US Secret Clearance requirements

[Telalun]

I was wondering how long it takes to get secret clearance and also what are the requirements for this? I cannot for the life of me find a document that supports what justifies someone getting it.

[millionairetobe71]

Is depending what is the position that you are going to attain. Some at the high level or accessing secret documents warrants a secret level. First, it cost a lot of money and second, it takes many months complete..if is TOP Secret, then it takes even longer and cost even more....

NSA does the check...

[raptor78]

Additionally, you must be applying with a sponsor (usually the contracting firm) and they actually submit the request... You cannot get a clearance entirely by yourself, nor can you get one without a specific job and/or need... This is usually why most contractors want you to have the clearance before they hire you, as you would have to set on their payroll while they process your clearance papers which as stated, could be months, sometimes even a year before it is completed...

Gov Security Clearances are an interesting job market... If you have a clearance, employment opps are good, if you dont have one, very tough to get one, often...

[bloptaptap]

regular secert is about 5 yr in your past unless you have major issues , warrents, felony, and also kiss it good bye if you have bad credit.

[aviddigi]

regular secert is about 5 yr in your past unless you have major issues , warrents, felony, and also kiss it good bye if you have bad credit.

I do know someone that returned from Iraq recently and had a bankruptcy before going over. Received a security clearance without a problem and it was secret.

[Javabear]

Bankruptcy is ok. What they look for is piles of un-resolved issues in your credit. Bankruptcy is a resolution to issues and cannot be used against you since it is already public information.

I had a secret clearance about 3 years ago and I had a bankruptcy discharged about 6 months before I applied.

[millionairetobe71]

Clarification,

For Military clearances, the following years indicates when the clearance is due for renewal/ lenght of validitation

TOP SECRET- 5 years
SECRET- 10 years

[glassparman]

It will take about 18 months for it to come through. This has been the norm since 9-11. Even an upgrade to TS takes a staggering 12-14 months to complete.

A Bankruptcy is OK, it will just put you into tier 2 investigation witch will require a personal interview with you regarding the matter. If you had a BK and are still in debt, you may have a problem.

[Count Dinar]

From my experience with the military I was told that secret's only lasted 8 years. True or False? Just wondering because I keep it on my resume and sling it around like i'm special. I will say one thing with only saying I had prior in country experience with the Air Force and a secret clearance I had skylink and KBR knocking down my door.... If I had the urge to go back I could've. In my observation of credit being a decider I didn't see that at all. I had my secret clearance renewed twice once when I was an airman and another before I went in as a 2Lt. I had 4 credit cards with debt going up to about 6 grand and a student loan. As long as you are making payments and not bouncing checks they don't care.

[dejavu]

when my husband was hired for his position, the clearance also included a background check of family members and if married the spouse and immediate family as well, the clearance took about 2 months before it was completed. hope this helps:)

[Javabear]

Mine took about 2 years to come back and that was pre 9/11. Our corporate security liason said the gov't. lost the paperwork.

[BugmanIraq]

I found that knowing the secret handshake and Batmans identity was all I needed.

[glassparman]

I found that knowing the secret handshake and Batmans identity was all I needed.

Yes but did you know that Batman was wearing those silly pink thong underware?