Do I Keep My Security Clearance?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A government requires a

periodic reinvestigation every 15 years for a “confidential” clearance

, every 10 years for “secret,” and every 5 years for “top secret.” When a clearance is inactivated (because of switching jobs or leaving the military), it can be fairly easy to reinstate within the first 24 …

Do I keep my security clearance after leaving the military?


A security clearance is inactivated when someone leaves

the military, government civilian job, or contractor job. It can be reactivated within 24 months, provided that the last background investigation falls within this above time frame.

Do you keep your security clearance with a honorable discharge?

Generally, a security clearance after separation from

the military is good for 24 months or 2 years

–but much depends on how old the original clearance or investigation was. … If you are due for a re-investigation of a SECRET clearance, your re-screening may be valid for 10 years unless circumstances change.

Does military discharge affect security clearance?

With regard to number 1, above, an enlisted member can receive a Dishonorable Discharge. … Receipt of an OTH

may impact

on an ability to obtain a clearance, but receiving an OTH does not preclude getting a clearance in the same manner as does receipt of a Dishonorable Discharge/Dismissal.

Do you lose your security clearance when you leave your job?


You automatically lose your access to classified information when you leave your job

, but your security clearance may remain current if no incidents or flags are placed in your file. Cleared professionals, just like anyone else, may be fired for a variety of reasons.

What disqualifies you from a security clearance?

These conditions may disqualify you from access to classified information:

Drug abuse

.

Illegal drug possession

.

Diagnosis of drug abuse or dependence by a medical professional

.

How far back does a security clearance go?

The clearance process for Secret level access uses an investigation called the National Agency Check

Do security clearances check Internet history?

Security clearance background investigators

do not check your browsing history

, read your emails, surveil your every move, bug your telephones, or photograph you commuting to work.

What happens if I fail a security clearance?

Federal contractors, civilian government employees, and military employees can reapply for a security clearance after one year. … In many cases,

no security clearance means no job

. You may be the most qualified candidate for a position, but you won't get the job if you can't get the clearance that goes with the job.

How often are security clearances denied?

You may even wonder if you should continue with the process, particularly if you're not getting a paycheck while you wait. But don't lose heart –

20-30% of all interim are denied

, but that is vastly different than the figure of final clearance denials, which hovers around 1%.

How much does a security clearance cost?

The average cost to process a SECRET clearance can run from several hundred dollars to $3,000, depending upon individual factors. The average cost to process a TOP SECRET clearance is

between $3,000 and about $15,000

, depending upon individual factors.

How much does a secret security clearance add to salary?

City San Jose Annual Salary
$115,006
Monthly Pay
$9,584
Weekly Pay
$2,212

How do I check my security clearance status?

  1. Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS)
  2. Security Investigations Index (SII)
  3. Call DoD at 1-888-282-7682.

Can I get a security clearance if I have bad credit?

Checking your credit score is one of many suggestions for dealing with debt so it

won't

affect your ability to get a security clearance.

What are the requirements for a security clearance?

  • The first phase is the application process. This involves verification of U.S. citizenship, fingerprinting and completion of the Personnel Security Questionnaire (SF-86).
  • The second phase involves the actual investigation of your background. …
  • The final phase is the adjudication phase.

Does security clearance check bank accounts?

They run a credit check and run your name and SSN through NICS. If there are problems you'll be asked to provide more information. You don't have to provide the information (such as bank statements) but

the clearance process will stop

if you don't provide it.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.