A security clearance is a determination made by the government that an individual or a company is eligible for access to classified information. These most commonly relate to government, military and defense, and contracting jobs.
There are different levels of clearances:
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Classified: Access is reserved for information that would cause serious harm to national security if disseminated.
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Secret: The disproportionate harm to national security that could be expected to result from disclosure of the record.
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Top Secret (TS): Need-to-know on information that could reasonably result in exceptionally grave damage to national security.
The level of clearance depends on the position and the type of material to which the employee needs access.
How Long is a Security Clearance Valid For?
The length of a security clearance varies depending on the specifics of a case, such as the level of clearance and compliance with government regulations. Usually, clearances are in effect for a certain period and as long as the holder satisfies the appropriate eligibility standards and is still required to have such access.
How long does a security clearance usually take?
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Confidential Eligibility is good for 15 years
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Secret Clearance: Lasts 10 years
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Top Secret: It Expires After Five Years
These timelines are calculated from the date you were last subject to a completed background investigation or re-investigation, not from the date you receive your clearance.
It’s worth noting that although you may not lose your clearance overnight after leaving a clearance position, you’d automatically be denied access to classified information. Although the clearance can remain “current” for a time after you leave, it helps make it easier to reinstate if you are rehired or take another role that requires a clearance.
The Reinvestigation Process
Reinvestigations are required in order to keep a clearance. The purpose of a reinvestigation is to ensure that the clearance holder still meets the criteria for access. This procedure may involve examining:
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Financial history
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Criminal activity
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Substance abuse
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Relationships and foreign contacts
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Behavioral patterns
According to the indictment, the brother-in-law exchanged online messages with an alleged member of ISIS living in Turkey to prepare for trips to join the fighters.
Reinvestigation Intervals
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Confidential Clearances are eligible for reinvestigation every 15 years.
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Investigations of Secret Clearance holders must be updated every 10 years.
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It is required to revalidate a Top Secret Clearance every 5 years.
A clearance can be inactivated if the reinvestigation isn’t finished in time, although that doesn’t mean the individual has lost their clearance altogether. They must go through an updated security review to regain their clearance.
What It Means When a Clearance Expires
Failing to renew or reinvestigate a security clearance in a timely manner results in its expiration. If your clearance is lapsed, that does not mean that you cannot have access to classified information. But a lapse is not the same thing as revocation. Here’s what you need to know:
Grace Period
Clearance is generally reactivatable up to two years after expiration. At the same time, the clearance can also usually be restored without having to go through the entire investigation process all over again.
Extended Time
If you’ve been out of a position that required access to classified information for more than two years, your clearance might need to be reinvestigated from scratch.
For instance, someone with Top Secret clearance who leaves a job can be re-hired within two years and their clearance can be restored without a full investigation. But any delay longer than two years might reset the entire security process.
Features that May Affect Clearance Time
Security clearances do not last forever; whether you are eligible for one, or must return for a different item, the following can be accelerated or negatively influence the expiration process:
Changing Jobs
You do not have access to classified materials when you leave a clearance-required position. Although your clearance doesn’t technically expire on its own, you will need to make moves if you hope to transfer it to a new job without reapplying.
Noncompliance with Rules
Committing illegal acts, mismanaging your financial affairs, or doing anything to put yourself in a position where you could be a security risk will place your clearance in jeopardy. A periodic review can reveal such problems and result in suspension or even revocation.
Life Circumstances
Major life changes, such as living overseas, marrying a foreign national or a large debt could become a concern during a re-investigation. These behaviors do not automatically result in loss of your clearance, but can prompt increased scrutiny.
Clearance Upgrades
If whatever you’re in for now needs a higher level than you hold now you may need to require a new investigation and then you’re in from that date.
Keeping Your Security Clearance: Can I Get a Job Once I’m Out of the Military?
To facilitate the retention of your clearance, please note:
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Stay in Active Roles
Always up in a clearance-required job, so never have to worry and no need to be reinstated. -
Expectations for the reinvestigation agenda for this year, too.
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Keep track of when your next reassessment is scheduled to take place. Maintain your own documentation current, i.e. financial statements and history of travel to facilitate the process.
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Avoid Risky Behaviors
Stay out of legal trouble, run up huge debts, and get involved in foreign entanglements to avoid putting your security status at risk. -
Communicate with Employers
If you are worried about your clearance going into jeopardy or lapsing, keep open channels of communication with your employer or security officer. They may help you work through mitigation measures. -
Stay Organized
Keep track of your most important security clearance dates and requirements to never get caught off guard again.
Why Security Clearances Count
Its security clearances offer vital protection for businesses and government entities. Cleared staff support national security and the sanctity of operations.
For an individual, having and holding a clearance can mean tremendous professional advancement opportunities, especially for high-impact positions.
Because they play such an important role, it is necessary to know how to keep your clearance and take proactive measures to ensure that all policies are being met.
Know Your Clearance Timeline
Knowing the timetable and qualifications for your security clearance can save you time and hassle in order to maintain your qualifications. Clearances expire, but by staying on top of them, and their accompanying deadlines, you increase your chances of avoiding any last-minute craziness or holes in your resume.
For those who hold security clearances, it’s always good practice to track your status, keep up with compliance requirements, and be prepared for eventual reinvestigations. Once you’re used to clearance requirements, you can avoid accidentally lapsed clearances with the next step.
Need More Help?
Looking for more advice on clearing your clearance? Just take a look at our in-depth guides, or if that’s not enough, join others in the space to get your questions answered.
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