Does probation affect security clearance?
Asked by: Mr. Kristoffer Runolfsson DDS | Last update: August 30, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (46 votes)
Depending on what you're on probation for, it's likely a deal breaker. If it's probation for something stupid, not likely to be repeated, and ending soon, you *might* be able to explain it away and get the clearance. If, however, it's probation for a major misdemeanor or felony, you're not getting the clearance.
What disqualifies you from security clearance?
- 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.
What will make you lose your security clearance?
More specific conditions that may endanger your security clearance include: A history of deceptive or illegal financial acts like embezzlement, tax evasion, and fraud; Failure to satisfy your debts; and. Financial problems caused by gambling, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse.
Can you get a security clearance if you've been to jail?
If you are convicted of a crime
If you have a past criminal conviction and are applying for a job with security clearances, you must disclose this information. The agency to which you're applying will determine whether or not the crime precludes you from obtaining security clearance according to their own guidelines.
Can you lose your security clearance for a misdemeanor?
Regardless of severity, any criminal charge or conviction could lead to a revocation of your security clearance. Even seemingly minor charges, like a misdemeanor, could have significant implications. With stakes this high, you must take any charges or allegations seriously.
Can Supporting Criminal Conduct Affect Your Security Clearance?
Can you get a security clearance while on probation?
Depending on what you're on probation for, it's likely a deal breaker. If it's probation for something stupid, not likely to be repeated, and ending soon, you *might* be able to explain it away and get the clearance. If, however, it's probation for a major misdemeanor or felony, you're not getting the clearance.
Will I pass a background check if I have a misdemeanor?
In California, a background check will typically reveal if somebody was convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. Infractions usually result in a fine, and generally, they won't appear on criminal background checks, such as littering or traffic tickets.
What disqualifies you from a federal background check?
INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.
How far back does a security clearance look?
The following states don't allow criminal background checks to go back further than seven years: Colorado. California. Massachusetts.
Can I get a federal job with a misdemeanor?
No, a criminal record will not automatically keep an individual from getting a Federal job. Adjudicative determinations are made on a case-by-case basis.
What shows up on a security clearance check?
Security clearance information
The background investigation will: Review your previous and current employment history, including contact with your current employer. Verify your education, residential history and financial background. Interview your friends, neighbors, supervisors and coworkers.
Why would you not pass a security clearance?
The Adjudicative Guidelines state that a security clearance applicant must have “unquestioned allegiance to the United States.” Involvement in “any act of sabotage, espionage, treason, terrorism, sedition,” or other efforts to overthrow the U.S. government can potentially lead to a security clearance denial.
What gets your security clearance revoked?
Reason #1: Excessive debt, unexplained wealth, or gambling problems may indicate vulnerability to coercion. Reason #2: Close ties to foreign nationals or dual citizenship can raise concerns about allegiance. Reason #3: Criminal behavior, dishonesty, or substance abuse undermines trustworthiness.
How to pass secret clearance?
- Receive a conditional offer of employment. ...
- Complete Standard Form 86 (SF-86) ...
- Take a polygraph. ...
- Get a psychological or medical evaluation. ...
- Perform credit check and National Agency Check (NAC) ...
- Conduct background investigation. ...
- Adjudicate and final job offer.
What records does security clearance check?
Credit and criminal history checks will be conducted on all applicants. For a Top Secret security clearance, the background investigation includes additional record checks which can verify citizenship for the applicant and family members, verification of birth, education, employment history, and military history.
How often do security clearances get denied?
Between 2015 and 2020, about 2-5% of security clearance applications faced denial each year. According to the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA), Financial Issues caused 29% of denials in 2020,which isn't surprising considering the amount of debt most Americans carry.
What excludes you from a security clearance?
According to the Bond Amendment which became law in 2008, there are technically four disqualifying criteria: criminal conviction resulting in a prison sentence over 1 year; dishonorable discharge from the military, criminal incompetence; or addiction to a controlled substance.
Can I check my own security clearance status?
To determine the current status of your security clearance, please contact the agency's personnel security office that granted your clearance. If you are a contract employee, your company's facility security officer may also be able to assist you.
How hard is it to get your security clearance back?
Reactivating a security clearance can range from relatively simple to highly challenging, depending on several factors. If your clearance is no longer active due to administrative reasons or a job change, and there hasn't been a break in your clearance status, the process is generally easier.
What causes a red flag on a background check?
A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.
What is a disqualifying offense?
"Disqualifying offense" means a conviction for: Any offense that is a felony; a sex offense as defined in this section; a crime against children or persons as defined in RCW 43.43.
What would make you fail a federal background check?
Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...
Will a minor misdemeanor appear on a background check?
In California, all misdemeanor criminal convictions can show on a background check for a time. A background check is when an employer screens someone's history. They can disclose several issues, such as their criminal history, criminal convictions, jail time, and credit reports.
Does a petty offense go on your record?
However, they still constitute a conviction, so there are no guarantees that they will be exempt from records. The best practice is to consult with an attorney to understand the implications of a petty offense conviction on your record based on your state and situation.