The Security Clearance Process

The security clearance process determines whether a person is eligible for access to classified information. It is the same basic sequence for most federal employees and contractors, although agencies add their own steps. This page walks through each stage.

1. Sponsorship and the SF-86

A clearance is requested by a sponsoring agency or employer for a position that requires it. The applicant then completes the Standard Form 86 (SF-86), the Questionnaire for National Security Positions, through the electronic system designated by the agency. The form asks about residence, employment, education, relatives, foreign contacts and travel, finances, criminal history, drug and alcohol use, and mental health.

Accuracy and completeness are essential. Errors and omissions are a frequent source of later concerns.

2. Background Investigation

An investigative service provider, which for most of the government is the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), verifies the information on the form. The scope depends on the clearance level and typically includes:

• Records checks, such as criminal, credit, employment and education records.
• Interviews with references and associates.
• A subject interview with the applicant, in which investigators ask about the form and any issues found.

3. Adjudication

An adjudicator reviews the investigative file and decides whether eligibility is clearly consistent with the interests of national security. The decision applies the 13 guidelines in Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4) and the whole-person concept, taking account of the seriousness of the conduct, how recent it was, and the evidence of mitigation.

4. Decision and Next Steps

• Favorable: Eligibility is granted at the requested level.
• Unfavorable: The applicant receives written notice of the reasons, commonly a Statement of Reasons, and an opportunity to respond.

5. Appeal or Reconsideration

An applicant who receives an unfavorable decision can generally respond in writing and appeal, and contractors may request a hearing before DOHA. The procedure and deadlines depend on the applicant's status and the agency, and the notice states the response period. After a denial or revocation, reapplication or reinstatement may be possible once circumstances have changed.

Seeking Legal Assistance

A security clearance lawyer can help at any stage, particularly when a concern is anticipated before the SF-86 is submitted, when an interview raises questions, or when a notice is received.

Understanding each stage helps you prepare. Timelines vary by agency and clearance level, and results depend on the facts of each case.