How to Get a Secret Clearance in Georgia

Foreign citizenship will disqualify you from receiving security clearance.

Any job that requires access to sensitive material or material whose release the U.S. government deems a threat to national security requires a security clearance. A "secret" level security clearance is defined as causing grave damage to national security if unexpectedly leaked. An individual cannot apply for security clearance alone; a current or potential employer must apply for clearance on his behalf. The process for obtaining a secret clearance is the same in Georgia as it is anywhere else.

Things You'll Need

• Questionnaire for National Security Positions

Instructions

1. Fill out and submit the Questionnaire for National Security Positions. This form is available online from the Office of Personnel Management. Provide proof of your U.S. citizenship.

2. Use friends or acquaintances for your references asked for on the questionnaire. Inform these people that they may receive calls asking for information about you. These people do not need to reside in Georgia specifically, but U.S. residence is preferred.

3. Submit to any further components of the process, such as fingerprinting, polygraph tests or personal interviews. If these elements are needed, you will be contacted by an investigator.

4. Wait. The Defense Security Service conducts background checks on anyone applying for a security clearance. The background checks, combined with the questionnaire processing time and the interviews with friends and acquaintances, can take anywhere from three months to a year.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with a nonclassified job in Georgia. Employers are often reluctant to spend the thousands of dollars to process a new clearance and will prefer to hire someone who already has clearance. Getting a lower-level job will help you get your foot in the door.

• If you hold foreign citizenship, it is probably a good idea to renounce it before you apply for clearance. Individuals holding dual citizenship will not receive security clearances. If you have relatives in another country, be patient -- this can delay the process of granting you clearance. Do not quit your current job before your security clearance comes through for a future position, as you may be waiting a long time without income.

• Answer questions on the questionnaire and in interviews honestly. Do not lie to investigators and do not keep secrets from them. Even an unintentional lie of omission can disqualify you for clearance. Disclose all information that might risk disqualifying you, such as past drug use, foreign citizenships and time spent overseas.

References

• Office of Personnel Management: Questionnaire for National Security Positions
• Monster.com: GovCentral: How to Obtain a Security Clearance
• TA Online: Security Clearances

Resources

• Office of Personnel Management: Questionnaire for National Security Positions