what do they look for when obtaining a secret security clearance?

[wasssup]

Kind of got a job offer for a great job, however they said they have to do a background check to see if I can obtain secret security clearance as the position requires it.

What kind of things are they going to be looking into? I've got a clean history so no worries, just wondering.

[UDT89]

the check criminal records and usually your credit.

at least thats what we where i work. but there are different levels of backgrounds.

the cheap background doesnt check every county for records, usually only major cities.

[D1gger]

This may give you some insight into what they will be looking at.

[RightIsWrong]

Everything. If you haven't filled out your paperwork yet, do some research on yourself. They will look at criminal, credit, residency, travel, etc. If you have moved around quite a bit, get ready for some fun. You will have to list every address for the last 10 years along with someone who knew you at that address. You will have to do the same for employment. Depending on how "clean" you are, it will either be a relatively quick procedure (few months) to a long, drawn out ordeal (over a year).

[PrinceofWands]

They didn't dig very deep when I was in the military. I don't think anyone I knew was contacted. It didn't take long either.

I was semi-surprised, since I've always been so outspoken against nationalism, politicians, and so many other aspects of military and government. I just don't think they care very much about that low of a clearance.

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
They didn't dig very deep when I was in the military. I don't think anyone I knew was contacted. It didn't take long either.

I was semi-surprised, since I've always been so outspoken against nationalism, politicians, and so many other aspects of military and government. I just don't think they care very much about that low of a clearance.

When I was 18, I sent the President (Clinton) an email (with my name on it) saying the revolution was coming. When I was 19 I joined the military and got a secret clearance

[UTmtnbiker]

Depending on the level of clearance you're applying for is really how deep they'll go. Working for a defense contractor, many times they dig DEEP! I've been interviewed by an Air Force OSI agent in regards to a person I working with about 8 years ago who I hadn't talked to in about 5 years. They'll do a lot of character interviews....your neighbors, your neighbor's neighbors, junior high school teacher, etc.

[NuclearNed]

Originally posted by: RightIsWrong
Everything. If you haven't filled out your paperwork yet, do some research on yourself. They will look at criminal, credit, residency, travel, etc. If you have moved around quite a bit, get ready for some fun. You will have to list every address for the last 10 years along with someone who knew you at that address. You will have to do the same for employment. Depending on how "clean" you are, it will either be a relatively quick procedure (few months) to a long, drawn out ordeal (over a year).

QFT - they look at everything. I have a squeeky clean record, but my investigation still took nearly a year because right after college I had moved several different places. They want to talk to all your ex-neighbors, ex-landlords, ex-bosses, acquaintances, etc.

[wasssup]

ahh thanks guys...hopefully things clear fast (at least the prelim check), the sooner i'm done with helpdesk the better...

[FoBoT]

security clearances vary
is it for Dept of Defense? Dept of Energy? other?

there are different types depending on where you are working

[cKGunslinger]

I have a rather high DoD clearance and special customer clearance that only a select few people can obtain, yet I have a DUI and some hefty financial burdens on my record.

It's mostly all about honesty. As long as you are open and honest and show no shame about your past, you are in usually good shape. It also helps to not be a person who travels out of country extensively and has lost of foreign national friends and family.

And yes, they will interview nearly everyone you've come in contect with - teachers, employers, etc. They just want to know what kind of person you are.

[skace]

Takes about a year, they go back 10 years of your life and look at everything from the drugs you've done to the people who were your neighbors at every house you've lived at.

[PrinceofWands]

It's funny to me that civilians go through more to get a clearance for a job than I did in the military to get mine. Very strange.

[bondboy]

You should use people here as your references. They will be extremely helpful inexpediting your background check.

[Rastus]

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
It's funny to me that civilians go through more to get a clearance for a job than I did in the military to get mine. Very strange.

It's hit or miss. I've seen people go through the mill for a low level clearance where they didn't really have access (need to know) to anything classified, and there have been news stories over the years about people who were in high level positions that had records that would disqualify them from working in a 7-11.

[A5]

The Secret clearance doesn't take too much - they'll check the basics, but they usually don't bother with the interviews for it. They save those for Top Secret

[tranceport]

WMD's

[stash]

You should get an interim secret in a matter of weeks. You probably will have a full secret in 8-12 months, depending on the backlog at DSS. Since Sept. 11, the time for clearances has increased dramatically.

My TS just came in a couple of weeks ago, after 15 months. They visited or called each of my references/family members twice, but most of that was done within the first couple of months.