How long does a security clearance last?

A government security clearance 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 months, as long as that falls …

How often do you have to reinvestigate your security clearance?

A government security clearance requires a periodic reinvestigation every 15 years for a “confidential” clearance, every 10 years for “secret,” and every 5 years for “top secret.”

What happens to my security clearance after I leave a job?

Your security clearance remains current for a period of two years after you leave a cleared job. If it has been more than two years since you last held a position requiring a clearance, your investigation is no longer up-to-date. A new investigation is required.

How long does it take to get a security clearance from OPM?

In its turn, OPM farms the work of background checks to outside contractors (e.g. CACI, KeyPoint Government Solutions, etc.). The entire clearance process currently lasts anywhere from three months to one year, although the government is trying to shorten the time period.

How long does a lapsed security clearance last?

Lapsed Security Clearance. Your security clearance remains current for a period of two years after you leave a cleared job. If it has been more than two years since you last held a position requiring a clearance, your investigation is no longer up-to-date. A new investigation is required.

How long do you have to have a security clearance for a job?

Security Clearance. Some jobs require a security clearance. The security clearance level depends on the type of access to classified information and secure facilities that you’ll need to perform your job. For jobs that require a security clearance, you’ll need to provide at least 10 years of personal information and maybe more.

How often is a top secret security clearance renewed?

There are circumstances in which limited records checks or an investigation may be conducted on a spouse or cohabitant. How often is a security clearance renewed? An individual is normally subject to reinvestigation approximately every five years for a Secret or Top Secret clearance.

How often do you need a security clearance reinvestigation?

A periodic reinvestigation (PR) into your character and record is required every 15 years for confidential security clearance. Check the below sections for more detailed information about the different security clearance disqualifiers.