Be in excellent health and physical condition and pass an Applicant Physical Abilities Test. Qualify for Top Secret clearance and undergo a complete background investigation, including driving record check, drug screening, medical and polygraph examinations.
Non-U.S. citizens do not qualify for a security clearance.
Confidential: This security clearance level is the easiest of the three to obtain. This offers access to the lowest level of classified information. Secret: This is the second tier of security clearance, which provides holders with access to sensitive classified information.
Generally, you cannot apply for a security clearance on your own; you must be sponsored by a government agency or a company with a contract with the government. These entities must determine that your job requires access to classified information.
Secret Clearances FBI performs record checks with various Federal agencies and local law enforcement, as well as, a review of credit history. Candidate completes forms SF-86 and FD-258. Once favorably adjudicated for a Secret security clearance, the candidate will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement.
What can disqualify you? You are not a U.S. citizen. You were dishonorably discharged from the military. You are currently involved in illegal drug use.
You can't acquire one on your own. You have to either apply directly with the federal government at USAJOBS or an agency as college intern where you can get an clearance (ie: FBI). The other route is to join a branch of the military active, guard, or reserve where the position requires a security clearance.
In essence, if personnel working for a contractor require access to classified information in the performance of their duties, the contractor must have an FCL and the personnel must have personnel security clearances (PCLs).
What can disqualify you? You are not a U.S. citizen. You were dishonorably discharged from the military. You are currently involved in illegal drug use. You have been judged as mentally incompetent or mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional. You have had a clearance revoked for security reasons.
Individuals with a security clearance must report all personal foreign travel to their security manager prior to travel. In addition, individuals with SCI access are required to report official and personal foreign travel. Security Managers will enter all reportable information in the FC/FT tool.