FAQs
How to Respond to Interrogatories During the Security Clearance
- Always Tell the Truth. This is not the time to “forget” to mention something questionable about your past, nor is it wise to mislead investigators in any way. ...
- Be Clear. ...
- Be Thorough. ...
- Get Assistance.
What will disqualify you from a security clearance? ›
What can disqualify you?
- 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.
- You have had a clearance revoked for security reasons.
Is it hard to get a DOD security clearance? ›
The entire process takes, on average, 9-12 months and having a security clearance already may not speed up the process. You can only start the process after you receive a conditional offer. You will need to complete SF-86. Once you submit the SF-86, the security team will review it and contact you for more information.
What percentage of security clearances are denied? ›
Statistical Data Overview
So exactly what is the chance your security clearance will be denied? We got some numbers for you on that. Between 2015 and 2020, about 2-5% of security clearance applications faced denial each year.
What is a good security answer? ›
According to the Good Security Questions website, answers to a good security question should meet these criteria: Safe: Cannot be guessed or researched. Stable: Does not change over time. Memorable: Can be remembered.
Does everyone get interviewed for security clearance? ›
Some lower-level clearances, such as Security Check (SC) or Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) roles, will often only require a written questionnaire and a background check. For higher level clearances, an interview is a must.
What are red flags for security clearance? ›
Financial Records
A history of financial problems is the number one reason why drivers fail to receive security clearance. More drivers are denied from receiving security clearance for financial problems than any other issue. (Personal conduct is the second most common.)
Do security clearances check Internet history? ›
While the security clearance process is rigorous and comprehensive, your personal browser history is not typically a factor considered during the investigation.
Why do people fail security clearance? ›
Refusing to complete or be truthful on security clearance forms; A “pattern of dishonesty” or rule violations; Association with people involved in any kind of crime; Negative feedback from acquaintances, employers, or coworkers; and.
What is the hardest clearance to get? ›
Top secret clearance: This type of security clearance is the most restrictive and provides access to information that can cause grave damage to national security if disclosed without authorization. Must be reinvestigated for continued eligibility every five years.
For Confidential clearances, investigations typically examine the past 7 years. Secret clearances involve a deeper look, generally covering up to 10 years.
What is the easiest security 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. Public Trust clearances are either low, moderate, or high risk, and Non-sensitive are the least extensive, requiring only criminal background and credit checks.
How long are security clearances taking right now? ›
How long does the security clearance process take? The security clearance process takes an average of three to four months to complete but can take up to a full year to complete depending on your background.
Can you get fired if security clearance is denied? ›
For the majority of government employees, acquiring and maintaining a security clearance is a must. As a result, it is normal for many government employees to experience anxiety about their clearance, because if it is revoked or denied, they would most certainly lose their jobs.
Do all security clearances require a polygraph? ›
A polygraph, commonly known as a lie detector test, is used to verify the truthfulness of your responses during the clearance process. It's not required for all security clearances, but certain high-level positions, especially those involving national security, may necessitate it.
How do you answer a security guard interview question? ›
Sample Answer: I want to work for your company because I understand the importance of a security team to your property. I know that my job is to keep your staff and property safe from harm. I'm excited to be a part of your team and to work with you in the future. Question: Why should we hire you?
What should I put for security clearance? ›
Acknowledge that you are cleared TOP SECRET (TS)/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or Special Intelligence (SI)/TALENT- KEYHOLE (TK) as appropriate. 3. Say that you have had an Agency Special Background Investigation (SBI) and/or polygraph along with dates of the polygraph.
What do you write in a security answer? ›
The best security questions and answers are safe, memorable, consistent, specific and unpredictable.
- Safe: Ensure that the answer to your security question is confidential and cannot be easily guessed by others. ...
- Memorable: You should be able to recall the answer to your security question without writing it down.
How do you explain security clearance? ›
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.