Security Clearance Readiness

The basics

• Individuals generally cannot apply for a clearance on their own. Source(opens state.gov in a new tab)
• A government agency or an authorized employer starts the process for a position that requires access to classified information. Source(opens dcsa.mil in a new tab)
• The government — not the employer, and not this site — decides clearance eligibility. Source(opens dcsa.mil in a new tab)
• Eligibility, access to classified information, and a job offer are three different things. You can have one without the others.
• Not every defense or federal job requires a clearance. Source(opens usajobshelp.opm.gov in a new tab)
• No course, certificate, or payment can buy you a clearance.
• This tool helps you prepare. It cannot determine your eligibility or predict whether you'll be approved.

How sponsorship usually works

The general order of steps. Your sponsor's process may differ — follow their instructions.

1. 1

   Step 1: Find a position that requires a clearance.

   Federal job announcements on USAJOBS list clearance needs in the "Background and security clearance" section. Contractor job ads usually say it in the requirements.

   USAJOBS Help: How to filter your job search by security clearance(opens usajobshelp.opm.gov in a new tab)

2. 2

   Step 2: Confirm whether the employer sponsors initial clearances.

   Some positions only accept people who already have clearance eligibility. Others will start the process for a new hire. Ask the recruiter before you invest time.

3. 3

   Step 3: Follow the employer's hiring and sponsorship process.

   The sponsoring agency decides what level of investigation the position needs. For many federal jobs, the background investigation begins after you accept a (conditional) job offer.

   DCSA: Investigations & Clearance Process(opens dcsa.mil in a new tab)

4. 4

   Step 4: Verify your citizenship and complete the required questionnaire when instructed.

   Your sponsor will invite you to an official electronic system (currently called eApp) to complete the questionnaire, sign a certification, and sign releases. Only start when your sponsor sends the invitation.

   DCSA: Investigations & Clearance Process(opens dcsa.mil in a new tab)

5. 5

   Step 5: Complete fingerprints and other required steps.

   Fingerprints are usually needed if this is your first investigation. Your sponsor will tell you where and how.

   DCSA: Investigations & Clearance Process(opens dcsa.mil in a new tab)

6. 6

   Step 6: Respond to investigation requests and interviews.

   An investigator may contact you, your references, and past employers, and may ask you to explain or update answers. Real DCSA investigators carry credentials, and DCSA explains how to verify one.

   DCSA: Verify Your Investigator(opens dcsa.mil in a new tab)

7. 7

   Step 7: Receive the government's eligibility determination.

   A government adjudicator reviews the completed investigation and decides eligibility. Neither the employer nor the investigator makes this decision.

   DCSA: Investigations & Clearance Process(opens dcsa.mil in a new tab)

8. 8

   Step 8: If approved, complete required briefings, agreements, and access steps.

   Access to classified information also requires a need to know and a signed nondisclosure agreement. Reporting and ongoing vetting may continue after approval.

   U.S. Department of State: Security Clearance FAQs(opens state.gov in a new tab)

Reading clearance words in job ads

General meanings only. Employers word ads differently, so always confirm with the recruiter.

"Active Secret required"

Generally means the employer wants someone who already has current clearance eligibility. Confirm the details with the recruiter.

"Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance"

May mean the employer is willing to sponsor an initial clearance. Confirm with the recruiter — wording varies by employer.

"U.S. citizenship required"

On its own, this does not mean the job sponsors a clearance or even requires one.

"Public trust"

A type of background investigation for certain positions. It is different from a security clearance and uses a different questionnaire.USAJOBS Help: Background checks and security clearances(opens usajobshelp.opm.gov in a new tab)

"U.S. person" or export-control eligibility

Relates to export-control rules, not security clearances. It is a separate requirement — ask the employer what it means for the role.