Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on
Security clearance is a requirement for many US federal jobs. Here’s a guide to the different types and how to get clearance.
A security clearance is like a background check. It is required for individuals who are hired for US government jobs or any organization that handles information pertaining to national security. The security clearance process ensures your ability to securely access, manage, and protect classified information.
A security clearance is required for many government and cybersecurity roles worldwide. However, this article focuses on national security clearance in the US. It examines the process of obtaining a security clearance, the different types of security clearances that exist, and the jobs that may require them.
What is security clearance?
A security clearance is a tiered status. It is typically granted to federal employees, those working federal government agency jobs, and private contractors who work with the government. This comprehensive process examines your criminal record, credit history, personal conduct, and other details to confirm you are “reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and loyal to the United States” [1]. Security clearance must be issued before you can begin working.
Examples of organizations that require higher tiers of clearance include national security agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Over four million Americans have national security clearances, with 85 percent of them working with the Department of Defense (DoD).
Brief history of US security clearance
The authority for classifying information and granting security clearance is found in Executive Orders (EOs)—most recently in EO 13526. The origins of security clearance stem from the Pendleton (Civil Service) Act of 1883, which required that federal job applicants possess character, reputation, and trustworthiness, in part to prevent nepotism. In 1941, EO 8781 would require federal employees to be fingerprinted and FBI-investigated, and in 1948 EO 9835 required military personnel to adhere to these standards. In 1953 the order expanded to include most federal employees.
Levels of security clearance
National security clearances are organized into a hierarchy. Each of the three levels below indicates the maximum level of classified information you can access.
Confidential clearance: This type of security clearance is the least restrictive. It provides access to information that can cause damage to national security if it is disclosed without authorization. It must be reinvestigated for continued eligibility every 15 years. Additionally, confidential clearance requires a National Agency Check, Local Agency Check, and Credit Check (NACLC) [2].
Secret clearance: Provides access to information that can cause serious damage to national security if disclosed without authorization. Must be reinvestigated for continued eligibility every 10 years and requires NACLC and a Credit investigation [2].
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. Typically granted after a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI), for data related to counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and other extremely sensitive information [2].
Even when an employee gains a security clearance, the system operates on a need-to-know basis. Access rights are typically determined by the officers who are assigned to the department handling the requested data. There are two types of classified information that require additional clearance to access:
Sensitive compartmented information involves intelligence-related methods and sources. This clearance is typically granted only after rigorous SSBI and adjudication processes, and only in compartments with their own specific requirements and clearances [2].
Special access programs involve highly sensitive projects, usually established by the DoD for programs such as new military technology. This clearance level is granted to very few individuals [2].
How long does a security clearance last?
The duration of a security clearance varies with the level, generally expiring between 5 and 15 years after being granted. Typically, the higher the level of clearance, the shorter the duration.
Jobs that require security clearance
Anyone who works in a job that requires access to national security information requires clearance. This includes people in federal government and military jobs, from executive-level roles to non-sensitive positions in custodial staff. These roles may include librarians, IT system administrators, and more. Clearance levels must be at or higher than the level of information you will handle. They also vary according to your position, responsibilities, and the systems you use in your role.
In addition to federal agencies, those working for private organizations that have contracts with the government require a security clearance. Employees of companies, non-profit organizations, think tanks, and research organizations with federal contracts or grants may need to undergo this background investigation.
Agencies that deal with the intelligence community, federal law enforcement, diplomacy, and military often require higher levels of clearance. Besides the CIA and FBI mentioned above, these agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Defense Intelligence Agency, Office of National Security Intelligence, Homeland Security, and more.
How to obtain a security clearance
For any government-related jobs that require access to classified data, successful applicants will receive a job offer contingent on obtaining a national security clearance. The main steps for the security clearance process are:
1. Application
The US Offices of Personnel Management (OPM) will invite you to complete an application form with personal information and supporting documents through the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP). There are five tiers of investigation standards for security clearance applications, which are determined by the risk associated with the information the hiree may need to handle. Each tier has corresponding OPM e-QIP forms that need to be completed.
2. Investigation
You will undergo a comprehensive background investigation process to determine eligibility for access. Investigative requirements may involve reviewing financial, criminal, and medical records. Your investigation request may prompt The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) to contact your family, friends, neighbors, and past employers. The depth of investigation will depend on the level of security clearance needed. This process may extend over a long period of time. If the DSS is backlogged or needs more information, it could take anywhere from a couple of months to a year.
In some cases, hirees may be granted interim security clearance to start the job sooner.Interim clearance enables you to perform your job functions before a final decision is made on your security clearance.
