The time between submitting your application and receiving a decision on your security clearance can be notoriously long. The security clearance process is thorough, leaving no stone unturned to grant access to national security matters. But your job may need you to start performing some essential duties in the meantime: Enter the interim security clearance.
The interim security clearance allows you to perform your job functions before receiving a final decision on your security clearance. Essentially, the government decides whether they can risk an interim determination for you before going through the background investigation and adjudication process.
1. Use THE “ADDITIONAL COMMENTS” SECTION
When you apply for a security clearance, you will fill out the Standard Form 86 (SF-86). The document is lengthy, but the thoroughness of your responses will help speed up the timeline to your clearance approval – or denial. In the “additional comments” section, be sure to address any potential issues you’ve indicated on the form. For example, being detailed and transparent about past drug use or time spent abroad will make a difference in the decision for an interim security clearance.
2. THE PROCESS IS HIGHLY SUBJECTIVE
Although it might be frustrating to hear, an interim security clearance approval or denial often depends on the person reviewing the application. Misdemeanors, getting in trouble in college, or even having overdue library books can disqualify you from an interim clearance if it seems like it’s important to complete the background investigation first.
3. THE WAIT PERIOD VARIES PER CLEARANCE LEVEL
Because access to national security matters is based on the initial review of the SF-86, the waiting period to receive one is much shorter. For an interim Top Secret clearance, expect to receive a decision after several weeks. Interim Secret clearances, however, can be granted or denied within a few days.
4. THERE IS NO APPEAL PROCESS
Unlike a full security clearance, the decision on your interim clearance is final. If you’re denied, you won’t be permitted to appeal. You just have to wait for the full background investigation to run its course.
5. BUT A DENIAL ISN’T AN AUTOMATIC REJECTION
If your request for an interim security clearance is denied, your dreams of a security clearance aren’t lost! The denial rate for interim clearances is around 20 to 30% but is only 1% for full security clearances. So if you receive a denial, be patient; odds are you’ll be a security clearance holder working to protect our national security soon.
FAQs
If your request for an interim security clearance is denied, your dreams of a security clearance aren't lost! The denial rate for interim clearances is around 20 to 30% but is only 1% for full security clearances.
How hard is it to get an interim secret clearance? ›
If your request for an interim security clearance is denied, your dreams of a security clearance aren't lost! The denial rate for interim clearances is around 20 to 30% but is only 1% for full security clearances.
Why would an interim security clearance be denied? ›
During the background check process, certain factors may lead to a person's clearance being denied—such as having a criminal record, financial issues such as bankruptcy or delinquent debts, having affiliations with groups or organizations connected with espionage, and/or drug use or addiction.
What happens after interim clearance is granted? ›
Interim clearance eligibility is done in conjunction with the start of the background investigation process. This clearance, when awarded, is typically in effect until an investigation is completed. At the end of the investigation a final security clearance determination is made to approve or deny.
How long does it take to get a interim security clearance? ›
Essentially, the government can grant an interim clearance – or a temporary eligibility – based on the information in your SF-86. From the time your information hits the system, your interim Secret or Top Secret clearance could be granted in as little as 5-10 days. However, that's not the story for everyone.
What is checked for interim secret clearance? ›
As part of the interim determination process, Interim Secrets and Interim Top Secrets can only be granted based on the following criteria: Favorable review of the SF-86. Favorable fingerprint check. Proof of U.S. citizenship.
How is an interim clearance granted? ›
An Interim Security clearance (also known as "Interim Security eligibility") is based on the completion of minimum investigative requirements and granted on a temporary basis, pending the completion of the full investigative requirements for the final secret clearance.
What can jeopardize a security clearance? ›
The Most Common Reasons for Being Denied a Security Clearance
- Financial Considerations– 29%
- Criminal Conduct– 19.4%
- Personal Conduct – 16.4%
- Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse– 11.1%
- Alcohol Consumption– 8.7%
The Interim Security Clearance
Final clearances usually are processed and adjudicated in less than 90 days. With an interim clearance, classified work can be performed but in a temporary capacity until a background investigation has been completed.
What would fail security clearance? ›
More specific conditions that may endanger your security clearance include: A history of deceptive or illegal financial acts like embezzlement, tax evasion, and fraud; Failure to satisfy your debts; and. Financial problems caused by gambling, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse.
The Interim Security Clearance
Final clearances usually are processed and adjudicated in less than 90 days. With an interim clearance, classified work can be performed but in a temporary capacity until a background investigation has been completed.
Do you need good credit for a secret clearance? ›
Generally, there aren't hard-and-fast rules about your credit that determine whether you are granted or denied a security clearance. Reviewers approach applications on a case-by-case basis so they have some room to interpret the information about your credit history.
Do you get polygraphed for a secret clearance? ›
Security Clearance Process information
All potential employees must: Obtain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance. Successfully complete a drug test to screen for illegal drug use. Complete a required counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.
What are the 5 levels of security clearance? ›
Candidates can receive clearance for information up to the level for which they qualify.
- Confidential Clearance. ...
- Secret Clearance. ...
- Top Secret Clearance / Sensitive Compartmented Information. ...
- Department of Energy Authorizations.
