Steps to Acquire Top-Secret Security Clearance

According to a graphic accompanying an article in yesterday’s USA Today, to get a top-secret security clearance, a candidate must successfully complete several steps…

To get a top-secret security clearance, a candidate must do the following:

• Fill out an extensive personal history;

• Have fingerprints and other identifying information checked against FBI, military and local law enforcement databases;

• Undergo a credit check;

• Corroborate date and place of birth and other personal information;

• Verify U.S. citizenship if born outside the USA;

• Account for foreign travel;

• Confirm education, employment and marital histories;

• Supply references;

• Allow spouse or cohabitant to be checked against national crime and security databases;

• Allow former spouses to be interviewed;

• Receive favorable reports from neighbors;

• Resolve any inconsistencies in a personal interview;

• At an agency’s discretion, pass polygraph tests on finances, drug use and other “lifestyle” questions;

Sources: Department of Defense; Office of Personnel Management; and CIA Directive 6/4, Annex A. Reported by Richard Willing, USA TODAY.

Filed Under: Procedures, Reference