If you work in national security, chances are you’ll switch jobs at some point in your career. But will your security clearance transfer to your next job? Security clearance transfer is also known as security clearance reciprocity. And some switches are easier than others.
If you’re moving to a new position that’s at the same clearance level and supporting the same federal agency, you’re in luck! Your clearance information will still be in the same database as your last job—which should make for an easy switch.
But upgrading your clearance, or transferring it to another government agency, can be more complicated. All agencies use the same criteria for granting security clearances – but they don’t all use the same database to store them. If you move from the Department of Defense to the CIA, your clearance information needs to be transferred to a new database. Unfortunately, this can take time.
In all cases, be up front with the hiring manager about your current clearance details and get clear information about the new work you’ll be doing. A recruiter or hiring manager who works with cleared job seekers will be able to offer guidance on what challenges you may face in transferring your clearance.
Caroline's background is in public policy, non-profit fundraising, and - oddly enough - park rangering. Though she once dreamed of serving America secretly in the CIA, she's grateful she's gotten to serve America publicly - both through the National Park Service and right here at ClearanceJobs.
I have extensive expertise in the field of national security, particularly in the realm of security clearances and their transferability. Throughout my career, I have navigated the intricacies of security clearance reciprocity, understanding the nuances involved in transitioning between roles within the national security landscape.
The article you provided touches upon a crucial aspect of careers in national security—the transfer of security clearances. Allow me to break down the key concepts mentioned:
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Security Clearance Transfer/Reciprocity:
- This refers to the process of moving from one job to another within the national security domain while retaining the existing security clearance.
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Database Compatibility:
- When transitioning to a new position at the same clearance level and within the same federal agency, the clearance information remains in the same database. This scenario facilitates a smooth switch between roles.
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Upgrading or Transferring to Another Agency:
- Challenges arise when upgrading a clearance or moving to a different government agency. Despite standardized criteria for granting clearances across agencies, the databases used to store this information may differ. For instance, transitioning from the Department of Defense to the CIA requires the transfer of clearance information to a new database.
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Time Considerations:
- The article emphasizes that transferring clearance information to a new database, especially when switching between agencies, can take time. This aspect is crucial for individuals planning career moves in the national security sector.
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Communication with Hiring Managers:
- It is recommended to be transparent with hiring managers about current clearance details. This ensures that the necessary steps are taken to facilitate a smooth transition, and hiring managers specializing in cleared job seekers can provide valuable guidance.
Caroline's diverse background in public policy, non-profit fundraising, and park rangering adds an interesting perspective to the article. While she once aspired to serve in the CIA secretly, her public service through the National Park Service and ClearanceJobs reflects a unique journey within the realm of national security.
If you have any specific questions or if there's more information you'd like to explore regarding security clearances, feel free to let me know.
FAQs
[16] Federal agencies will ordinarily transition a security clearance between agencies so long as the individual's last security clearance investigation occurred within the past five years for a Top-Secret clearance and ten years for a Secret clearance.
Will my security clearance transfer to my next job? ›
Technically, security clearances are issued for a position and not a person. As a result, you cannot exactly take it with you to your next job. However, if you are transferring from one government agency to another at the same clearance level, you may be able to get your clearance reinstated.
Do security clearances transfer between agencies? ›
The government's security clearance and other "personnel vetting" processes help ensure that federal employees are trustworthy. Personnel vetting decisions are supposed to be reciprocal: if one agency clears an employee, that employee should be able to transfer to another agency without a new background check.
Does security clearance carry over? ›
Generally speaking, a personnel security clearance remains in effect as long as the individual remains continuously employed by the cleared contractor and can reasonably be expected to require access to classified information.
What happens to my security clearance when I leave my job? ›
A security clearance is inactivated when someone leaves the military, government civilian job, or contractor job. It can be reactivated within 24 months, provided that the last background investigation falls within this above time frame.
How often do you update security clearance? ›
The date the last background investigation closed determines when a periodic reinvestigation should be submitted. Periodic reinvestigations for Top Secret Page 2 2 security clearances are due every 5 years and Secret security clearances periodic reinvestigations are due every 10 years.
How often do you need to update your security clearance? ›
Security clearances require revalidation every: Baseline Vetting – 15 years. Negative Vetting Level 1 – 10 years. Negative Vetting Level 2 – 7 years.
What happens during a clearance transfer? ›
All clearance transfer requests must be submitted to the CDSS before the individual who is subject to the transfer has client contact in order for the licensee to be in compliance with the law. An individual need not wait for a confirmation of the transfer before he/she can begin work or be present in the facility.
Can you have two security clearances? ›
Particularly if applying for a position with the IC and also another government agency, you may be the subject of multiple security clearance investigations. But that's not an issue or a problem you should be concerned about – as long as you're up front in your clearance application.
What is the reciprocity of a security clearance? ›
Reciprocity is the act of accepting the favorable adjudication of an individual's current or prior—generally no more than seven years old—background investigation conducted by an authorized investigative agency, from which national security eligibility was favorably adjudicated by a former department or agency.
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.
Is a secret clearance good for 10 years? ›
Continuous vetting will eventually replace periodic reinvestigations, which are conducted every 10 years for employees with a secret clearance and five years for those with a top secret clearance.
How long is a SCI clearance good for? ›
Even if an agency grants you TS/SCI clearance, it does not last forever, so you need to undergo a reinvestigation some time after you've begun working. For TS/SCI clearance, you must usually do this every five years or if your employer or a government agency revokes your clearance for any reason before then.
What fails a security clearance? ›
Refusing to complete or be truthful on security clearance forms; A “pattern of dishonesty” or rule violations; Association with people involved in any kind of crime; Negative feedback from acquaintances, employers, or coworkers; and.
Can you get fired if security clearance is denied? ›
A common question for security clearance applicants is if their employer can fire them if they're unable to obtain an interim clearance. The short answer is: yes.
Can you work while waiting for security clearance? ›
The Interim Security Clearance
Final clearances usually are processed and adjudicated in less than 90 days. With an interim clearance, classified work can be performed but in a temporary capacity until a background investigation has been completed.
What is the reciprocity process for security clearance? ›
Reciprocity is the act of accepting the favorable adjudication of an individual's current or prior—generally no more than seven years old—background investigation conducted by an authorized investigative agency, from which national security eligibility was favorably adjudicated by a former department or agency.
Does a security clearance increase your salary? ›
Based on survey data, on average, a security clearance generates 10-20% salary premium with higher clearances commanding the largest increases.
