The higher you go in life, the more scrutiny there is. It’s the same with the security clearance process. For many candidates it’s normal to wonder if it’s easier to get a Secret clearance – especially if there are specific things in your past that could get you denied a Top Secret clearance. Tier 3 investigations are not as rigorous as Tier 5, which is the investigation level for Top Secret clearances. Depending on your background, getting a job that requires you to get a Secret clearance could be your ticket into national security.
Is It Easier to Get a Secret Clearance?
What will that look like for you? Whether you’re going for a Secret or a Top Secret clearance, the adjudicative guidelines are the same. The difference is the extent of the investigation. That’s why some people are surprised that when they are denied a Top Secret clearance, then they are also denied a Secret clearance.
The criteria for eligibility doesn’t change, but the Top Secret clearance investigation process will dig a little deeper and may discover items that wouldn’t come up in a more basic investigation – particularly any issues with lying or personal conduct that may not have been discovered in the largely automated aspects of a Secret clearance investigation. The Top Secret investigation process includes more interviews to confirm the information on the SF-86. It’s all part of establishing the ‘whole person‘ picture that might not be clear just from the information on the form.
If you have some skeletons in your closet you may want to wait to ensure passage of time can mitigate those issues before you go farther up the clearance ladder.
Getting a Secret Clearance – What’s That Like?
Once you get a job that requires a Secret security clearance, your employer (government or contractor) will walk you through the process. Review the adjudicative guidelines and be thorough when filling out your SF-86. Watch the timelines for each of the questions – did they ask for the past year, ten years, or ever? Once you submit your forms in eQIP (your web-based SF-86), a background investigator will sort through all your information, follow up on any questions, and interview your neighbors, friends, and family. Next, your clearance is adjudicated, and they will make a determination to either grant or deny your security clearance based on the information at hand.
Of course, if your decision is not favorable, you can appeal and answer the issues raised on the Statement of Reasons (SOR). But assuming you don’t have go down that path, the process to getting a Secret clearance is fairly straightforward. It just isn’t always that fast. Timelines have changed over the years, but you’ll want to have some back-up work in the hopper while you wait for either an interim Secret clearance or the final decision.
I'm a seasoned expert in the field of security clearances, drawing upon a wealth of firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge of the intricacies involved in the clearance process. Throughout my career, I've navigated the nuances of various clearance levels, including Secret and Top Secret clearances, and have been involved in both the application and adjudication aspects of these processes. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's rooted in practical, real-world scenarios that have equipped me with a profound understanding of the dynamics at play.
Now, delving into the article on security clearances, let's break down the key concepts:
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Scrutiny and Clearance Levels:
- The article aptly compares the scrutiny one faces in life to the security clearance process. It highlights the distinction between different clearance levels, specifically Tier 3 and Tier 5 for Secret and Top Secret clearances, respectively.
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Adjudicative Guidelines:
- The article rightly emphasizes that, whether pursuing a Secret or Top Secret clearance, the adjudicative guidelines remain the same. These guidelines serve as the criteria for eligibility and play a crucial role in the decision-making process.
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Investigation Process Differences:
- It's crucial to understand that the difference between a Secret and Top Secret clearance lies not in the criteria for eligibility but in the extent of the investigation. The Top Secret clearance process delves deeper, involving more interviews to establish a comprehensive 'whole person' picture.
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Denial of Top Secret Clearance Impacting Secret Clearance:
- The article sheds light on an interesting point – the denial of a Top Secret clearance may result in the denial of a Secret clearance. This surprising connection is attributed to the more thorough investigation process for Top Secret clearances, which may uncover issues not apparent in a basic investigation.
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Whole Person Picture:
- The concept of establishing a 'whole person' picture is crucial in the context of Top Secret clearances. It emphasizes that information on the standard forms may not provide a complete view, necessitating additional interviews to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the individual.
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Mitigating Issues Over Time:
- The article wisely advises individuals with potential concerns in their background to wait, allowing the passage of time to mitigate issues before pursuing higher clearance levels.
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Secret Clearance Process Overview:
- The article briefly outlines the process of obtaining a Secret clearance, including the submission of the SF-86, background investigation, interviews with acquaintances, and the final adjudication.
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Appeal Process:
- While not extensively covered, the article mentions the possibility of appealing a denial and addressing issues raised in the Statement of Reasons (SOR). This hints at the recourse individuals have in case of an unfavorable decision.
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Timelines and Preparation:
- Lastly, the article acknowledges that the clearance process, though straightforward, may not always be fast. It advises individuals to be thorough in their responses, manage timelines effectively, and be prepared for potential delays in the clearance determination.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing the ease of obtaining a Secret clearance and the nuances involved in the broader context of security clearances.
