Tier 4 security clearance (2024)

FAQs

What are the 4 types of security clearance? ›

The four main types of security clearances for national security positions are: confidential, secret, top secret and sensitive compartmented information. This type of security clearance provides access to information that could cause damage to national security if disclosed without authorization.

There are three levels of security clearance: confidential, secret, and top secret. Who decides the level of clearance?

Tiers 1, 2 and 4 are for CAC/PIV Credentialing and Suitability & Fitness positions – They utilize the SF85 and the SF85P Security Questionnaires - These are not for Security Clearances. Tiers 3 and 5 are for Security Clearance positions, which require the SF86 Security Questionnaire.

Tier 1 is the investigation for positions designated as low-risk, non-sensitive. It is also the minimum level of investigation for a final credentialing determination for physical and logical access. Tier 1 investigations are requested using the Standard Form (SF) 85.

Tier 5 – Top Secret Security Clearance

As the highest level of security clearance, applicants can expect a more rigorous examination. If approved, this clearance gives cleared personnel access to information or material that could cause disastrous damage to national security.

There are three security clearance levels: confidential, secret, and top secret. Confidential is the lowest level of security clearance, and top secret is the highest. These levels correspond to the sensitivity of the information as classified by the government.

T3 is the investigation required for positions designated as non-critical sensitive and/or requiring eligibility for "L" access or access to Confidential or Secret information. T3R is the reinvestigation product required for the same positions. The Standard Form (SF) 86 is used to conduct these investigations.

In general, expect a CONFIDENTIAL or SECRET clearance to take between 1 and 3 months. A TOP SECRET will probably take between 4 and 8 months. However, some individuals have been waiting for the results of their TOP SECRET investigation for more than one year.

Information "above Top Secret," a phrase used by the media, means either Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or Special Access Program (SAP). It is not truly "above" Top Secret, since there is no clearance higher than Top Secret.

One type of background check that employers and government agencies use is a level 2 screening. This fingerprint-based background check is used to determine an individual's suitability for positions that involve a higher level of trust.

What is Tier 3 for? ›

The Tier 3 rule includes emission standards for chassis-certified heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) in two classes: Class 2b: GVWR = 8,501 - 10,000 lb. Class 3: GVWR = 10,001 - 14,000 lb.

To qualify for TS/SCI clearance, it's necessary to undergo a detailed background check to verify your work experience, education and personal history. At a minimum, the government requires that you be a citizen of the United States, prove that you have no drug dependencies and meet the overall qualification standards.

Tier 1 Suppliers: These are direct suppliers of the final product. Tier 2 suppliers: These are suppliers or subcontractors for your tier 1 suppliers. Tier 3 suppliers: These are suppliers or subcontractors for your tier 2 suppliers. These tiers can extend longer than three.

Minimum investigative scope: Past 10 years or until age 18; whichever is less. Personal information such as relationships and character references only go back 7 years. The investigation may be expanded as necessary to resolves issues/concerns or to address standards unique to the requesting agency.

High Risk IT (6C) Level positions who require preliminary personnel security. screenings. No contractor employees are permitted unescorted/unsupervised. access to ED facilities, unclassified sensitive information or IT systems, until they have submitted applicable investigative forms.

But what does that even mean, and how can you get the job – especially if you don't already have those credentials? The TS stands for the Top Secret security clearance. SCI stands for “Sensitive Compartmented Information” but it's not a level of clearance.

“Information 'above Top Secret,' a phrase used by the media, means either Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or Special Access Program (SAP). It is not truly 'above' Top Secret, since there is no clearance higher than Top Secret.

To qualify for TS/SCI clearance, it's necessary to undergo a detailed background check to verify your work experience, education and personal history. At a minimum, the government requires that you be a citizen of the United States, prove that you have no drug dependencies and meet the overall qualification standards.