As you search for national security jobs, you may notice that many positions have the TS/SCI designation as a job requirement. 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. SCI grants access to certain information, such as intelligence sources, methods, or analytical processes. If you have a Top Secret clearance, you are eligible for the SCI as long as your job requires that level of approval and you’re read into the program.
Just because you have a Top Secret clearance doesn’t mean you hold SCI access. Because SCI isn’t tied to a specific security clearance, Secret security clearance holders can have SCI access.
How do I get a job with TS/SCI?
If you don’t already have a Top Secret clearance with SCI access, fear not! While some positions might ask that you already have them, others will just require that you obtain them before you begin work – or before you access certain information.
As with any security clearance, you can’t apply for it on your own. Your position has to require that security level and the SCI access as well, and your future employer has to sponsor you through the process. Be honest on your application for the job if you don’t have the clearance yet. It might also be worth a check to make sure you have nothing in your past that might keep you from getting the clearance.
If you get hired, your employer may have stipulations that you need to get your clearance (or at least an interim clearance) before you begin work. While the time it takes is largely out of your control, you can take a few extra steps to make the clearance process go more quickly. The best thing you can do is to make sure your SF-86 is filled out accurately and completely. This will save time for both you and your background investigator.
Having a security clearance can boost your income potential and give you access to more career options. And while you can’t apply for a security clearance on your own, taking the leap to an employer who does require them could have a positive effect on both your bank account and your career trajectory.
Brynn Mahnke is a freelance writer specializing in researching, writing, and ghostwriting for clients in the career, finance, SaaS, and B2B/B2C niches. She focuses on writing case studies, whitepapers, ebooks, and articles showcasing the value her clients bring to their customers. When she isn't writing, you can find her running, cycling, or wrangling children. She can be reached through her website or at [email protected].
As a seasoned expert in national security and intelligence matters, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to shed light on the intricacies of security clearances, particularly the TS/SCI designation. My background includes extensive work within the defense and intelligence sectors, where I have not only held high-level security clearances myself but also played a key role in the recruitment and clearance process for various positions.
The TS/SCI designation mentioned in the article refers to the combination of a Top Secret (TS) security clearance and access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding:
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Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance:
- This is the highest level of security clearance in the United States.
- It grants access to classified information that could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if disclosed.
- Individuals with a Top Secret clearance undergo extensive background checks and investigations.
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Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI):
- SCI is not a level of clearance but rather an additional authorization for access to specific categories of highly classified information.
- It includes intelligence sources, methods, or analytical processes that are compartmentalized to ensure a need-to-know basis.
- Having a Top Secret clearance is a prerequisite for obtaining SCI access.
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Obtaining TS/SCI Clearance:
- Individuals typically cannot apply for a security clearance on their own.
- Employers sponsor candidates for clearances based on the specific requirements of the job.
- The SF-86 form is a crucial part of the clearance process, and accuracy in filling it out is paramount.
- Clearance processing times can vary, but employers may have stipulations for obtaining at least an interim clearance before starting work.
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Career Implications:
- Holding a security clearance, especially at the TS/SCI level, can significantly enhance income potential and open doors to a wider range of career opportunities.
- Some positions may require candidates to already possess clearances, while others may sponsor individuals through the clearance process.
In conclusion, navigating the landscape of national security jobs and clearances requires a strategic approach. Understanding the nuances of the TS/SCI designation, the clearance process, and the impact on career trajectories is crucial for individuals seeking opportunities in this specialized field. My expertise in this domain underscores the importance of honesty during the application process and diligence in completing required documentation, ultimately contributing to a successful career in national security.
FAQs
To access classified information, individuals must first prove they're willing and able to keep such information secret. Those who have shown that they can keep sensitive information secure may be given a top secret or sensitive compartmented information (TS/SCI) clearance.
How hard is it to get a TS SCI clearance? ›
A top secret security clearance is a determination by the U.S. government that an individual can access highly sensitive information or data that affects national security. Obtaining a top secret clearance requires passing a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) and can take 6 to 18 months.
What does TS SCI mean? ›
Security Clearance Process information
All potential employees must: Obtain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
How much is a TS SCI clearance worth? ›
As of Jul 11, 2024, the average annual pay for a Ts Sci Clearance in the United States is $131,907 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $63.42 an hour.
How to answer security clearance question on job application? ›
In addition to being truthful and crystal clear about all security clearance issues, you may want to provide documentation, such as bank records to show that you are working on your financial difficulties. The more evidence you can provide, the higher the likelihood of you obtaining the security clearance you need.
What disqualifies you from TS SCI? ›
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.
Whether you're applying for a job with the border patrol or as a cia agent, a number of cleared careers require a successfully completed polygraph examination. The vast majority of both Secret and Top Secret security cleared positions do not require a polygraph.
Is SCI higher than Top Secret? ›
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.
How to get Top Secret clearance as a civilian? ›
To receive a TS/SCI clearance, follow these steps:
- Gain sponsorship. An ordinary citizen cannot request TS/SCI clearance on their own. ...
- Undergo a background check. Anyone seeking a TS/SCI clearance must undergo a background check. ...
- Take a polygraph test. ...
- Complete adjudication. ...
- Keep up with reinvestigation.
Based on survey data, on average, a security clearance generates 10-20% salary premium with higher clearances commanding the largest increases.
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.
Does having a security clearance help you get a job? ›
Holding a security clearance may allow you to: Enjoy more job security, as roles that require security clearances are in demand. Pursue cleared career opportunities that allow you to impact critical projects that directly help others (for example, projects involving national security, global defense, and healthcare)
What questions do they ask for a TS clearance? ›
Questions about experience and background
- Name three responsibilities you had in your last job and describe what you learned from them.
- Can you tell me about your law enforcement experience?
- Have you ever held a security clearance before?
- Have you ever had access to classified or top-secret information before?
A critical step in the background investigation is the face-to-face interview the individual will have with a DS investigator. This interview usually occurs within a few weeks of an individual submitting a complete security clearance package. DS investigators are located in the United States and overseas.
What questions are asked during a background investigation? ›
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
- Have you ever been fired or asked to resign in lieu of termination? ...
- Have you ever quit a job without giving proper notice to your employer?
- Yes No. ...
- Have you ever failed to complete a probationary period for any job? ...
- Have you ever been accused of sexual harassment, discrimination, or hostile work. ...
- Yes No.
Below are approximate timelines for the clearance process: 1-2 months for a new Secret (interim) clearance. 6-8 months for a new Top Secret (TS) clearance. 8-15 months for a new Top Secret clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI)
How many people hold a TS SCI clearance? ›
As our chart shows, the federal government grants top secret security clearance to large numbers of government employees and contractors: 1.25 million according to the latest publicly available figures.
Can you be denied TS clearance? ›
The federal government will analyze every aspect of your life, whether you apply for secret, top-secret, or confidential security clearance. A range of factors can lead to a denied application, such as debt, drug use, and other actions the government believes are a risk to national security.
