Highest Clearance Level in the United States of America | eHow Highest Clearance Level in the United States of America Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) only shares certain information regarding national security with specially chosen officials who have security clearance. There are three levels of security clearance in the United States: confidential, secret and top secret. Top secret clearance is the highest security clearance level in the United States, and only individuals with this classification are privy to the most sensitive information within the United States government. People with top secret security clearance have access to "need-to-know" information that other law enforcement personnel do not. Origins of Security Clearance Executive Order 10450 gave certain United States agencies the legal right to determine who is trustworthy enough to have access to sensitive government information. Executive Order 10450 was signed into legislation by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on April 17, 1952. Each government agency that provides top secret clearance has the obligation to ensure that recipients are loyal to the United States, display good character and conduct, and pose no threat to national security. Federal Agency Approval Only federal government agencies can provide someone with top secret security clearance.

These include federal law enforcement agencies (DEA, NCIS, FBI and Secret Service personnel), intelligence gathering agencies (NSA and CIA), diplomatic agencies (State Department) and civilian military agencies (DIA and DSS). Certain organizations such as research facilities and think tanks can also provide top secret security clearance, but only if they have a contract with a federal agency that is authorized to provide the clearance. Top Secret Clearance Eligibility In order to be eligible for top secret security clearance, you must be a United States citizen. You cannot simply apply for top secret clearance; the agency for which you are applying will determine which positions require top secret clearance. When you apply for one of these positions, an extensive background investigation will be conducted to determine if you are right for the position. Limited access to some information may also be granted temporarily to foreign national employees in rare circumstances. Obtaining Top Secret Clearance The process of obtaining top secret security clearance involves a comprehensive background investigation. Research is conducted to discover a person's criminal history, as well as their credit history. United States citizenship will be verified, along with birth date, education and employment history, military service and residence. Interviews may be conducted with an individual's family, spouse, neighbors and co-workers.

Public records are searched for divorces or civil actions. Medical history may be reviewed if the individual has a history or substance abuse or mental illness. The candidate will also be involved in a personal interview. Allen West says he has "clearance that even the president of the United States cannot obtain" | PolitiFact Florida "If you look at the application for a security clearance, I have a clearance that even the president of the United States cannot obtain because of my background." — Allen West on Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 in a candidate forum Allen West says he has "clearance that even the president of the United States cannot obtain" By Louis Jacobson on Friday, September 24th, 2010 at 6:28 p.m. At a candidate forum, Republican House candidate Allen West said that he had "a clearance that even the president of the United States cannot obtain." During a candidate forum sponsored by the Pompano, Fla., Civic Association on Sept. 21, 2010, Allen West -- a retired Army lieutenant colonel running as the Republican nominee against Democratic Rep. Ron Klein -- made a rather striking claim.

West was responding to a question about tax liens that had allegedly been placed against him -- an issue that had already inspired a hard-hitting ad by Klein. According to a video made by a Democratic Party operative who trails West at all of his appearances, the candidate told the audience, "I had a Top Secret/Security Compartmented Information classification, that is the highest you can have in the United States Army. You don’t get a security classification like that if you have financial issues like that. I still retain a Secret security clearance. And I tell you, if you look at the application for a security clearance, I have a clearance that even the president of the United States cannot obtain because of my background." We've already addressed questions about the lien (we rated Klein's ad Mostly True ). But we wondered whether it was really possible for someone -- anyone -- to have a higher security clearance than the president. So we asked a few experts. First, some background on security clearances. There are three levels, in ascending order: Confidential, Secret and Top Secret. There are many subcategories, but the only one that is relevant here is an elite category of Top Secret called Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented information, or TS/SCI.

It is for people who have Top Secret clearances but who may, in order to do their jobs, need to know certain information that is especially sensitive, such as sources and methods of intelligence-gathering. A TS/SCI clearance allows them to know the information they need, but it is not a blanket clearance for all extremely sensitive information. That's why it's called "compartmented." West mentioned TS/SCI in his comments at the Pompano Civic Association, though he got the name slightly wrong, calling it "Top Secret/Security Compartmented Information." To be picky, West would have had a TS/SCI clearance, rather than "classification" -- people have clearances, documents have classifications. We inquired with the Pentagon about his clearance but weren't able to get an answer Friday night. Experts we spoke to said that it was plausible for someone like West to have a TS/SCI clearance, so for the purposes of this fact-check, we'll assume he had that level. As you'll see below, his actual level wouldn't change our conclusion. Our experts also said that it's plausible that West would still have a Secret clearance today.

Since retired officers can be called back to duty, and because many of them do consulting work for the military or for companies that work with the military, it's common for retired officers to maintain a security clearance. But what about him having "a clearance that even the president of the United States cannot obtain"? We see at least two ways to look at this claim. The first is that West is saying that he had a higher security clearance than someone occupying the office of president of the United States. Even if you assume that he was referring to the period in which West held a TS/SCI, our experts say he's wrong. "The president is the one who established the security clearance system by executive order ," said Steven Aftergood, a national security and intelligence specialist with the Federation of American Scientists. "Therefore it is nonsensical to speak of clearances higher than what the president has. As head of the executive branch and commander in chief of the armed forces, there is no information in government that could be denied to the president for security reasons if he determined he needed access to that information." John Pike, the director of globalsecurity.org, agreed. "This is a silly statement," Pike said.

