How to elevate your security clearance

The level of security clearance you hold can significantly impact your career progression, access to projects, and overall marketability. Below are some strategies I’ve gathered from personal experience and from speaking with thousands of cleared professionals, that you can use to upgrade your security clearance from Secret to Top Secret, from TS to TS/SCI, and explore the potential for polygraph clearances. 

Understanding the Different Levels of Security Clearance

Security clearances in the US are primarily categorized into three levels: Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. Secret clearances allow access to information that, if disclosed, could significantly compromise national security interests. Top Secret clearances provides access to information that, if disclosed, could cause "exceptionally grave damage" to national security. Beyond Top Secret, certain information requires Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access, indicating it is so sensitive that even within its classification level, access is restricted to those with a need-to-know.

Agencies and Positions That Utilize Top Secret Clearances

Top Secret clearances are predominantly required within defense, intelligence, and homeland security agencies. Notable examples include the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Agencies (IC), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and certain civilian agencies. Positions may range from intelligence analysts, cybersecurity experts, and engineers to project managers and consultants, all of whom handle information critical to national security.

Starting with a Secret Clearance

Professionals holding a Secret clearance should seek roles that provide a clear path to Top Secret clearance. This can often be found in job listings or through discussions during the interview process. Some organizations are willing to sponsor the upgrade for promising candidates who demonstrate the requisite trustworthiness and capability.

Utilizing Opportunities Within Your Current Role

Look for tasks or projects in your current position that may require an elevated clearance, such as escorting visitors into cleared areas, or needing access to Top Secret applications to help perform administrative functions.

An example of this would be a recruiter needing to get cleared so they can look up security clearances of candidates, or a systems administrator needing their clearance upgraded so they can access classified networks.

A willingness to do jobs no one else wants to or feels like doing can provide a great avenue to getting your clearance upgraded.

Networking and Professional Development

Leverage your professional network, including colleagues, supervisors, and industry contacts, to discover opportunities for clearance upgrades. Speak to people outside of your team or company, and learn about what they are doing and what needs they could have for a cleared person. Pursuing relevant certifications and continuous learning can bolster your eligibility for higher clearances as well.

Top Secret Clearances

Upgrading to a Top Secret clearance involves an elevated vetting process, including a more extensive background check than the Secret level. Candidates must complete the SF-86 questionnaire again, undergo an interview(s), and provide references. The process assesses a range of factors, including financial history, foreign contacts, and personal conduct.

Eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)

Once a Top Secret clearance is obtained, you may be eligible for SCI access, depending on the role and the specific requirements of the program you are working on. SCI eligibility further enhances one's ability to contribute to high-stakes national security projects. SCI access and eligibility can depend on a variety of factors including foreign contacts, financial history, unexplained affluence, personal conduct, and any other factors that may be a risk to the specific program and national security interests.

SCI access is determined on a program by program basis. But having an SCI in a previous position will indicate to employers that you should have no issue obtaining an SCI on their specific program.

Polygraph Examination

For certain positions, especially within intelligence agencies, a polygraph examination may be required. This process can be lengthy and intensive, focusing on issues such as foreign contacts, criminal history, and personal behavior. Preparation and transparency are key, and candidates should seek guidance from their program's security officer. The polygraph process can often take months, so if you need a position immediately and do not currently have a polygraph, this may not be your best option.

Navigating Challenges and Maintaining Your Clearance

Maintaining a security clearance requires ongoing vigilance regarding personal finances, foreign travels, and social interactions. Regularly review your clearance status and be proactive in addressing any potential issues that could impact your clearance level. Always report any potentials issues to your program or facility security officer immediately!

When it comes to personal conduct issues and how they relate to security clearances, the cover up is often worse than the crime.

Resources

For the most current information and detailed guidance on the security clearance process, professionals should refer to official resources such as the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and their Facility or Program Security officer.

To discuss how obtaining and maintaing security clearances can impact your career or business, or any other recruitment challenges you are facing, reply to this email or set up a call.

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📚 Continuing Education

The 2024 ClearanceJobs Security Clearance Compensation Report can give you a good idea of how elevating your clearance can impact you financially.

STEM Solutions is proud to present this issue of the SF-86. STEM Solutions specializes in the recruitment of cleared professionals. The federal talent market is as competitive as it gets, and we’ll help you win by getting the best talent, faster. Schedule a time to speak with us today. **