How far back does a military security clearance go?
Asked by: Dr. Micheal Leannon Jr. | Last update: October 19, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (71 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 they look for security clearance?
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).
How far back do military background checks go?
All investigations cover the last 10 years of an individuals' background and consist of checks of national records and credit checks. They can also include interviews with individuals who know the candidate.
What security clearance goes back 10 years?
Top Secret Clearances
In addition to all the requirements at the Secret level, a background investigation, covering a 10-year time period, is required. Once favorably adjudicated for a Top Secret security clearance, the candidate will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement.
What disqualifies you from military 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.
How To Get Government Security Clearances And The Value Of Them
Can a felon get military clearance?
Any person convicted of a felony cannot obtain or renew a security clearance unless you are granted a waiver due to mitigating conditions of your conviction. These conditions include: Your criminal behavior and conviction are not recent. Your crime was an isolated incident.
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.
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.
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.
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 does the military check for security clearance?
What information do you evaluate in the security clearance investigation? During the background and security clearance investigation, investigators will review delinquency in paying debts, tax obligations, certain criminal offenses and the illegal use or possession of drugs.
Do background checks go back 30 years?
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. However, pending criminal cases can be reported.
Does military history show up on background checks?
Does Your Military Record Show Up on Background Check? Your military record will not automatically appear in a general background check unless your potential employer requests it. Employers will need to get your permission to request your military record.
What will get you denied a security clearance?
Full disclosure is paramount when applying for security clearances. Be honest about your background, including any potential disqualifiers such as criminal history, drug use, financial issues, or foreign associations. Attempting to conceal information or providing false details can lead to automatic disqualification.
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.
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.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?
After employers in California make a conditional employment offer, they may order a criminal background check that goes back only seven years (with some exceptions). Therefore, employers cannot see convictions older than seven years and cannot pass you over based on seven-plus old convictions.
What is a 10 year FBI background check?
Key Components of a 10 year background check
Criminal History: Searches for any criminal records at the county, state, and federal levels. Civil Records - Searches Civil judgments and liens at the county, state, and federal levels.
How do you know if you fail a background check?
- Inconsistent employment history. ...
- Inaccurate resume information. ...
- A criminal history. ...
- Negative reviews from employers. ...
- Poor driving record. ...
- A failed drug or alcohol test. ...
- Poor credit history.
What is the orange flag on a background check?
Orange not a Red Flag? A bad reference is not always a red flag, requiring immediate rejection, but it is often an orange flag deserving investigation. For example, the most common reason that people are fired is for poor performance/not meeting targets after employee evaluation.
What is the red flag for security clearance?
The most common security clearance disqualifiers include: Not a U.S. Citizen. Not loyal to the U.S. / foreign influence. Illegal drug use/involvement.
How far back do security clearance background checks go?
The following states don't allow criminal background checks to go back further than seven years: Colorado. California. Massachusetts.
What disqualifies 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.
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.