Can you get your clearance upgraded?

SFC James Rigdon — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 03:57:32 -0400

Can you get your security clearance upgraded if you need it for a job after you transition. I currently require a higher one that I have and it is basically the only thing keeping me from qualifying for the job.

If not how do you go about it on your own, the Company I am interested in said they only hire personnel with the clearance. If I had to pay for it how much would it cost me. thanks in advance

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 4:22 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 04:22:26 -0400

SFC James Rigdon If your command can approve a investigation for a higher security clearance, then sure you can get it. The thing is that if you are about to get out, there is no reason for them to do it, plus your investigation needs to be completed and granted before you separate from the service, or the investigation would simply be stopped. The most common figure I heard about a clearance cost is anywhere from 7 to 10 thousand dollars.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 16 at 2015 7:10 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 07:10:19 -0400

Generally speaking, when you join you have either a NAC (National Agency Check) or an ENTNAC Entrance National Agency Check) completed. Those needing a TS+ get a NAC, while everyone else gets an ENTNAC. Your SRB will show which you got.

It's not a matter of "upgrading your clearance" it's more a matter of having the proper investigation done for said clearance in advance. An ENTNAC takes a proverbial 15~ minutes to complete. It just uses all the standard information that is provided on your entrance forms, includes a criminal background check, and a few other things and a local commander can grant an "Interim Secret" (good for 1 year) pending final approval. A NAC however is significantly more complex and actually involves a real person visiting people that knew you during the last 10 years (investigation period), a more in-depth background check (including financials), and a "need" which is usually based on Billet (your job has to require the clearance).

That said, it is "unlikely" as a HR Specialist you would require a TS/SCI clearance in the military. It's just hard to justify.

As for paying for it yourself, I don't even know if that is possible. Last I checked, it was conducted by OPM, and I don't even know if there is a means for individuals to start the process for themselves. But you can try contacting them.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 16 at 2015 7:13 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 07:13:09 -0400

You would have to fill out the paper work and get a more in-depth back ground check for a higher clearance.

Response by SGT David T. made Jul 16 at 2015 8:31 AM

SGT David T. — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 08:31:09 -0400

Most agencies wont approve the investigation unless it is needed for your current job.

Response by SFC James Rigdon made Jul 16 at 2015 9:30 AM

SFC James Rigdon — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 09:30:27 -0400

OK, not upgraded, I need a TS for a job I am looking at, How can I get it if I only have a secret. If I was to pay for it how much would it cost?

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 16 at 2015 10:22 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 10:22:59 -0400

OK, a lot of bum dope on this one as my Contracting Officer alarm went off. A company requiring you to go through the hoops on your own for a clearance isn't proper and you can't get a clearance on your own anyways. Also it's improper for a for your former command to process anything on you. In fact, when you transition out, your existing clearance must be terminated. When the Government contracts with a company for goods/services that must be performed in a classified environment, that company must first be corporately cleared, have it's own clearance management system, and essentially provide the same service to its employees the front end of your old security office used to do. There are standardized contract clauses which are included along with site specific tweaks as needed. So the way it works, you do the paperwork provided by the company who in turn reviews/submits it through the host security office. It follows the normal process from there. I visited my old stomping grounds a week ago and my security bubbas told me everything has shifted back to paper due to the OPM hack. So it takes longer nowadays. What can speed up say restoration of a TS would be if your SSBI is still current. Those records stay in the system. That may be what the company is looking for because they can't wait for the processing time and local interim clearance is a nonstarter. There is a process to validate the "need to know" and it's tightly run.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 16 at 2015 11:14 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 11:14:15 -0400

SFC James Rigdon, it really depends on the company and if they're willing to pay to have your clearance upgraded or if they'll only accept you if you already have the clearance they require.
For example, I had a TS/SSBI clearance from when I was in the Navy. The company I currently work for is on a contract that requires SCI, so they paid to "read me in" and grant me the extra level.
However it has been my experience that if you have say just a Secret clearance most companies won't pay to get a TS clearance.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 11:18 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 11:18:45 -0400

yes, your new company will request the upgrade based on need. You are really just eligible for a clearance if you are not actively working in a job that requires access. The higher level the clearance the lower the periodicity for investigation. 5 for TS, 10 for S. the problem is JPAS is offline and only mission critical clearances are being processed. So your new company will not even be able to ask for an upgrade to your clearance level.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 11:33 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 11:33:13 -0400

As a former Security Manager, I dealt with clearances daily for years. First, I'd like to clear up a few misconceptions from Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS's post.

