage national security if leaked. ...
  • Secret Clearance. ...
  • Top Secret Clearance / Sensitive Compartmented Information. ...
  • Department of Energy Authorizations.
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How much is a secret security clearance worth?

As of Feb 3, 2023, the average annual pay for a Secret Clearance in the United States is $99,125 a year.
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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%.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What percentage of 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.
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Does credit card debt affect security clearance?

Many people who require a security clearance for their jobs run into problems due to financial difficulties. Under the Department of Defense's guidelines, the “failure to live within one's means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations” may be cited as grounds for rejecting or revoking a clearance.
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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.
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