In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of security clearances, exploring what they entail, the different types, and 5 automatic disqualifiers for security clearances.
Getting a secret clearance is crucial for many roles in the government and military that involve access to sensitive information. However, the process is extremely rigorous, with investigators comprehensively evaluating your past actions, character, and trustworthiness.
Unfortunately, a secret clearance is never guaranteed. For example the National Security Agency recently denied 9.2% of requests – the highest denial rate of any government agency.
So what could potentially disqualify you from getting this important clearance? Here are 12 of the top reasons that may hinder your application.
1. Financial Issues
A history of failing to meet financial obligations will raise red flags about your reliability and self-control. Signs like living beyond your means, an inability to pay debts, or not paying taxes indicate you may be easily manipulated for money.
You can ease concerns by showing the problems were out of your control, getting counseling, or arranging debt repayment plans.
2. Foreign Connections
If you have substantial foreign contacts, business/financial interests, or family overseas, you may be seen as vulnerable to exploitation. Disclose all foreign ties immediately and explain they’re unlikely to cause conflicts.
3. Questionable Allegiance
Anything causing suspicions about your loyalty to the US, like ties to anti-government groups, could disqualify you. Alleviate worries by showing your involvement was unintentional or happened long ago.
4. Sexual Behavior
Compulsive sexual activities or high-risk behaviors lacking discretion may lead to rejection. Demonstrate good judgement in sexual matters to avoid raising concerns.
5. Dishonesty
Lying during your review, withholding information, or refusing to cooperate are automatic disqualifiers. Be completely truthful to avoid casting doubt on your integrity.
6. Criminal Activity
Any serious offenses, multiple minor crimes, or an ongoing criminal lifestyle will likely bar you from clearance. Your best option is proving you’ve reformed through rehabilitation programs and maintaining a clean record.
7. Substance Abuse
Alcohol or drug abuse that’s led to legal issues, addiction, or on-the-job impairment are all problematic. The best way to mitigate worries is by completing treatment and staying sober.
8. Mental Health Issues
Disorders causing self-harm, violence, instability, or impaired judgement may lead to disqualification. Show you can manage the condition through counseling and treatment compliance.
9. Mishandling Information
Improperly revealing or negligently handling sensitive data will cast doubt on your trustworthiness. Explain any lapses were accidental and have since been corrected.
10. Technology Misuse
Unauthorized computer access or data tampering will also bar you from clearance. Prove it was unintentional and you’ve taken steps to fix the issue.
11. Discharge Status
A dishonorable discharge from the military is an automatic disqualifier. Other than honorable discharges will likely require a waiver. An honorable discharge helps your chances enormously.
12. Non-US Citizenship
You must be a US citizen to receive a security clearance. Dual citizenship can also complicate or delay the process if ties to the other country seem stronger. Renouncing foreign citizenship may be required.
While having a totally spotless background isn’t necessary, minimizing red flags will give you the best shot at clearance approval. Be completely honest, highlight mitigating circumstances, and showcase personal growth from past mistakes. This will reassure investigators of your trustworthiness.
With military and government jobs becoming more competitive, a denied clearance could seriously limit your options. But being forthright, patient and avoiding obvious pitfalls will help steer your candidacy in the right direction.
What to do if you are Disqualified for Security Clearance
Receiving notice of disqualification for security clearance can be disheartening, but all is not lost.
There are steps you can take to address the disqualification and potentially regain eligibility.
The first crucial step is to understand the specific reasons for your disqualification.
The notice you receive will likely outline the grounds for denial.
It could be related to financial issues, criminal conduct, allegiance concerns, or other factors.
Understanding the precise reasons is essential for crafting an effective response.
What Types of Security Clearance are there?
Security clearances come in three primary classifications, each dictating access to distinct tiers of classified information: Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret.
Confidential clearance provides access to information that, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to cause damage to national security.
Secret clearance encompasses information that, if revealed, could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage.
At the highest level, Top Secret clearance allows access to information that, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage.
The progression from Confidential to Top Secret reflects a proportional increase in the sensitivity of the data individuals are permitted to access, emphasising the need for a precise match between clearance levels and the nature of the classified information involved.
What May Delay, But Won’t Disqualify You From Obtaining a Security Clearance
FAQ
What will deny you a secret clearance?
Personal Conduct
An individual’s behavior and character play a significant role in security clearance determinations. Some key areas of concern include: Criminal behavior and arrests, even if they didn’t result in convictions, can be disqualifying. The nature, seriousness, and recency of the offense are all considered.
What automatically disqualifies you from a security clearance?
What’s an Automatic Disqualifier for a Security Clearance? Outside of requiring American citizenship, there is only one thing that is an automatic disqualifier for obtaining a federal security clearance – current, ongoing use of an illegal drug.
How far back does a secret clearance look?
Security Clearance Adjudicative Process
The clearance process for Secret level access uses an investigation called the National Agency Check with Law and Credit that goes back five years, while the clearance process for Top Secret uses a Single Scope Background Investigation that goes back ten years.
Why would you not pass a security clearance?
Factors that could call your reliability into question would include, but not be limited to, criminal convictions, drug convictions, a police record, and association with ‘undesirable’ people (known anarchists or other political or religious extremists, for example) or criminals.