Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to receive a security clearance?
Yes.
What is the purpose of a security clearance?
The purpose of a security clearance is to allow an individual access to classified national security information.
Who determines whether I need a security clearance? When does this happen?
If the position requires access to classified information, a background investigation must be conducted. This is done after a conditional offer of employment is given to an applicant.
How many types or levels of security clearance are there?
There are three levels of security clearance: confidential, secret, and top secret.
What work does a security clearance allow a person to do?
A security clearance allows an individual filling a specific position to have access to classified national security information up to and including the level of clearance that they hold as long as the individual has a “need to know” the information and signed a non-disclosure agreement.
What factors are considered?
National security eligibility determinations take into account a person’s:
- Stability
- Trustworthiness
- Reliability
- Discretion
- Character
- Honesty
- Judgment
- Unquestionable loyalty to the U.S.
What factors may not be considered?
In making a national security eligibility determination, the federal government does not discriminate on the basis of:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- National origin
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
Negative conclusions cannot be made solely on the basis of mental health counseling.