Resources for the Clearance Holder or Applicant

Security Clearance Toolbox

Answers to some of the most common questions we hear from clients and issues addressed by adjudicators.

Five Tips for Getting and Keeping a Clearance

Five foundational considerations for clearance holders.

Understanding Interim Clearance and Denials

Generally speaking, a security investigation can take months. Many federal agencies need to fill positions faster than that, so they cannot always wait for the final clearance. In these situations, an applicant may be approved for an interim security clearance until the final clearance comes through.

Completing the Personnel Security Questionnaire

The first step in getting a security clearance involves completing the Personnel Security Questionnaire or, SF-86. Most likely, it will involve completing the SF-86 online, using the Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing system, or e-QIP (pronounced “Equip”), though some agencies still rely on a PDF version of the SF-86. The level of clearance granted will be Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret.

How to Request Your DoD Security Clearance Records

Security clearances are subject to review, and maintenance of the clearance depends on the absence of adverse information from the clearance file. If the clearance holder believes there is something in her/his/their security clearance file that may compromise clearance eligibility, the first thing to do is find out what is actually in the file.