We recently published an article about the importance of security clearances for roles across various sectors, particularly those associated with national security and defense.
But obtaining a clearance is only part of the journey. Maintaining and potentially expanding your clearance over time requires continued diligence and adherence to stringent guidelines.
This brief explainer discusses the duration of security clearances, the recurring processes involved in maintaining them and possibilities for expansion, as well as the economic benefits of these credentialed positions.
Duration of security clearances: Variations and standards
Security clearances are never indefinite; the validity of a security clearance largely depends on the level of clearance and the specific regulations of the issuing agency.
Here’s a breakdown:
Confidential level clearances: The most basic level of security clearance, typically reevaluated every 15 years.
Secret level clearances: Requires reinvestigation every 10 years.
Top secret level clearances: The highest level of clearance often involves sensitive and critical information; reinvestigations are required every 5 years.
These intervals are set to ensure all clearance holders are periodically vetted to manage risks associated with changes in their personal circumstances or risk profiles.
Maintenance and expansion processes
Maintaining a security clearance typically involves regular background checks and, depending on the clearance level, continuous monitoring or evaluation.
Key components of the maintenance process include:
Periodic reinvestigations: Similar to the initial vetting process, these investigations may involve checks into financial records, personal behavior and foreign contacts.
Self-reporting obligations: Clearance holders are often re ..
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