"The only clearance the president needs is the mandate of the people." The statement is even more questionable if West was actually referring to what he says is his current clearance -- Secret. "A Secret security clearance is the most commonly held security clearance," Aftergood said. "Almost anyone without a criminal record or serious financial difficulties can get such a clearance if their employment requires it." There's one more possible interpretation, and when we reached the West campaign, they said this is indeed what the candidate meant at the forum. As a career military officer, West went through a rigorous screening and investigatory process in order to receive his TS/SCI clearance. President Barack Obama got his authority by virtue of a popular vote. There is no security process required before one becomes president. If, in theory, Obama was not president and decided to apply for a security clearance, there's no guarantee he'd qualify for one. He'd have to go through a painstaking process, and investigators may raise any number of questions. "The fact that (Obama) admitted to cocaine use, travel to unauthorized countries years before, and his associations with (black nationalist) Louis Farrakhan and Rev. Jeremiah Wright, he probably would not have been granted a security clearance," said Josh Grodin, West's campaign manager.

This argument does at least have a grain of validity to it. But we see some problems with it. During the presidential campaign, a similar claim was floated by some Obama opponents. One chain e-mail alleged that "if Barack Obama would apply for a job with the FBI or with the Secret Service, he would be disqualified because of his past associations with William Ayers, a known (and unrepentant) terrorist." We ruled it False . Pike said that the one thing in Obama's background that could raise a flag for someone doing a security check is "his unaccompanied foreign travel for an extended period of time." Still, he added, "the tender age at which Obama traveled abroad would almost certainly render this irrelevant, particularly in light of everything else he has done." To the extent that West has already been cleared by national-security vetters, and Obama has not, we think West may have a small point. Still, even using this logic, West oversteps when he says that his own clearance is one "that even the president of the United States cannot obtain." We don't believe the evidence suggests that it's an open-and-shut case that Obama would be denied the kind of security clearance West had.

And that's the most plausible interpretation of West's comment. The other interpretation -- that West's clearance, either today or in the past -- was higher than any president's is ridiculously false. The president has the highest security clearance in the land. We rate West's claim Pants on Fire. Advertisement PolitiFact, " The truth fades into the background ," Oct. 17, 2008 E-mail interview with John Pike, director of globalsecurity.org, Sept. 24, 2010 E-mail interview with Steven Aftergood, director of the Project on Government Secrecy at the Federation of American Scientists, Sept. 24, 2010 Interview with Mark F. Riley, lawyer in Odenton, Md., specializing in security clearances, Sept. 24, 2010 E-mail interview with Mark Zaid, a Washington, D.C., lawyer who specializes in security-clearance cases, Sept, 24, 2010 Interview with Josh Grodin, campaign manager for Allen West, Sept. 24, 2010 How to contact us We want to hear your suggestions and comments.

Email the Florida Truth-O-Meter with feedback and with claims you'd like to see checked. If you send us a comment, we'll assume you don't mind us publishing it unless you tell us otherwise. 28 levels above top secret ?, page 1 28 levels above top secret ? page: 1 link Yes, and the highest is cosmic. Only 28 or more people who would be citizens or known to the public would have that security level. More who would be brought up in bases and other places away from normal country citizenry. Thats all i know. link Are you sure about "Cosmic"? I have an application form i need to fill in because i do aerial photography and it deals with "Top Secret" and "Cosmic Top Secret". Living in Norway this is most likely according to NATO regulations...could be different in the US as many things are... The Cosmic qualifier refers to NATO information, that's all. It means that other people in NATO who have similar Cosmic top secret clearance could be allowed to see the information, assuming they had need to know. People are overblowing the "cosmic" thing.

General, classifications basically refer to the level of background checks which the people need before they are permitted to have access, as well as specific procedures for confidentiality and data transmission & storage. Usually classification secrets only permit access by citizens of the government witih the information. So something which is "top secret" classified by local government may in fact be higher than 'cosmic top secret'. E.g. in the first case only nationals of that government would have access, in the second, other Cosmic cleared nationals of other NATO nations might have access as well. The reason for this is plainly obvious now that you think about it. link There are levels above top secret. I know because my uncle has an above top secret clearance with EG&G. That's all he told me. He wouldn't tell me what it's called. Had to stop communicating with him because EG&G got all puffy about it. link TOP SECRET is the highest clearance level, but compartmentalized Special Access Programs (SAP) have additional codeword clearances for each program on a kneed-to-know basis. In other words, just because you have a TS clearance it doesn't mean you can access OXCART material. You would have to have a TS-OXCART clearance.

