What kind of things do they investigate during a background check for something like top secret security clearance?
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.
What will disqualify you from getting a top secret clearance?
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 questions do security clearance Investigators ask?
Additionally, it asks for information about arrests, illegal drug involvement, financial delinquencies, mental health counseling, alcohol counseling, military service, prior clearances, civil court actions, and subversive activities.
How long does a top secret clearance investigation take?
Top Secret clearance processing times are sitting around 159 days, on average. To gain Secret clearance, the process is taking around 132 days. These processing times are for industry applicants. Processing times are slightly faster for Department of Defense civilians and service members.
What percentage of security 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 happens during a security clearance investigation?
Using information obtained during the background investigation, the agency will make a determination as to the character and trustworthiness of the individual, and decide if he or she will be eligible for access to classified national security information.
What do employers see in a background check?
An employer might check on information such as your work history, credit, driving records, criminal records, vehicle registration, court records, compensation, bankruptcy, medical records, references, property ownership, drug test results, military records, and sex offender information.
Should I worry about background check?
Should I be worried about a background check? A background check is a prerequisite of the hiring process and cannot be avoided. As long as you are honest on your resume and understand your rights, you will not have anything to worry about. Be sure to review the background check laws in your state before applying.
Do I need a background investigator for a top secret clearance?
But if you’re applying for a Top Secret security clearance, or if there are any issues to address in your Secret security clearance, you should expect to be interviewed by a background investigator. Keep in mind the personal subject interview (PSI) is a critical part of your background investigation – and an opportunity.
How long does it take to get top secret security clearance?
Top-secret clearance takes four to eight months to complete (sometimes closer to a year depending on the applicant). Finally, a periodic reinvestigation (PR) is required every five years for top-secret security clearance. However, service members are subject to random reinvestigations at any time.
What happens at a security clearance interview?
The interview is your chance to clarify and inform. Use the opportunity to support what you’ve already submitted via your application, and prove your trustworthiness and reliability. Your background investigation interview is a critical step in both your initial security clearance process, and for subsequent investigations.
What does a military security clearance investigation look for?
A Department of Defense military security clearance investigation examines your character, conduct, criminal background, financial responsibility, and emotional stability. Basically, the DOD wants to establish that you are honest and trustworthy based on previous behavior.