What does security clearance mean on a job application?

A security clearance is an authorization that allows access to information that would otherwise be forbidden. Security clearances are commonly used in industry and government. Many jobs in information technology (IT) require security clearances.
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What does it mean when a job application asks for security clearance?

Security clearance is like a background check required for individuals hired to work for jobs either with the US government or any organization that might need national security information. This process ensures you are trustworthy and reliable enough to be granted access to classified information.
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How do I know if I have security clearance?

You can check on your clearance three ways: Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) Security Investigations Index (SII) Call DoD at 1-888-282-7682.
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How do I list a security clearance on my resume?

You should clearly state security clearance details on your resume within roles and explain the level of clearance. Remember: Make the details visible. List the security clearance details in a different font or use bold or italics.
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How do I get a US security clearance?

Obtaining a Security Clearance
  1. Applicants must go through the application phase, which involves verification of US citizenship, fingerprinting and completion of the Personnel Security Questionnaire (SF-86).
  2. The Defense Security Service conducts thorough background checks.
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Understanding the Federal Security Clearance Process



Who is eligible for a security clearance?

To obtain a security clearance, you must be a U.S. citizen (non-U.S. citizens are not able to obtain a security clearance but may be granted a Limited Access Authorization in some circumstances) and meet the adjudicative criteria for sensitive positions.
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How hard is it to get a security clearance?

The National Security Agency denied the most applicants–9.2 percent. The National Reconnaissance Office and the Central Intelligence Agency had the next greatest number of denials, at 7.4 percent and 6.5 percent, respectively. These numbers might seem relatively low, but there's a reason for that.
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What are the different types of security clearances?

The four main types of security clearances for national security positions are: confidential, secret, top secret and sensitive compartmented information.
...
Types of Security Clearances
  • Non-sensitive positions.
  • Public trust positions.
  • National security positions.
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What are the 5 levels of security clearance?

Hierarchy
  • Controlled Unclassified. Controlled Unclassified does not represent a clearance designation, but rather a clearance level at which information distribution is controlled. ...
  • Public Trust Position. ...
  • Confidential. ...
  • Secret. ...
  • Top Secret. ...
  • Compartmented.
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Should I put security clearance LinkedIn?

In most cases, you should not put your security clearance in your LinkedIn profile. Due to national security issues, and personal security threats, publicizing your clearance status makes it easy to target you and exploit the information you have about the project you are supporting.
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How long is security clearance good for?

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. This assumes no incidents or allegations arise that would cause the government to scrutinize your clearance.
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What disqualifies you from secret clearance?

According to the Adjudicating Guidelines, potential financial problems that risk your security clearance include: Poor credit choices over a period of time. Theft, embezzlement, tax evasion and other financial violations. Patterns of unpaid debt.
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What are the clearance levels?

There are three national security clearance levels: Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. Work deemed Critical Sensitive requires a Top Secret clearance. Special Sensitive work requires access to Sensitive Compartmented Information and therefore a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
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What are the 3 types of security clearance?

There are three levels of security clearance: confidential, secret, and top secret.
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Can you get security clearance with a criminal record?

Security clearance applications are treated on a case-by-case basis, and any criminal record will be considered in light of the circumstances, the age of the offence and your age at the time. Failure to disclose a criminal record will, however, prevent you from gaining security clearance.
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What is the highest security clearance you can get?

What is the highest security clearance you can get? 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. A candidate's responsibilities determine the level of clearance granted.
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What questions are on a security clearance?

Questions about experience and background

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? What do you consider your most important technical skills?
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What happens if you fail security clearance?

If you feel you have been unjustly denied security clearance, for any reason, you can appeal for a reversal of the decision. The federal government can take up to six months to approve your application for security clearance.
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What percentage of people get denied security clearance?

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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What is security clearance certificate?

SECURITY CLEARANCE An official document indicating the degree of security competence of a person.
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How long does it take to get a secret clearance?

In general, expect a CONFIDENTIAL or SECRET clearance to take between 1 and 3 months. A TOP SECRET will probably take between 4 and 8 months. However, some individuals have been waiting for the results of their TOP SECRET investigation for more than one year.
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Does credit score affect 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.
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Can I get a security clearance if I was fired?

In today's volatile job market, it's important to remember that being let go from a contract or fired for company reasons (not punitive ones) clearly has no bearing on your security clearance eligibility.
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Who has top secret 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.
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Can you put your clearance level on your resume?

A: It's perfectly okay to specify that you have a clearance, as well as clearance type. It's also okay to list polygraph information and dates on your resume, according to intelligence agency resume guidelines, including those provided by the National Security Agency.
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