There are 4 types of investigations, mostly revolving around National Agency Checks:
-- The lowest is an ENTNAC (Entry NAC). It is used only for entry processing, and since 2008 **MAY NOT GRANT A CLEARANCE**. The key distinction is that an ENTNAC doesn't end up being adjudicated for clearances, but is instead entirely responded back to the entry processing facility as fast as can be done. The idea is quick suitability determinations, so that recruiters can do their jobs, and most of the process is automated.
-- The next level is a NAC-LC (NAC with Local agencies check and Credit check). This is the standard investigation used for military and GS positions, from those requiring "Public Trust" up to the SECRET level eligibility.
-- Next is the ANACI (Advanced NAC with written Inquiries). This is a more in-depth version of the NAC-LC used for certain case-by-case scenarios for military/GS as well as most contractors requiring SECRET eligibility.
-- Finally we have the SSBI (Single-Scope Background Investigation). When renewed, it is called an SBPR (Single-scope Background Periodic Re-investigation). This is the standard for anything above SECRET, including TOP SECRET, SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information), and SAP (Special Access Program) eligibilities. Note that SCI and SAP may be at a lower classification than TS at times, but that it requires the same clearance to access. Some SAPs also require more actions.

Of these, only the SSBI/SBPR involves sending out an investigator to interview you, your friends, your family and pretty much everyone else listed on the form.

As for re-investigations, a SECRET eligibility lasts for ten years before having to be renewed, calculated by the CLOSED date of the investigation. If it's not, it will drop down to CONFIDENTIAL eligibility (which is basically equivalent to "public trust") for an additional five years before expiring entirely. As long as the investigation is SUBMITTED AND APPROVED to open by OPM in the same month as the prior investigation CLOSED, you're automatically granted continued access while the investigation (and adjudication) is processing. A TOP SECRET eligibility lasts for five years before it must be renewed, and if it isn't, it lapses to a SECRET for a further five, and then down from there.

Also, in case you ever hear them, a SECRET eligibility is roughly analogous (and uses the same investigations) as a Depratment of Energy "L"-Clearance eligibility, and a TOP SECRET eligibility is roughly analogous (and uses the same investigations) as a Depratment of Energy "Q"-Clearance eligibility.

Once the clearance eligibility is out of the way, there's one other hurdle that some positions require: a polygraph. Setting aside for the moment the scientific concerns about whether polys even work, there are two of them you might see. The first (and more common) is called a Counterintelligence-scope (or "CI" for short) poly, and the second is a Lifestyle-scope poly. The CI is generally considered pretty routine and focused, while the Lifestyle one is famous for making grown adults break down in tears at times. While many people get only a CI one, if you get the Lifestyle one you're almost always getting both, and the combination is called a Full-Scope poly.

Now, as to your real question, the necessary precursor to being selected for a higher-level investigation is NEED-TO-KNOW. Simply put, the function of your job must require that level of access. Sometimes it's by rank (E-7+ and all Officers require a SECRET as a minimum). Sometimes it's by job (anyone working in Intelligence requires TS/SCI as a minimum). Sometimes it's by task (accessing NSA-Net requires TS/SCI plus a CI-poly). Sometimes it's by work location (permanent assignments at NSA require TS/SCI plus a Full-Scope-poly). So the key is that your work will dictate what you're allowed to be INVESTIGATED for, and the investigation will determine whether you're actually permitted to DO your full job. Sometimes, if you can get your Commander (I would recommend at least an O-5) and security manager to concur, they can write a memorandum that will allow you to get the higher investigation. Those are scrutinized pretty thoroughly, though, and actually have to have some meaningful justification.

What you can't do is simply self-sponsor for a clearance. The system simply isn't set up for that, even if you're ready and willing to shell out the cash.

Also, do understand that it is becoming increasingly common for employers to predesignate that you must have eligibility before applying. A lot of times, this is because the contract position doesn't give them the authority to sponsor applicants. Sometimes, it's because the employer doesn't want the risk that you'll get the clearance then bail the next day to a better job (the investigation costs them a pretty penny -- an old 2009 figure suggests that the FLOOR for a SSBI is around $10k). One thing to keep in mind is that while contractors absolutely can make the clearance a precondition, government positions cannot require you to have a clearance already, or give preferential treatment to potential hires who already have it (they can only make successful attaining of one a condition of keeping the job).

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 16 at 2015 11:40 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 11:40:51 -0400

I believe your clearance is based on if you can obtain a clearance, and granted for a need to know basis.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Jul 16 at 2015 12:13 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 12:13:10 -0400

Once you leave the military you loose your security clearance. You can still add it to your resume because you know you will be able to get it back when they do the background checks for the new job. The job posting should also state the ability to obtain said clearance not hold one.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 10:27 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 22:27:52 -0400

Your security clearance level is determined by your need to know. If your duty position requires access to information at a specific security level, then the military or your employer must submit a request to elevate your clearance (as your sponsor). If granted, it does not ensure you have a need to know but authorizes you access to information at or below the level, if required.

Response by MSgt Dave Burke made Jul 21 at 2015 1:21 PM

MSgt Dave Burke — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 13:21:13 -0400

There is no reason to expect the military to spend all that money to upgrade your clearance for a civilian company and you cannot upgrade it yourself. If the gaining company will not do it to get up to their standards - you are screwed. Find another company.

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Jul 21 at 2015 2:29 PM

PO2 John Crutchfield — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 14:29:53 -0400

The company has to "sponsor" you. The clearance doesn't really "belong" to you; it's assigned to the company. If the company has the need and is willing to pay the costs involved then you are golden. If not,...

