What happens after an interview for security clearance?

Once you complete the the questionnaire, the document is sent to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) DCSA is responsible for verifying the information and performing the actual background investigation. The level of investigation depends upon the level of access to be granted.

How long does it take to get a security clearance after an 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.

How do you know when your security clearance is approved?

To determine the current status of your security clearance, please contact the agency's personnel security office that granted your clearance. If you are a contract employee, your company's facility security officer may also be able to assist you.

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.

What are the stages of a security clearance?

There are three levels of security clearance: confidential, secret, and top secret.

How to Prepare for Security Clearance Interview | Federal Background Check | Get a Federal Job

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.

Does security clearance mean I got the job?

A security clearance isn't something that a job seeker applies for on their own. You need to be sponsored by a government agency and have already received a conditional job offer. You must also be a U.S. citizen to be eligible.

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.

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 check IRS?

Section 26 of the SF-86 application for federal security clearances specifically asks applicants if they have failed to file federal, state or other taxes in the past seven years.

How far back does a secret clearance check?

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.

How long does security clearance take federal government?

The average time to receive a security clearance is between four and 10 weeks (longer for top secret). The process varies depending on the information required and the external partners or stakeholders.

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.

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.

Who gets interviewed 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.

Why am I being interviewed for a secret clearance?

A security clearance interview helps employers determine whether your experience, training and education match the job's requirements and whether you're eligible for special security clearance.

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.

What percentage of people pass security clearance?

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) denied 8.5% of applicants and revoked clearances from 0.5% of holders. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) had 0% denials and 0.5% revocations. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had 0.1% denials and 2.0% revocations.

Is a security clearance a big deal?

The highest levels of clearance can lead to even higher salaries. The Human Resource Association of the National Capital Area also reported that employees with top secret security clearance could earn up to 60% more than those without top secret clearance in certain jobs.

Is security clearance hard to get?

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.

Does security clearance include polygraph?

Polygraph tests accompany some Top Secret or TS/SCI clearances; however, they are not required to obtain either type of clearance and are not part of the clearance background investigation.

Can you start job before security clearance?

In short, you can't. However, you can get another job that will ultimately require you to have a security clearance, but that doesn't make it mandatory to have before applying for the position. Below are the four key stages of the security clearance process, and what you can expect at each point.

Does having a clearance increase your salary?

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

Can you start working before security clearance?

This comprehensive process examines your criminal record, credit history, and other personal details to confirm you are “reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and loyal to the United States” [1]. Security clearance must be issued before you can begin working.