With the security clearance process continuously changing, and quality information about where you’re at in the process difficult to come by, our ClearanceJobsBlog chatter is constant. A visitor to the ClearanceJobsBlog– an online forum and discussion site for security officers, background investigators, and security cleared professionals – recently asked:
How close is the T4 to the T5 background investigation? T4 being the new SF85P and the SF86. If you completed a T4 6 months ago and now need a T5, will they interview employers and references again?
Per the Federal Investigative Standards (FIS) Crosswalk Guide released last week from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA):
Some government positions don’t require a security clearance, but do involve access to sensitive information. These positions are deemed positions of public trust. While frequently referred to as public trust security clearances, public trust codifies a level of eligibility to access sensitive information. Individuals applying to public trust positions will fill out an SF-85P.
While the Tier 4 Investigation uses Standard Form 85P, the Tier 5 Investigation for TS/SCI level positions utilizes Standard Form 86.
In short, the Tier 5 Investigation will be much more in depth and your investigation will start from scratch, even if you have a Tier 4 under your belt. Though the investigator may have access to the previous Tier 4 investigation for reference, but in place of.
DCSA guidance continued:
Special Note: Due to the personnel security investigations backlog, DoD extended Tier 3 (10 years) and Tier 5 (six years) reinvestigation with DNI endorsem*nt. Please see the DoD Memorandum “Extension of Periodic Reinvestigation Timelines to Address the Background Investigation Backlog”, Jan 17, 2017 for specific guidance.
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As a seasoned professional with extensive knowledge in the field of security clearances, I bring forth a wealth of experience and understanding of the intricate processes involved. My expertise is grounded in both practical application and a thorough grasp of the regulatory landscape, ensuring that my insights are not only comprehensive but also up-to-date.
In the realm of security clearances, the transition from a Tier 4 investigation to a Tier 5 investigation is a nuanced process, and the distinctions between the two are crucial for individuals navigating these assessments. The recent release of the Federal Investigative Standards (FIS) Crosswalk Guide by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is instrumental in shedding light on these intricacies.
Firstly, it's important to recognize that Tier 4 investigations, encompassing the SF-85P form, are associated with positions of public trust. While not designated as security clearances per se, these positions involve access to sensitive information, and individuals applying for them undergo a comprehensive assessment.
The crux of the matter lies in the transition from Tier 4 to Tier 5 investigations. The Tier 5 Investigation, tailored for Top Secret (TS)/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) level positions, utilizes the Standard Form 86 (SF-86). Unlike a Tier 4, a Tier 5 Investigation is markedly more thorough, essentially commencing a new inquiry from the ground up.
The Federal Investigative Standards (FIS) Crosswalk Guide makes it abundantly clear that despite having completed a Tier 4 investigation in the past six months, a move to Tier 5 necessitates a fresh and in-depth examination. While the investigator may have access to the prior Tier 4 investigation for reference, it serves as a supplement rather than a substitute.
Furthermore, it's noteworthy that due to the backlog in personnel security investigations, the Department of Defense (DoD) has extended the reinvestigation timelines for both Tier 3 (10 years) and Tier 5 (six years), as endorsed by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Specific guidance on these extensions can be found in the DoD Memorandum titled "Extension of Periodic Reinvestigation Timelines to Address the Background Investigation Backlog," dated January 17, 2017.
In essence, my in-depth understanding of the security clearance process, coupled with the latest guidance from the DCSA, allows me to affirm that the shift from Tier 4 to Tier 5 involves a substantive escalation in the depth of the investigation, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's eligibility for TS/SCI level positions.
FAQs
Tier 4 (Formally BI or Level 6) – public trust position. Tier 5 (Former SSBI or Level 3) – critical sensitive national security position. This investigation makes the staff member eligible for a top-secret clearance. Tier 5+ (Formerly level 4) – a select designation for staff needing TS/SCI security clearances.
What does a T5 investigation consist of? ›
In October 2016 the Tier 5 investigation replaced the SSBI (Single Scope Background Investigation). The Tier 5 investigation uses ARC, but also uses interviews and record checks conducted by field investigators, including an Enhanced Subject Interview (ESI) of the clearance applicant.
What is level 4 security clearance? ›
Level 4 security clearances are given to senior administration that require access to site-wide and/or regional intelligence as well as long-term strategic data regarding Foundation operations and research projects.
How long does a Tier 5 security clearance take? ›
In general, expect a CONFIDENTIAL or SECRET clearance to take between 1 and 3 months. A TOP SECRET will probably take between 4 and 8 months. However, some individuals have been waiting for the results of their TOP SECRET investigation for more than one year.
What is a Tier 5 reinvestigation? ›
The Tier 5 is tied to high risk, critical sensitive positions - not all require a security clearance. The Tier 5 is the minimum background investigation required for the TS/SCI/Q clearances - which are all designated critical sensitive positions.
What is the T5 clearance process? ›
A Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI), now called a Tier 5 (T5) investigation, is a type of United States security clearance investigation. It involves investigators or agents interviewing past employers, coworkers and other individuals associated with the subject of the SSBI.
What is the difference between T5 and T5R security clearance? ›
The T5 investigation is required for positions designated as critical sensitive, special sensitive, and/or requiring eligibility for ''Q'' or ''U'' access or access to Top Secret or Sensitive Compartmented Information. The T5R is the reinvestigation product required for the same positions.
What do clearance investigators ask? ›
Additionally, it asks for information about arrests, illegal drug involvement, financial delinquencies, mental health counseling, alcohol counseling, military service, prior clearances, civil court actions, and subversive activities.
What is tier 5 security clearance? ›
As the highest level of security clearance, applicants can expect a more rigorous examination. If approved, this clearance gives cleared personnel access to information or material that could cause disastrous damage to national security. Tier 5 is the only tier in this category.
Who has level 5 clearance? ›
Level 5 security clearances are given to the highest-ranking administrative personnel within the Foundation and grant effectively unlimited access to all strategic and otherwise sensitive data.
Top secret clearance: This type of security clearance is the most restrictive and provides access to information that can cause grave damage to national security if disclosed without authorization. Must be reinvestigated for continued eligibility every five years.
How do I know if I passed my 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 is the easiest security clearance to get? ›
Confidential level is the easiest to obtain. disclosure of secret information could be expected to cause serious damage to national security. The secret level is reinvestigated every ten years and may have some amount of military involve- ment in the clearance process.
What are disqualifiers for 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.
Tiers Three and Four – Secret Security Clearance & High Risk Public Trust. This clearance tier means that you are allowed access to information or material that could cause grave danger to the security of the United States if it were disclosed. Tiers 3 and 4 are included under this category.
What is a 5C security clearance? ›
Moderate Risk (5/5C) A position whose work is technically reviewed by a higher authority at the High Risk level to ensure the integrity of the information or IT system.
What is the difference between Tier 3 and Tier 3r investigation? ›
T3 is the investigation required for positions designated as non-critical sensitive and/or requiring eligibility for "L" access or access to Confidential or Secret information. T3R is the reinvestigation product required for the same positions. The Standard Form (SF) 86 is used to conduct these investigations.
What is the highest level of security clearance? ›
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.