It's kind of like the Freemasons. Third Degree (Master Mason) is the highest level, but then you can earn consistory levels up to 32nd Degree. So there really is nothing "above top secret." It's just a matter of compartmentalized access. As has already been said, COSMIC is just NATO TOP SECRET. I wish people would stop perpetuating the myth that COSMIC is related to UFOs. I heard that in Area 51 they have 46 security levels above top secret, and the highest rank is Cosmic [edit on 5-12-2006 by InSaneTK] link shadow hawk is quite right. There has been zero evidence to support there being levels above top secret. Every time ive seen a documentary or read some witness testimony, they always give different information. Nothing is congruent. Top secret is the highest, although I have heard of most secret on a few occasions, top secret seems to be it. As said, there are different levels of top secret, but none are actually above top secret. They are horozontally oriented to top secret.

So you may have top secret clearance q-5 which means you can access information for a specific project, and perhaps information for a few other related projects because you are in a need to know situation. Never heard of more than 3 levels. As far as I know it allows access to data or documents. I would not be interested in working in such a restricted area but one can work on many projects at the lowest level. UFO data suppression is only out done by Tesla's locked up railroad cars. To work on counter intellegence would not require any level just counter all ideas to the contrary. link Originally posted by Shadowhawk TOP SECRET is the highest clearance level, but compartmentalized Special Access Programs (SAP) have additional codeword clearances for each program on a kneed-to-know basis. In other words, just because you have a TS clearance it doesn't mean you can access OXCART material. You would have to have a TS-OXCART clearance. It's kind of like the Freemasons. Third Degree (Master Mason) is the highest level, but then you can earn consistory levels up to 32nd Degree.

So there really is nothing "above top secret." It's just a matter of compartmentalized access. As has already been said, COSMIC is just NATO TOP SECRET. I wish people would stop perpetuating the myth that COSMIC is related to UFOs. The European UFOs might be covered by this COSMIC classification, its better than JEDI, I just saw a posted europen video of two ufos with trails and three observer globes. NATO must know who is flying around up there in the sky, its their territory. link I have a quick question. First off, good morning from Dallas, TX. Now, about 4 years ago, I got hired by the Border Patrol. They did a thorough background check and I passed it all. I was shipped out to Charleston, SC, and did three months of training. I decided I didn't like the way they were handling things (politically and at the camp), so I resigned. There's a lot more to the story but a question I have is: Would I be considered "secret security clearance" since we had access to very cool documents about national security? Stuff like espionage that we were taught about and how to find a mole if you think there is one, etc?

Just wondering if anyoe knows what security clearnace would be needed to become a border patrol? Thanks guys! The Cosmic qualifier refers to NATO information, that's all. People are overblowing the "cosmic" thing. Yes, people are overdoing it. Exactly as you described, COSMIC is a NATO designator, nothing more. And like you said, it's information a country is sharing with others. There are over 26 countries in NATO. The United States' closet allies are the ECHELON nations: Canada, UK, New Zealand, Australia. It's much lower in sensitivity than TOP SECRET information which exists within SCI (SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION) channels. The most closely guarded secrets are contained within SAPS (SPECIAL ACCESS PROGRAMS). Some of which are unacknowledged "deep black" operations. This category is unavailable even to the chairs of the Congressional Intelligence Committees. Now if that's not unconstitutional, I don't know what is. I believe this is where official government UFO intelligence resides. Although, I'm highly skeptical when some witness describes their former security clearance in terms of "levels above top secret". The only way that makes sense is if they're speaking in terms of multiple caveats.

The idea of the intelligence system is to segment the information. Nobody has access to the big picture. There are clearances termed "all sources". But that's referring to all of the primary collection categories: PHOTO/ELINT/COMINT/CI-HUMINT There are at least several hundred maybe thousands of compartments and SAPS. Nobody has carte blanche to everything. If top secret information were to be organized in a hierarchy of levels, someone would obviously have to see everything and make the determination of what is higher in importance than some other area of intelligence. As someone who worked within the national security apparatus for years, I find it illogical and highly unrealistic a notion. Perhaps, these people are only misinformed. They’re describing their experiences in layman's terms. Not everyone in the military or government interacts with the national security bureaucracy as part of their official duties. The average person working in these highly classified fields probably visits a security office once a year for periodic review and possible polygraph. The level of supervision resides on just how sensitive their work is and the potential consequences of a security compromise. There is a not so far-fetched conspiracy theory that former CIA director William Colby was assassinated to prevent him from leaking classified information.

link As to the Border Patrol...if you were given a specific clearance level, you should have been made aware of it... There are levels above top secret. I know because my uncle has an above top secret clearance with EG&G. That's all he told me. He wouldn't tell me what it's called. Had to stop communicating with him because EG&G got all puffy about it. I don't know if "above" is exactly the right word...just more specialized..such as different SCI classifications. EG&G does a lot of hiring for some of the unmentionable bases that "don't exist", so I'd imagine you'd likely need general SCI clearance to even be a janitor there (I know you need it, and had to have held it for 2 years, to do security anywhere near those places). Any engineers would have even more compartmentalized clearances...specific to their projects. There is no all-encompassing clearance level (that I am aware of). Once you get to a certainl level (Top Secret), it then just gets compartmentalized from there (which is how you keep secrets)... U.S. Department of State: Security Clearance FAQ | Military.com Security Clearance Jobs U.S.

