Students tentatively selected for the internship program must undergo a background investigation and receive the appropriate security determination, typically either a Secret or Top Secret security clearance. 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. In part, these issues could include current or past illegal drug use, to include marijuana, or alcohol abuse, criminal conduct, or a recent history of financial/credit problems. For more information, visit https://www.state.gov/security-clearances.
cpalamara2022-04-10T12:55:47-04:00
FAQs
What is involved in a security clearance investigation? ›
What information do you evaluate in the security clearance investigation? During the background and security clearance investigation, investigators will review delinquency in paying debts, tax obligations, certain criminal offenses and the illegal use or possession of drugs.
What does security clearance involve? ›This comprehensive process checks your identity, national immigration status, employment history, criminal record, and time spent abroad, among other things, depending on the clearance type you seek. Security clearance must be issued before you can begin working.
Do interns need security clearance? ›Some internship sites - especially federal government offices - require interns to obtain security clearance.
What is involved in a public trust clearance? ›A Public Trust Security Clearance refers to a status granted to individuals which allows them to gain access to classified information such as state secrets and military classified data. They also may gain access to restricted areas after the completion of a thorough background check.
What disqualifies you from secret clearance? ›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.
What does a security clearance interview consist of? ›You will be asked about a few matters that are not on your application, such as the handling of protected information, susceptibility to blackmail, and sexual misconduct. You will be asked to provide details regarding any potential security/suitability issues.
What shows up on a security clearance check? ›Security clearance information
The background investigation will: Review your previous and current employment history, including contact with your current employer. Verify your education, residential history and financial background. Interview your friends, neighbors, supervisors and coworkers.
It also can be a reason your existing clearance might be revoked. In other words, the government is constantly checking your credit, even after you get security clearance.
What is involved in a security check? ›Developed vetting clearance involves a comprehensive investigation into an individual's background, including their personal, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews and character references.
Do background checks verify internships? ›Employers may contact the previous employers listed on the candidate's resume or application to verify the dates of internship, employment, job titles held, and responsibilities undertaken during the tenure.
How long does an interim clearance take? ›
If it is your first one, a DOD clearance will generally take 2–4 months. If you have an active one with a different agency, it just needs to be transfered. You may get an interim secret within a few days to a few weeks though. DOS, DOE, DOJ, and CIA may have different timelines as they issue their own.
What is a security intern? ›Interns are recruited from the nation's high school, undergraduate, and graduate programs and will have the opportunity to apply concepts, protocols and tools acquired through coursework in the real world by working with cybersecurity/information technology experts or in cybersecurity/information technology support ...
What disqualifies you from public trust clearance? ›A history of deceptive or illegal financial acts like embezzlement, tax evasion, and fraud; Failure to satisfy your debts; and. Financial problems caused by gambling, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse.
What is the easiest clearance to get? ›National Security clearances range from confidential, which is the easiest to attain, to Secret, Top Secret, and SCI, which is the most challenging.
How long does SC clearance take? ›SC clearance asserts that the individual would not pose a risk in handling sensitive information. The answer to the question, how long does SC clearance take can vary, but on average the process will typically last for 6 weeks.
How far back does a security clearance investigation go? ›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.
While the security clearance process is rigorous and comprehensive, your personal browser history is not typically a factor considered during the investigation.