Obtaining a security clearance allows an individual to have access to classified national security information up to and including the level of clearance they hold. There are three levels of clearance: confidential, secret, and top secret. An individual may receive a denied security clearance, revocation, or suspension of their security clearance for a variety of reasons.


The application process is key to assessing whether an individual is fit to hold a security clearance. The application process involves an extensive and thorough background in all aspects of your personal life, including financially. The federal government looks to the following guidelines to determine your fitness:


Once you obtain your security clearance, you are not guaranteed to have it for your entire career. A security clearance may be suspended or revoked at any time. Typically, a security clearance will be revoked when things in your personal life call into question your fitness for the security clearance. These things include, unpaid taxes, bankruptcy, criminal behavior, drug misuse, and false statements to the government, amongst other things.


Although you may reapply for a security clearance, most commonly after a year, it is important to provide accurate information. Typically, when a security clearance is suspended or revoked, the individual loses their ability to work and earn income for their loved ones.