Department of State: Security Clearance FAQ The Harry S. Truman Building, Washington, D.C., headerquarters of the U.S. Department of State. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons by AgnosticPreachersKid) Military.com The following security clearance FAQ applies to those with jobs or seeking jobs in the U.S. Department of State. 1. Who can apply for a security clearance? Individuals cannot initiate a security clearance application on their own. Rather, the Bureau of Human Resources determines whether a Department of State position will require a security clearance based upon the duties and responsibilities of the position. If the position requires access to classified information, then a personnel security background investigation must be conducted. This is only done after a conditional offer of employment is given to an individual. 2. Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to receive a security clearance from the State Department? As outlined in Executive Order 12968, Access to Classified Information, eligibility for access to classified information may only be granted to employees who are United States citizens.

However, an exception is allowed in specific situations wherein there are compelling reasons for limited access to be granted to an immigrant alien or foreign national employee who possess a special expertise that is needed for specific programs, projects, contracts, licenses, certificates, or grants. 3. What is the purpose of a security clearance? The purpose of a security clearance is to determine that a person is able and willing to safeguard classified national security information, based on his or her loyalty, character, trustworthiness, and reliability. 4. How is it decided what level of clearance a person receives? The Bureau of Human Resources determines whether a Department of State position will require a security clearance, as well as the level required, based upon the duties and responsibilities of the position. 5. How many types or levels of security clearance are there? There are three levels of security clearance, with the highest level being Top Secret. Secret is the next level of clearance and Confidential is the final. 6. What work does each clearance allow a person to do? A clearance allows a person filling a specific position to have access to classified national security information up to and including the level of clearance that they hold, so long as the person has a need to know the information. 7.

Will my clearance be transferable to other federal agencies? Federal agencies will normally accept another agency's investigation as the basis for granting a security clearance, provided your last security clearance investigation was completed within the past 5 years for a Top Secret clearance and 10 years for a Secret clearance, and you have not had a break in service of more than 2 years. Also considered is whether there have been any significant changes in your situation since your last investigation. Some federal agencies might have additional investigative or adjudicative requirements that must be met prior to their accepting a clearance granted by another agency. 8. How long is my security clearance good for after I leave the federal government? The Department of State will revalidate a security clearance if (1) the individual has not been out of federal service for more than 2 years and (2) if the individual's clearance is based on an appropriate and current personnel security clearance investigation. 9. Can I transfer my security clearance for private sector employment? Security clearances only apply to positions that fall under the purview of the federal government.

As stated in Executive Order 12968, Access to Classified Information, security clearances are only granted to persons "Employed by, detailed or assigned to, an [executive] agency, including members of the Armed Forces; an expert or consultant to an agency; an industrial or commercial contractor, licensee, certificate holder, or grantee of an agency, including all subcontractors; a personal services contractor; or any other category of person who acts for or on behalf of an agency as determined by the appropriate agency head." 10. Does having a security clearance guarantee employment with the State Department? No. The hiring process addresses whether someone will be initially selected for a particular position within the State Department. The security clearance process does not begin until after a conditional offer of employment is given. 11. Who does the records checks? The Office of Personnel Security and Suitability, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, conducts all national agency and credit history checks in support of their investigations. Diplomatic Security investigators located worldwide conduct all other investigative leads, which includes local law enforcement checks. 12. Are members of my family or people living with me subject to a security check?

There are circumstances in which limited records checks or an investigation may be conducted on a spouse or cohabitant*. National agency checks are conducted on spouses and/or cohabitants of individuals being processed for a Top Secret level clearance, with the spouse or cohabitant's authorization. Additional investigations may be conducted when the spouse or cohabitant is a foreign national. *A cohabitant is defined as someone with whom you live together as husband and wife and the relationship involves the mutual assumption of marital rights, duties, and obligations, which are usually manifested by married people, including, but not necessarily dependent on, sexual relations. 13. For what reasons would I be denied a security clearance? Various reasons exist for why someone may be denied a security clearance. The most important factors in an investigation are the individual's honesty, candor, and thoroughness in the completion of their security clearance forms. Every case is individually assessed, using the National Security Board's 13 Adjudicative Guidelines, to determine whether the granting or continuing of eligibility for a security clearance is clearly consistent with the interests of national security.

The adjudicative guidelines include: allegiance to the United States; foreign influence; foreign preference; sexual behavior; personal conduct; financial considerations; alcohol consumption; drug involvement; emotional, mental, and personality disorders; criminal conduct; security violations; outside activities; and misuse of information technology systems. 14. How often is a security clearance renewed? An individual is normally subject to periodic reinvestigation at a minimum of every 5 years for a Top Secret level clearance and every 10 years for a Secret level clearance. 15. What are some typical delays that occur in the security clearance process? Some of the most common areas of delay include the submission of incomplete security packages, poorly collected fingerprints, and investigations that involve coverage of extensive overseas activities. Individuals can help expedite the process by ensuring they have completed all forms in a thorough and accurate manner; familiarizing themselves with the appearance of a properly rolled set of fingerprints , so they know theirs are done properly; and when possible, providing stateside references that can verify foreign activities. 16. How long does it take to process a typical security clearance? Each case varies, but the general time averages about 120 days.

