What shows up on a top secret clearance background check?
Asked by: Leslie Heathcote III | Last update: February 4, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (62 votes)
What do Top Secret background checks look for?
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.
What disqualifies you from top secret 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.
How far back do Top Secret background checks 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).
Does top secret clearance look at internet history?
Conclusion. While the security clearance process is rigorous and comprehensive, your personal browser history is not typically a factor considered during the investigation.
What’s Checked in a Secret Investigation?
What can a Top Secret clearance get you?
TS/SCI clearance can help you to increase your earning potential and qualify for high-level positions in the government, military and private sector.In this article, we'll describe how to get a TS/SCI clearance, followed by the types of jobs that would require such high-level security clearance.
Does Top Secret clearance look at bank statements?
No, you typically don't need to show up to your security clearance interview with a host of documents or bank statements. But if you find yourself the recipient of a Statement of Reasons, the documentation you provide to the government can (and often does) make or break your eligibility.
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 rare is top secret clearance?
Need-to-Know. The 1.3 million individuals with Top Secret clearances are supporting a wide variety of missions, from the CIA to the Department of Commerce. Just because you have a Top Secret clearance doesn't mean you have access to any information out there that's classified Top Secret.
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.
Does a Top Secret clearance always require a polygraph?
A polygraph test may be required as an add-on requirement to a Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance depending upon the job or hiring organization. The CIA is an example of an organization that requires all of its employees to pass a full-scope polygraph test – even its cleaning staff!
What is investigated for a Top Secret clearance?
There are different levels of clearance, including Secret and Top-Secret, and these look at all aspects of an applicant's background, including personal life, associations, financial data, employment history, and any criminal record.
What financial issues disqualify you from a Top Secret clearance?
- 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.
What disqualifies me from a Top Secret clearance?
- Not a U.S. Citizen.
- Not loyal to the U.S. / foreign influence.
- Illegal drug use/involvement.
- Mental incompetency or psychological conditions.
- Dishonorable discharge from the military or revoked security clearance.
- A history of financial problems.
- Criminal activity.
Does Top Secret clearance look at social media?
As it noted, all employees with security clearances are now subject to continuous vetting. In other words, your security clearance is always an open question, even after you receive it. Likewise, your social media presence is always fair game for review.
What can deny a Top Secret clearance?
- Lack of Allegiance to the United States. ...
- Foreign Influence. ...
- Foreign Preference. ...
- Sexual Behavior. ...
- Personal Conduct. ...
- Financial Considerations. ...
- Alcohol Consumption. ...
- Drug Involvement.
Is it hard to pass Top Secret clearance?
The process of obtaining a Top Secret clearance involves an extensive background investigation. Confidential and Secret investigations are thorough, but the Top Secret version is the most intensive.
What is higher than a Top Secret clearance?
How many types or levels of security clearance are there? There are three levels of security clearance, with the highest level being Top Secret. Secret is the next level of clearance and Confidential is the final.
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 a deal breaker in a background check?
This can include misdemeanors, felonies, and any other criminal convictions. While not all criminal records are deal-breakers, certain offenses, particularly those related to theft, violence, or fraud, can significantly impact your job prospects.
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 does a top secret clearance investigation look at?
We verify your experience, education, and personal history. Based on the investigation, we determine if you're eligible to hold a TS/SCI security clearance by meeting the following criteria: Your character, conduct and discretion must be above reproach and you must have unquestioned loyalty to the United States.
Can you get a top secret clearance without a polygraph?
The vast majority of both Secret and Top Secret security cleared positions do not require a polygraph. A variety of Sensitive Compartment Information (SCI) and Special Access Program (SAP) positions require a successful polygraph, in addition to the completion of a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).
Can you get top secret clearance with a criminal record?
A history of a criminal record is not automatically a disqualifier for a person applying for a security clearance unless the crime involved alcohol, drugs, firearms, explosives, or sexual conduct, according to Washington, D.C., law firm S.L. England.