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Obtaining a Government Security Clearance and the Background Check
Derrick Dortch | The Washington Post
May 05, 2009
Finally, after months of searching and interviewing for government and government contractor jobs, you get the good news — you won the position — with a condition attached.
The condition: The job is yours following the successful completion of a background check that will determine your suitability for a U.S. government Top Secret, Secret or Confidential security clearance.
This is called a “conditional offer,” meaning that there is no guarantee that the job is yours until your background investigation is complete and you are cleared. Given the importance of this process to your career, there are a few facts you should know about it and how it works.
What it All Means
Background checks, conducted in the interest of national security, are required to determine if a person is reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and of complete and unswerving loyalty to the United States. Not all government and government-related jobs require such checks, as it depends on whether or not the position requires a security clearance to access classified information.
The type of clearance required, meanwhile, depends on the information used to perform each job’s duties. There are three primary types of clearances, determined by the agency that handles the information (or the president and vice president) and generally described as follows:
● Confidential clearances are for positions accessing information with the potential for damage to national security.
● Secret clearances are for positions accessing information with the potential for serious damage to national security.
● Top Secret security clearances are for positions accessing information with the potential for exceptionally grave damage to national security.
Individuals holding higher-level clearances are allowed to see lower-level information — so, for example, someone with Top Secret clearance can also see information marked Secret and Confidential.
Two other types of specialized clearances are worth noting. Sensitive Compartmented Information clearances provide access to all classified information handled within a specific “compartment” — essentially, a group working on specific matters, such as cryptography or nuclear weapons. Special Access Programs clearances, meanwhile, allow access to particularly sensitive information beyond the Top Secret level.
Jhoover1
18 days ago
20 comments
This was a very well written article.. Hopefully I can answer a few questions on this.. My understanding when processing or handling sesitive information does require a clearance.. So no, you shouldn't apply for one if you don't have a job offer. Second there is no charge to do this.. Google The office of Personel Management and you can do one there once an agency has selected you for a position at no charge.. If I can be of any more help, please ask I can find out from other agents in my dept that are higher than I.
amba2006
2 months ago
2 comments
I am working on a position and security clearance is required but I do not have money to spend to obtain this. Do you think I should ask the employer to pay for this and deduct the damage out of my pay check if I finally get the job?
amolamiafamiglia_321
3 months ago
156 comments
I think that the background check it is necessary, but if you had problems, getting jobs ,or had a bad relationship ,anything can happen.
We go to school to get a job with the government ,is there a way that something can be done.
Because I see people out there, that are not doing anything with their life ,I for one, went to school to better my education,and it is very difficult for me to find a job in with something I like to do and I know I will do good at it. For years I did had a problem trying to understand the language ,and mw I know I can manage it. I know people that speak worse than me. When ever I don't know something I ask.
I like to be corrected as long is in a nice and polite way,because it is some people out there that make you feel like the worse bugg in the bottom of the earth. Anyway ,back to the backgroud check it is good to that, but can the government find other ways to help people .Specially those that like to work ,like me.
It is just my opinion.
will457
3 months ago
2 comments
I have been employed by the federal government for three and a half years. I just found out 6 months ago that my job now requires a security clearance. I am in debt with credit cards the sum of $11,000.00 and have made arrangements to be represented by a debt settlement company to negoiate and settle my credit card debt. This process may take up to three years and the card accounts wouldn't be paid on a monthly basis while negoiations are going on . This will damage my credit but help my debt to income ratio in the future. How will this action affect me obtaining a security clearance.
Diddi55
4 months ago
2 comments
tekctrl.. sorry, but you're wrong, my cousin reapplied and was cleared after clearing up some financial issues. Read the text. It specifically says that you can appeal the decision or reapply for the same position or a new one after a year.
stormsgt
4 months ago
2 comments
how doe's a single person get a backgroud check done without a job, no cash even . I held a secret in the past. doe's that help anyway shape or form ?????????
ryanberry
4 months ago
4 comments
My name is Ryan Berry, I currently hold the grade of E-5 in the U.S Army, I have successfully completed 5 years and have always held the reputation as an outstanding soldier and above average NCO . I have recieved numerous awards for deployment to Iraq, five Army Achievment Medals, one of which was for winning the NCO of the month in September 2008, and numerous COA's, the Army good Conduct Medal, and Two Iraqi Campain Medals. I am a true believer in the Army values, soldiers creed, and NCO creed.
ffuller83
5 months ago
4 comments
This is great confidential clearance, wow! I have one of those already.
tekctrl
5 months ago
18 comments
The bad news is that if your clearance request is denied for Any reason you A) will NEVER know why (even if it was based on bad info or mistake/fraud on someone else's part), B) you will NEVER be able to do anything about it because you won't know 'why', and C) you'll NEVER be able to apply for any future work involving a clearance because a prior denial automatically results in another denial. Don't even bother asking the clearing agency for clarification, all you'll get will be "We don't have to tell you anything, so get lost!". (This includes Congressional inquiries). There are no reviews, no appeals, no feedback, and no second chances. BTW; You can't apply for a clearance until you have an offer that requires a clearance. If you've ever been denied a clearance, you'll never get the offer.
mjpierce24
5 months ago
2 comments
What happens if you need proof of the clearance? I have a clearance and lost the paper work I was given as proof. How do I go about obtaining that information?
dougmccullar
5 months ago
2 comments
Can you not apply for security clearance before you have an offer for a govenment position?
amaggard
5 months ago
8 comments
Very helpful. I always wondered if I could just apply myself or if you have to apply for a position with the government first. Now I know, great article!