The Department of State has recently initiated a goal to render a security clearance decision in 90 days. 17. What happens if I'm denied a security clearance? Is there an appeal process? If you are denied a security clearance, or your continued eligibility for access to classified information is revoked, you will be notified of the reason(s) and be provided with the procedures for filing an appeal. You will be given the opportunity to address any derogatory information that was gathered during the investigation and either correct or clarify the situation. 18. What can I do in advance to ease the process of my background investigation? Detailed information is required to conduct a background investigation. Information such as complete names, addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth for relatives will be required. Print the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (Standard Form 86) and begin collecting that information so you will have it ready when asked. 19. Where can I get assistance completing my security clearance package or inquire into the status of my security clearance?

For assistance with completing your security clearance package or to inquire into the status of your security clearance, email SecurityClearance@state.gov or talk with a personnel security specialist at the Department of State Customer Service Center between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., EST, by dialing toll free 1-866-643-4636 (1-866-643-INFO) or 571-345-3186. You also may send correspondence to one of the addresses below: Mailing Address: Does the U.S. President have the highest level security clearance in the U.S.? When are U.S. Presidents vetted? - Quora Quora Does the U.S. President have the highest level security clearance in the U.S.? When are U.S. Presidents vetted? Did all or most U.S. Presidents meet the requirements? When are U.S. Presidents vetted? Written Jan 25, 2016 The classification of sensitive information is fundamentally a power that stems from the executive branch and the President's Constitutional role as Commander-in-Chief of the military.

That is, the right to classify information and restrict access is a Presidential prerogative, established by executive orders, and Congress via statute only sketches some of the edges of the legal infrastructure. Notably, statutes define the criminal penalties for disclosure of classified information to people without appropriate clearances, and establish some processes for security clearances (though it should be said, the executive branch has pretty wide discretion to set aside these processes, and has the ability to act against people who disclose information as well). Written Sep 30, 2015 The President has no security clearance, in the sense that other employees of the federal government do. Simply put, there is no document held by the United States government that the President is restricted from viewing for reasons of national security. It's also impossible for the President to violate a security classification; the President has the absolute authority to decide who is and is not entitled to know what is in a classified document, and may reveal any classified fact he or she deems appropriate to any person at any time for any reason (except possibly for a few narrow cases where specific statutes make such releases illegal).

There are documents that the President is not permitted to see (individual Census returns, for example) and information the President may know but legally cannot share, but these restrictions flow from statutory rules that are intended to protect personal privacy. Such documents are not considered "classified" for the purpose of national security law. Written Jul 8, 2016 I suppose you could say the president has the highest security clearance in the government, but that doesn’t really capture the essence of this matter. In order to give classified information to another person you need to verify two different things. The recipient must have sufficient security clearance and need to know the information. It is the need to know that is more difficult to determine than the security clearance. For most classified information the person considering delivering it must make a judgment call regarding the recipient’s need to know. This is a determination of whether they can perform their duties for the government without the information in question. It is actually not as hard to do as it sounds and in some cases overrides the security clearance question.

For example when I was in the war planning business I was given information for which I was not cleared but the person giving it to me (a high ranking officer in the project management office) decided I needed it and gave it to me anyway. Indeed I had very high level security access but not the specific access needed for the information in question. For some especially sensitive information there are Special Access Programs used to determine which people need access to the information. These programs go by various names and often the names are classified so I won’t go into any more detail here. The point is that they move the responsibility for determining whether a recipient has a need to know the information in question from the person disclosing the information to a bureaucrat determining the recipient’s need to know in advance of the actual issue being faced. When considering giving classified information to the president the assumption is made that he needs to know everything in order to do his job as commander in chief for the country. Some people might want to keep secrets away from the president but that is contrary to the general notion of the role of commander in chief. 4.6k Views · View Upvotes · Answer requested by Written Nov 5 Thats a more complicated question than you may think.

In fact no elected officials in Congress or the White House have security clearances. Technically they have a ‘right to access’ any information they feel necessary by their elected position, although they take various oaths of secrecy and agree to a need-t0-know limitation on their behavior….but it is just an agreement…..not a law. The limitations are not on THEIR access to classified information. The complex restrictions come into play regarding what they do with that information and who they can share it with. In particular, Congressional aides do have to get security clearances, and a member of Congress has to make sure that they do not share their information in a way that violates the security status of the aide. 1.3k Views FAQs FAQs 19. Where can I get assistance completing my security clearance package or inquire into the status of my security clearance for the Department of State? 1. Who can apply for a security clearance? Individuals cannot initiate a security clearance application on their own. Rather, the Bureau of Human Resources determines whether a Department of State position will require a security clearance based upon the duties and responsibilities of the position. If the position requires access to classified information, then a personnel security background investigation must be conducted.

