Security Clearance Overview
Army Security Clearance Process Map
Army Security Clearance Myth Busters
A security clearance is a determination that you are eligible for access to
classified information and eligible to perform sensitive duties. Not everyone
qualifies for a security clearance or occupancy of a sensitive position… only
those people determined to be good security risks are given clearances and
permitted to handle classified information or perform sensitive duties. The
purpose of a security clearance is to determine whether you are able and willing
to safeguard classified national security information or perform sensitive
duties, based on your loyalty, character, trustworthiness, and reliability.
HOW DO I GET A SECURITY CLEARANCE OR POSITION OF TRUST DETERMINATION?
- Your agency must identify your position as one requiring access to
classified information, assignment to sensitive duties, or public trust
position.
- You then complete security forms (SF-85P, SF-86) or Electronic
Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP).
- Your security office submits your forms or e-QIP to the Office of Personnel
Management who will conduct an investigation.
The type of investigation depends on the sensitivity designation of your
position and whether the duties require access to classified or sensitive
information.
- The completed investigation is reviewed by adjudicators who make clearance
decisions. Adjudicators look at the “whole person” depicted in the report of
investigation. What that means is that they consider all available information,
both “good” and “bad,” when making clearance decisions and apply the criteria
for access to classified or sensitive information.