Response by Sgt Andrew McFall made Jul 21 at 2015 2:39 PM

Sgt Andrew McFall — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 14:39:58 -0400

From my experience, the only way to go through the complete BI is to have the company that requires it complete their portion of the paperwork. That makes selling yourself as the ideal candidate for the position that much more important, because a complete BI is an expense that companies do not want to waste on new hires that are going to leave in less than two years.

Response by SSgt Laurie Sayles made Jul 21 at 2015 5:02 PM

SSgt Laurie Sayles — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 17:02:13 -0400

It's the catch 22 ... the chicken before the egg scenario. The company must be willing to process your clearance and when you leave one TS position you are 'read off' in order to be 'read on' on a new job. Keep looking, and if they want you ... the will do what they need to do!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 5:05 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 17:05:47 -0400

SFC James Rigdon, Maj R J certainly knows more than I do. But from my own experience:

I had a high clearance with poly, based on a periodic reinvestigation done in 2009. Job I was on ended, and I was sent home, just weeks after submitting my periodic reinvestigation in 2014. Of course, my high clearance expired, but apparently was just bumped down to SECRET.

Applied for a job requiring an inbetween one, and my company submitted me for it. 4 months later, the govt agency approved my access based on the previous and current PRs, even though the current PR is not complete. (5 months and counting.)

What this means is that if you have a Secret and a SSBI that's not too far out of date, it's not that expensive to get your clearance updated. But it still costs money and someone pays, which in spite of regulations regarding discrimination, is almost certainly the reason many people don't get their clearances upgraded.

75% of clearances come from the US military. The remainder are almost exclusively recent college graduates hired by 3-letter agencies. Counting the background investigations, a SSBI is about $60,000 (the number I heard; somewhat larger than the floor figure quoted by Maj R J) which explains why no one will waste time clearing an older worker, unless he's some kind of wizard/superstar.

But since it's based on cost, it remains possible. The trick is to find a company desperate enough to fund it. Obvious choice: combat zones. (Although there aren't as many positions as there were 5 years ago.)

My suggestion: Keep trying. If you have a skill in short supply, or with limited number of people willing to take the job, your chances are higher. And of course, once you get the upgrade, you can start thinking about another job in a more congenial environment.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 6:11 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 18:11:39 -0400

Seems you have received all the info I was going to provide you. Good luck.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 6:47 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 18:47:25 -0400

I was going to make a comment, but with only 35 years of experience (30 of them with a TS/SCI) how could I possibly add to what so many experts have already shared?

Response by MSG Ronnie Snider made Jul 22 at 2015 8:25 AM

MSG Ronnie Snider — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 08:25:29 -0400

It does not to be that easy. Most jobs that are posted in USA Jobs that require you to have a higher clearance rejects your application saying you do not meet the job requirements. IF the company wants you they will pay for it. For the GOV jobs GOOD LUCK!!

Response by LCpl Dan McTiernan made Jul 22 at 2015 9:42 AM

LCpl Dan McTiernan — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 09:42:16 -0400

Consider this from the perspective of the employer. "Can" the employer wait the time it takes to get a prospective employee through the clearance process. Ignore the amount of time a clearance takes, why, while my employment is now dated due to my retirement, we viewed the timeframe to actually get a security clearance due to backlogs was 18 plus months. The employer, the government, will not let the applicant if selected work on the contract until the appropriate clearance has been attained. Unless you have a coveted skill set, if a recruiter came to me and asked to submit to a hiring manager a candidate without the required clearance that request would be denied.

Most contracts are assigned with the expectation that on the date of contract execution all positions in support of the contract are filled. Contracts being reassigned from one firm to another often have the government representative having identified the individuals who come with the contract. Ignore the law and policy look at reality. The OFCCP tends to have a blind eye on these.

How can you get engaged to take advantage of your clearance? I recommend attending career fairs, talking to and networking with recruiters who recruit individuals with clearances. When a new project was being considered with positional vacancies I would ask the recruiter how many qualified candidates they could come up with and when. There are three sources of candidates; hiring manager, government project manager and recruiters. Engage with recruiters and recruiting firms keeping in mind that they are not paid to get you a job they are paid to fill the position and fill it quickly. Then consider the contract award process which can delay employment and contract implementation.

Be knowledgeable about the value that "you" bring to the position(s) and be able to communicate that value (your elevator speech) in 10 seconds which should also be evident on your resume from a quick scan. Keep in mind networking opportunities during your military career and after.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jul 24 at 2015 12:02 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 12:02:08 -0400

From what I've seen, your situation is not unusual. Most companies hiring people in the Government space want the TS as a pre-requisite and will NOT pay for it.
A workaround is get a Federal job, let them adjudicate it (will take a while, given the mess at OPM), then bolt for the highest bidder.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jul 24 at 2015 12:03 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 12:03:22 -0400

I don't know for a fact, but I've heard clearance to TS level run upwards of $30k