This is only done after a conditional offer of employment is given to an individual. 2. Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to receive a security clearance from the State Department? As outlined in Executive Order 12968, Access to Classified Information, eligibility for access to classified information may only be granted to employees who are United States citizens. However, an exception is allowed in specific situations wherein there are compelling reasons for limited access to be granted to an immigrant alien or foreign national employee who possess a special expertise that is needed for specific programs, projects, contracts, licenses, certificates, or grants. 3. What is the purpose of a security clearance? The purpose of a security clearance is to determine that a person is able and willing to safeguard classified national security information, based on his or her loyalty, character, trustworthiness, and reliability. 4. How is it decided what level of clearance a person receives? The Bureau of Human Resources determines whether a Department of State position will require a security clearance, as well as the level required, based upon the duties and responsibilities of the position. 5. How many types or levels of security clearance are there? There are three levels of security clearance, with the highest level being Top Secret.

Secret is the next level of clearance and Confidential is the final. 6. What work does each clearance allow a person to do? A clearance allows a person filling a specific position to have access to classified national security information up to and including the level of clearance that they hold, so long as the person has a need to know the information. 7. Will my clearance be transferable to other federal agencies? Federal agencies will normally accept another agency's investigation as the basis for granting a security clearance, provided your last security clearance investigation was completed within the past 5 years for a Top Secret clearance and 10 years for a Secret clearance, and you have not had a break in service of more than 2 years. Also considered is whether there have been any significant changes in your situation since your last investigation. Some federal agencies might have additional investigative or adjudicative requirements that must be met prior to their accepting a clearance granted by another agency. 8. How long is my security clearance good for after I leave the federal government? The Department of State will revalidate a security clearance if (1) the individual has not been out of federal service for more than 2 years and (2) if the individual's clearance is based on an appropriate and current personnel security clearance investigation.

9. Can I transfer my security clearance for private sector employment? Security clearances only apply to positions that fall under the purview of the federal government. As stated in Executive Order 12968, Access to Classified Information, security clearances are only granted to persons "Employed by, detailed or assigned to, an [executive] agency, including members of the Armed Forces; an expert or consultant to an agency; an industrial or commercial contractor, licensee, certificate holder, or grantee of an agency, including all subcontractors; a personal services contractor; or any other category of person who acts for or on behalf of an agency as determined by the appropriate agency head." 10. Does having a security clearance guarantee employment with the State Department? No. The hiring process addresses whether someone will be initially selected for a particular position within the State Department. The security clearance process does not begin until after a conditional offer of employment is given. 11. Who does the records checks? The Office of Personnel Security and Suitability, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, conducts all national agency and credit history checks in support of their investigations. Diplomatic Security investigators located worldwide conduct all other investigative leads, which includes local law enforcement checks. 12.

Are members of my family or people living with me subject to a security check? There are circumstances in which limited records checks or an investigation may be conducted on a spouse or cohabitant*. National agency checks are conducted on spouses and/or cohabitants of individuals being processed for a Top Secret level clearance, with the spouse or cohabitant's authorization. Additional investigations may be conducted when the spouse or cohabitant is a foreign national. *A cohabitant is defined as someone with whom you live together as husband and wife and the relationship involves the mutual assumption of marital rights, duties, and obligations, which are usually manifested by married people, including, but not necessarily dependent on, sexual relations. 13. For what reasons would I be denied a security clearance? Various reasons exist for why someone may be denied a security clearance. The most important factors in an investigation are the individual's honesty, candor, and thoroughness in the completion of their security clearance forms. Every case is individually assessed, using the National Security Board's 13 Adjudicative Guidelines, to determine whether the granting or continuing of eligibility for a security clearance is clearly consistent with the interests of national security.

The adjudicative guidelines include: allegiance to the United States; foreign influence; foreign preference; sexual behavior; personal conduct; financial considerations; alcohol consumption; drug involvement; emotional, mental, and personality disorders; criminal conduct; security violations; outside activities; and misuse of information technology systems. 14. How often is a security clearance renewed? An individual is normally subject to periodic reinvestigation at a minimum of every 5 years for a Top Secret level clearance and every 10 years for a Secret level clearance. 15. What are some typical delays that occur in the security clearance process? Some of the most common areas of delay include the submission of incomplete security packages, poorly collected fingerprints, and investigations that involve coverage of extensive overseas activities. Individuals can help expedite the process by ensuring they have completed all forms in a thorough and accurate manner; familiarizing themselves with the appearance of a properly rolled set of fingerprints , so they know theirs are done properly; and when possible, providing stateside references that can verify foreign activities. 16. How long does it take to process a typical security clearance? Each case varies, but the general time averages about 120 days.