3. Adjudication
Your investigation results will be then reviewed and evaluated according to the 13 adjudicative guidelines. These guidelines include allegiance to the United States, drug and alcohol misuse, criminal conduct, mental health, sexual behavior, and financial considerations. At the end of the adjudication process, you will be granted or denied security clearance.
A benefit to obtaining security clearance is that once you have one, you are eligible to apply for other jobs that require security clearance, even if it was granted by a different agency [3].
Five automatic disqualifiers for security clearances
1. You are not a citizen of the United States.
2. You have been dishonorably discharged from military service.
3. You are currently involved in the use of illegal drugs.
4. Your security clearance has been revoked for security concerns.
5. You have been judged as mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional.
Criminal charges and blemishes on your financial history, such as unpaid bills, can also disqualify you from obtaining a security clearance.
Explore cybersecurity with Coursera
Jobs in cybersecurity and InfoSec are in high demand, with a 35 percent growth rate between 2021 and 2031 [4]. Consider the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate to start building job-ready skills in cybersecurity. You'll gain hands-on experience with industry tools and examine real-world case studies, all at your own pace. Upon completion, you’ll have exclusive access to a job platform with over 150 employees hiring for entry-level cybersecurity roles and other resources that will support you in your job search.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
To obtain security clearance, you must be a US citizen and meet the 13 adjudiacative guidelines. Only employees who will be working for certain government agencies and related organizations that have access to classified information are required to obtain a security clearance.
Obtaining a security clearance can be difficult, since the requirements for higher-level intelligence jobs can be quite stringent. But as long as you have not committed any serious crimes and have a relatively clean history, you will likely gain the security clearance needed to be officially hired.In addition to security clearance, many information security jobs with the government or related organizations also require certain baseline cybersecurity certifications to validate their knowledge of best practices.
On average, security clearance can generate a 10 to 20 percent bump in salary, though this number varies depending on the security clearance level, role, and government agency [5].
Updated on
Written by:
C
Coursera Staff
Editorial Team
Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
As someone deeply immersed in the field of security and information technology, it's evident that security clearance is a crucial aspect of various professions, particularly in the realm of US federal jobs. I bring to the table a comprehensive understanding of the security clearance process, its historical context, and the nuanced levels associated with it.
Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
Security Clearance Overview: Security clearance is akin to a detailed background check, mandated for individuals employed in US government roles or organizations handling national security information. It assures the capability to securely manage and protect classified data.
Levels of Security Clearance: The article outlines three main levels of security clearance:
-
Confidential Clearance: Least restrictive, requiring reinvestigation every 15 years. Access to information that, if disclosed without authorization, could harm national security.
-
Secret Clearance: More restrictive, necessitating reinvestigation every 10 years. Provides access to information with the potential for serious damage if disclosed without authorization.
-
Top Secret Clearance: Most restrictive, with reinvestigation every five years. Grants access to information that, if disclosed without authorization, could cause grave damage to national security. Typically involves a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).
Additional Clearance Levels: Beyond the main tiers, the article introduces two specialized clearances:
-
Sensitive Compartmented Information: Involves intelligence-related methods and sources. Requires a rigorous SSBI and is compartmentalized with specific requirements.
-
Special Access Programs: Granted for highly sensitive projects, often related to new military technology. Limited to very few individuals.
Security Clearance Duration: The duration of a security clearance varies, with higher levels generally having shorter durations, expiring between 5 and 15 years after issuance.
Jobs Requiring Security Clearance: Numerous roles demand security clearance, ranging from federal government and military positions to private organizations with government contracts. This includes diverse roles like librarians, IT system administrators, and more.
History of US Security Clearance: Rooted in Executive Orders, particularly EO 13526, the history dates back to the Pendleton Act of 1883. Over time, orders such as EO 8781 and EO 9835 expanded the scope of security clearance, emphasizing character, reputation, and trustworthiness.
Security Clearance Process: Outlined in three key steps:
-
Application: Initiated through the US Offices of Personnel Management (OPM) using the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP).
-
Investigation: Comprehensive background check involving a review of financial, criminal, and medical records. The depth depends on the clearance level.
-
Adjudication: Review and evaluation of investigation results based on 13 adjudicative guidelines, determining eligibility for security clearance.
Automatic Disqualifiers for Security Clearance: The article lists five automatic disqualifiers, including not being a US citizen, dishonorable discharge from military service, current involvement in illegal drug use, revoked security clearance, and being judged as mentally incapacitated.
Benefits of Security Clearance: Once obtained, security clearance opens doors to apply for other jobs requiring clearance, even if granted by a different agency.
In closing, the field of security clearance is complex, rooted in history, and plays a pivotal role in safeguarding national interests. Whether one is navigating the intricate process or seeking to understand its significance in various roles, a nuanced comprehension is essential.
