How far back do they look for security clearance?

Asked by: Eda Turcotte  |  Last update: May 18, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (14 votes)

Security Clearance Adjudicative Process The clearance process for Secret level access uses an investigation called the National Agency Check with Law and Credit that goes back five years, while the clearance process for Top Secret uses a Single Scope Background Investigation that goes back ten years.

How far back do security clearance checks go?

The following states don't allow criminal background checks to go back further than seven years: Colorado. California. Massachusetts.

What disqualifies you from a security clearance?

What can disqualify you?
  • 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.

How far back does security clearance look at taxes?

Section 26 of the SF-86 application for federal security clearances specifically asks applicants if they have failed to file federal, state or other taxes in the past seven years.

What security clearance goes back 7 years?

You will need to provide information that goes back 7 years for the SF-86 submission. You will also have to have a security reinvestigation every 10 years to maintain a secret clearance.

How Long Is the Clearance Process?

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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 If your clearance is no longer active due to administrative reasons or a job change, and there hasn't been a break in your clearance status, the process is generally easier.

How far back does a federal background check go?

In states like California, criminal background checks go back seven years. However, some states allow a deeper look into your past if the job pays a higher salary (usually over $75,000). Some government jobs or jobs with access to sensitive information may allow - even require - background checks further.

What shows up on a security clearance background check?

This security clearance requires a thorough personnel security background investigation that examines your life history, character, trustworthiness, reliability and sound judgment. The background investigation will: Review your previous and current employment history, including contact with your current employer.

How far back does the IRS background check go?

At least for filing compliance, the IRS, in general, goes back 6 years.

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.

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.

Why do people fail security clearance?

Criminal Conduct: Individuals with a history of criminal behavior, including drug-related offenses, may be deemed unfit for security clearance. Even minor infractions can raise questions about an applicant's trustworthiness and reliability.

How to pass secret clearance?

Our process
  1. Receive a conditional offer of employment. ...
  2. Complete Standard Form 86 (SF-86) ...
  3. Take a polygraph. ...
  4. Get a psychological or medical evaluation. ...
  5. Perform credit check and National Agency Check (NAC) ...
  6. Conduct background investigation. ...
  7. Adjudicate and final job offer.

Why do background checks only go back 7 years?

The FCRA's seven-year rule restricts the reporting of certain types of information for jobs paying less than a minimum salary threshold. Additionally, several states have seven-year restrictions on reporting criminal convictions.

What is 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.

Does security clearance check search history?

During the investigation, various factors are considered, including personal and professional conduct, financial history, criminal records, and foreign contacts. However, it's important to note that browser history is not typically a factor in the security clearance process.

How far back does a security clearance investigation go?

Form must be completed going back 10 years.

The SF-86 form requests information back 7 years for employment and residence; however, to comply with the investigative standards, 10 years is required. Citizenship of yourself and “immediate” family members (spouse, children, mother, father, brothers and sisters).

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.

How far back does IRS look back?

Generally, the IRS can include returns filed within the last three years in an audit. If we identify a substantial error, we may add additional years. We usually don't go back more than the last six years. The IRS tries to audit tax returns as soon as possible after they are filed.

What is the difference between a background check and a security clearance?

Each position requires some level of background investigation. Security clearances are only required for national security positions. This type of security clearance provides access to information or material that may cause damage to national security if disclosed without authorization.

Is it hard to pass a federal background check?

Discrepancies in your employment or education history, major financial problems, or even lying on your application can trigger a failed check. For jobs requiring security clearance, a history of drug use, financial instability, or even risky personal relationships can raise red flags.

How do you know if you pass security clearance?

Contact your Security Officer at your service duty station with questions about the status of your security clearance or adjudication of your investigation.

What states follow the 7 year rule background checks?

The following states limit criminal background checks to a period of seven years:
  • California.
  • Kansas.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Montana.
  • New Hampshire.
  • New Mexico.
  • New York.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?

Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.

Can you pass a level 2 background check with a felony?

Potentially disqualifying offenses for a Level 2 background check include serious criminal convictions such as violent crimes like murder, assault, and kidnapping; sexual offenses like sexual assault and child molestation; and major drug-related crimes such as drug trafficking and drug manufacturing.