The Department of State has recently initiated a goal to render a security clearance decision in 90 days. 17. What happens if I'm denied a security clearance? Is there an appeal process? If you are denied a security clearance, or your continued eligibility for access to classified information is revoked, you will be notified of the reason(s) and be provided with the procedures for filing an appeal. You will be given the opportunity to address any derogatory information that was gathered during the investigation and either correct or clarify the situation. 18. What can I do in advance to ease the process of my background investigation? A lot of detailed information is required to conduct a background investigation. Information such as complete names, addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth for relatives will be required. We suggest you print the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (Standard Form 86) and begin collecting that information so you will have it ready when asked. 19. Where can I get assistance completing my security clearance package or inquire into the status of my security clearance?

For assistance with completing your security clearance package or to inquire into the status of your security clearance, you may email us at SecurityClearance@state.gov or you may may talk with a personnel security specialist at our Customer Service Center between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., EST, by dialing toll free 1-866-643-4636 (1-866-643-INFO) or 571-345-3186. You also may send correspondence to one of the addresses below: Mailing Address: All About Security Clearances All About Security Clearances Share THE SECURITY CLEARANCE Eligibility for access to classified information, commonly known as a security clearance, is granted only to those for whom an appropriate personnel security background investigation has been completed. It must be determined that the individual’s personal and professional history indicates loyalty to the United States, strength of character, trustworthiness, honesty, reliability, discretion, and sound judgment, as well as freedom from conflicting allegiances and potential for coercion, and a willingness and ability to abide by regulations governing the use, handling, and protection of classified information.

A determination of eligibility for access to such information is a discretionary security decision based on judgments by appropriately trained adjudicative personnel. Eligibility will be granted only where facts and circumstances indicate access to classified information is clearly consistent with the national security interests of the United States. Access to classified information will be terminated when an individual no longer has need for access. The Bureau of Human Resources determines if a Department of State position requires a security clearance based on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If the position requires access to classified information, the position will be given an appropriate security classification. Individuals applying to these positions must undergo a personnel security background investigation. THE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION The personnel security background investigation begins after an individual has been given a conditional offer of employment and has completed the appropriate security questionnaire, usually a Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions , and other required forms. It is required that job candidates complete the questionnaire and other required forms thoroughly, honestly, and with candor. Human Resources will submit the completed security questionnaire and other required forms, also known as the security package, to DS's Office of Personnel Security and Suitability.

Once the security package is received by the Office of Personnel Security and Suitability, it will be reviewed for completeness, and the information will be formally entered into a case management system. National agency record checks and scanned fingerprint checks are then conducted. A case manager will direct the background investigation to cover key events and contacts from the individual’s past and present history. A critical step in the background investigation is the face-to-face interview the individual will have with a DS investigator. This interview usually occurs within a few weeks of an individual submitting a complete security clearance package. DS investigators are located in the United States and overseas. These investigators verify the information an individual has supplied in his or her security package, such as where he or she has lived, gone to school, and worked. Investigators talk to current and former neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, classmates, as well as to the references an individual provided. Investigators also contact law enforcement agencies in each of the places an individual has lived, worked, or attended school. Once the investigators have completed a report, highly trained security clearance adjudicators will weigh the results against existing adjudicative guidelines for security clearances .

Most individuals will be granted a security clearance, although complicating factors or derogatory findings may delay a decision or result in a denial of a security clearance. Learn more about the security clearance process by reviewing our FAQs on security clearances. THE INTERIM SECURITY CLEARANCE In exceptional circumstances, the hiring office may request an interim security clearance. The Office of Personnel Security and Suitability may be able to grant an interim security clearance within a few weeks after the individuals has submitted a complete security package. Final clearances usually are processed and adjudicated in less than 90 days. THE PERIODIC REINVESTIGATION Security clearances are subject to periodic reinvestigation every 5 years. The Office of Personnel Security and Suitability notifies the individual when it is time for their reinvestigation. The individual will submit an updated security package and another background investigation will be conducted. The investigation will again cover key aspects of the individual’s life, but will start from one’s previous background investigation. Security Clearance Levels in the Military By Rod Powers Updated October 18, 2016 You may need a security clearance to hold different jobs in the military and with civilian contractors. What do they investigate and how far back do they go to decide if you get one?

What can keep you from getting a security clearance ? For how long is a security clearance valid? What Is a Security Clearance? The military possesses information and technology which could be helpful to our enemies. Unauthorized release of this information can compromise national security . Loose lips sink ships. A security clearance investigation ensures that you are eligible for access to national security information. The investigation focuses on your character and conduct, emphasizing such factors as honesty, trustworthiness, reliability, financial responsibility , criminal activity, emotional stability, and other pertinent areas. All investigations consist of checks of national records and credit checks ; some investigations also include interviews with individuals who know the candidate for the clearance as well as the candidate himself/herself. Classified Information and Security Clearance Categories In the military, all classified information is divided into one of three categories: Confidential: Unauthorized disclosure could cause damage to the national security. Secret: Unauthorized disclosure could cause serious damage to the national security. Top Secret: Unauthorized disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security. In addition to the above, some classified information is so sensitive that even the extra protection measures applied to Top Secret information are not sufficient.

