A government security clearance requires a periodic reinvestigation every 15 years for a “confidential” clearance, every 10 years for “secret,” and every 5 years for “top secret.” When a clearance is inactivated (because of switching jobs or leaving the military), it can be fairly easy to reinstate within the first 24

How do I know if my security clearance is still active?

To determine the current status of your security clearance, please contact the agencys personnel security office that granted your clearance. If you are a contract employee, your companys facility security officer may also be able to assist you.

How long is a security clearance active after leaving a job?

A security clearance is inactivated when someone leaves the military, government civilian job, or contractor job. It can be reactivated within 24 months, provided that the last background investigation falls within this above time frame.

How long does it take to get a security clearance 2020?

Current Top Secret clearance processing times are 159 days, and Secret clearance processing times are 132 days. These numbers only represent industry applicants – processing times are slightly faster for all DCSA cases, which included DoD civilians and service members.

Why does a security clearance take so long?

The security clearance process is very dependent upon several factors – foreign influence and frequent moves are two of the factors that are more likely to delay the process. The other issue (and one that security clearance-holders can affect) is making sure your security clearance application is accurate.

What disqualifies you for a security clearance?

Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying include: A history of not meeting financial obligations; Financial problems that are linked to gambling, drug abuse, alcoholism, or other issues of security concern.

What can deny a security clearance?

The Most Common Reasons for Being Denied Security ClearancesA history of poor credit choices.Deceptive or illegal financial activities including theft, embezzlement, tax evasion, and other financial “breach of trust” problems.A history of unpaid or late-paid debt.More items

Is getting a security clearance worth it?

The ultimate worth of a security clearance-having one currently and/or being able to obtain a new clearance with few problems-is that it provides access to jobs which may be statistically higher paying than those that do not require such clearances.