What happens if security clearance is denied?

The federal government may need up to six months to approve your application for security clearance. If you’re denied, you will be issued a notice (a “Statement of Reasons” or SOR) that describes the specific reasons, disqualifiers, or areas of concern that determined the decision.

How many secret clearances are 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 security clearances are denied, but that is vastly different than the figure of final clearance denials, which hovers around 1%.

What disqualifies you from getting a top secret clearance?

Financial Issues Top secret clearance holders must have no significant financial concerns. If the background check reveals a considerable amount of debt, missed payments, tax evasion, collection judgments, check fraud, foreclosures, embezzlement or bankruptcies, your application might be rejected.

What are you expected to do when you hold a secret clearance?

If you hold a clearance, there are a number of standards of conduct you are expected to follow regarding:

your personal conduct, such as following the need-to-know principle.
self-reporting certain personal activities, like foreign travel.
reporting concerns about co-workers.

What is checked in a Secret security clearance?

Credit and criminal history checks will be conducted on all applicants. For a Top Secret security clearance, the background investigation includes additional record checks which can verify citizenship for the applicant and family members, verification of birth, education, employment history, and military history.

Is there a way to appeal a security clearance denial?

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that there is not a right to a security clearance, which means that the options for appealing a denial are limited and you’re not entitled to a free appointed attorney. You can, however, appeal your denial.

What causes a person to be denied a security clearance?

You may be denied security clearance for any number of reasons, including drug involvement, financial debt or affluence (being overly acquisitive), gambling addiction, undue foreign influence, reckless sexual behavior, technology misuse, or other behavior the government deems as a risk to national security.

Where does the Department of Defense process security clearances?

The Department of Defense Central Clearance Facility (DoDCAF) acts as the agency adjudicator for most government contractors and civilian and military employees. DoDCAF is located in Fort Meade, Maryland, and is charged with processing security clearances for most federal employees and government contractors.

How does the security clearance hearing process work?

If the contractor elects a Personal Appearance before an AJ, they will have the opportunity to present evidence and examine witnesses. After the hearing, the AJ will review the evidence and then issue a final decision. The hearing will be held in a metropolitan area near where the applicant lives or works.

What are the requirements for a secret clearance?

These occupations usually include technology, media or public affairs. To obtain a secret clearance while on Army National Guard duty, you must meet several requirements, including citizenship, sponsorship and need-to-know, and pass a background investigation.

What are the levels of secret clearance?

There are three levels of security clearance in the United States: confidential, secret and top secret. Top secret clearance is the highest security clearance level in the United States, and only individuals with this classification are privy to the most sensitive information within the United States government.

How much does a secret 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 long does secret clearance last?

Generally a clearance will be valid for 15 years for Confidential clearances; 10 years for. Secret clearances; and, 5 years for Top Secret clearances and Special Access Programs such as SCI.