This information is known as Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or Special Access Programs (SAP), and one needs special SCI Access or SAP approval to be given access to this information. For Official Use Only is not a security classification. It is used to protect information covered under the Privacy Act , and other sensitive data. Who Requires a Security Clearance? You need a security clearance if your need access to classified information to perform your duties. If your job requires you to have access to Confidential Information, you would require a Confidential Security Clearance, for example. For military personnel , two things determine the level of security clearance required; your MOS/AFSC/Rating (Job), and your assignment. Many military jobs require access to classified information, regardless of where you are assigned. In other cases, the job itself may not require a security clearance, but the particular location or unit that the person is assigned to would require giving access to classified information and material. The Department of Defense (DOD) operates its security program separate from other government agencies, with its own procedures and standards. A Top Secret Clearance with the Department of Energy , for example, would not necessarily transfer to DOD.

In the United States military, only United States citizens can be granted a DOD security clearance. Need to Know Required Merely having a certain level of security clearance does not mean you are authorized to view classified information . To have access to classified information, you must possess the necessary two elements: A level of security clearance, at least equal to the classification of the information, and an appropriate "need to know" the information in order to perform their duties. Just because you have a Secret Clearance, you would have access to all Secret Information in the military. You would need to have a specific reason to know that information before you were granted access. Who Conducts Security Clearance Background Investigations? Security Clearance Background Investigations for the Department of Defense (DOD) are conducted by the Defense Security Service (DSS) . This includes background investigations for military personnel, civilian personnel who work for DOD, and military contractors. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) conducts Security Clearance Investigations for most other branches of the Federal Government. How are Security Clearances Granted? Once it is determined that a military member requires a security clearance because of assignment or job, you are instructed to complete a Security Clearance Background Investigation Questionnaire . It is done with an electronic form.

You'll need to provide information for the previous five years for Confidential and Secret clearances and for the previous 10 years for Top Secret clearances. Giving false information on a Security Document constitutes a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 101 , and Article 107 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Under the United States Code, you may be fined, and imprisoned for a period of five years. Under the UCMJ, the maximum punishment includes a reduction to the lowest enlisted grade, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, confinement for a period of five years, and a dishonorable discharge. The form contains a statement which you sign authorizing release of any information about you to security clearance investigators. That includes sealed records, juvenile records, expunged records, and medical records. Answering all of the questions on the SF86 accurately is evidence of your reliability and honesty. Your clearance could be denied if you conceal information. Once granted, your clearance could be revoked if they later discovered you had been dishonest in filling out the forms.

If you realize after you submit the form that you made a mistake or omitted something important, tell your Security Officer, Recruiter, MEPS Security Interviewer, or the DSS Investigator when you are interviewed. If you do not do so, the error or omission could be held against you during the adjudicative process. Once you complete the questionnaire, it is sent to the Defense Security Service (DSS). They verify the information and perform the actual background investigation. The level of the investigation depends upon the level of access to be granted. For Confidential and Secret Clearances, they will do a National Agency Check (NAC) -- a search of records held by federal agencies including the FBI and OPM, a Local Agency Check (LAC) -- a review of criminal history records , and a financial check of your credit record. For Top Secret Clearances, a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is performed which includes all of the above, plus field interviews of references, checks of records held by employers, courts, and rental offices, and a subject interview of you by an investigator. NACs may be performed electronically from a central location. DSS uses both DSS Agents and private detective agencies in the local area.

Field Interviews with References Investigators will do field interviews with the references you listed on the questionnaire and use them to develop more references to interview. They will be asked questions about your character and whether you should be given access to classified information or assigned to a sensitive position. The interviews are wide-ranging with questions about your activities, job history, education, family, finances, drugs, alcohol problems, and police encounters. Subject Interviews You will also have a wide-ranging interview that will cover most aspects of your life. During the subject interview, expect to be questioned about your family background, experiences, health, use of alcohol or drugs, financial affairs, foreign travel, and many other topics. The investigator is experienced in conducting these interviews. It is unlikely that anything you say will cause him or her shock or surprise. Be as candid as possible. The investigator will try to put you at ease if you become upset or uncomfortable. It is in your best interest to answer the investigator's questions in order for an adjudicator to reach a valid decision on your suitability to access classified information or be appointed to a sensitive position or position of trust. What Determines Approval or Disapproval? Each military service has their own adjudicator that receives the information from DSS and decides whether to grant the security clearance.

They apply their specific guidelines to your case. They may request further investigation of problem areas. Adjudicators are not the final authority. All denials of clearances must be personally reviewed by a branch chief or higher authority. The adjudicator considers the following factors when evaluating an individual’s conduct: The nature, extent and seriousness of the conduct The circumstances surrounding the conduct, to include knowledgeable participation The frequency and recency of the conduct The individual’s age and maturity at the time of the conduct The voluntariness of participation

Question: What is the highest level of security clearance in the United States?
Answer: Top Secret