Security Clearance and Employment

A security clearance is a condition of many federal and contractor positions. When a clearance is denied or revoked, the effect on a person's job and career depends on the position, the employer and the agency's own policies. This page explains the employment consequences and the options available.

Why Clearances Matter for Employment

• Position requirements: Many positions with the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and the intelligence community require eligibility for access to classified information as a condition of the job.
• Employer decisions: The government decides clearance eligibility. The employer decides what happens to the position if eligibility is not granted.

Possible Consequences of a Denial or Revocation

• Loss of eligibility for the position: A person who cannot hold the required clearance generally cannot remain in a position that requires it.
• Reassignment or separation: Depending on agency or employer policy, an employee may be reassigned to a position that does not require a clearance, or may face separation.
• Limited future opportunities: A denial or revocation is a record that can affect later applications for cleared positions.

Courts generally do not review the merits of clearance decisions, so the administrative process described below is where a decision is challenged.

Options After an Adverse Decision

• Read the notice carefully: A Statement of Reasons or denial letter states the specific concerns and the period for responding. The period stated in your notice controls.
• Respond in writing: Provide a complete response with supporting evidence, such as records, character references and evidence of corrective action.
• Use the appeal process: Executive Order 12968 provides for written notice, an opportunity to reply, access to counsel and an appeal to a higher-level review panel. Contractors proceed through DOHA.
• Consider reapplying later: After a period of time and changed circumstances, reinstatement or reapplication may be possible.

Planning Your Career in the Meantime

• Non-cleared positions: Positions that do not require a clearance may be available while a decision is being challenged.
• Private-sector work: Skills developed in cleared work often transfer to roles that do not require a clearance.
• Documentation: Keep records of any training, treatment, financial steps or other actions you take to address the concerns.

Seeking Legal Assistance

A security clearance lawyer can explain which process applies to your employment status, help prepare a response, and represent you in administrative proceedings.

A clearance denial can have serious career consequences, but it is not always final. The response you prepare and the process you follow can affect the result. No outcome can be guaranteed.