Types of Security Clearances Needed for Government Positions

Security clearances are an essential requirement for many US government positions, and the type of security clearance needed is based on the level of classified information an individual has access to.

When applying for government positions, it’s important to keep in mind which security clearance type you may need.

Read on to strengthen your knowledge of different security clearance types so you can plan for your next job!

Types Of Security Clearance

Security clearances are organized into tiers which indicate the maximum level of classified information individuals can access.

Confidential

This is the least restrictive type of security clearance and provides access to information that could damage national security if it’s disclosed without authorization. It must be reinvestigated every 15 years.

Confidential clearance also requires a National Agency Check, Local Agency Check, and Credit Check (NACLC).

Secret

A secret clearance provides access to information that can cause serious damage to national security if it’s disclosed without authorization. It must be reinvestigated every 10 years and requires NACLC and a credit investigation.

Top Secret

This type of security clearance is the most restrictive and provides access to information that can cause grave damage to national security if it’s disclosed without authorization. It must be reinvestigated every 5 years.

Top secret clearance is typically granted after a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI), for data related to counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and other sensitive information.

Classified Information That Requires Additional Clearance

Even for individuals with security clearances, government information is handled on a need-to-know basis. This means that access rights are up to the assigned department officers who handle any requested data.

Sensitive compartmented information involves intelligence-related methods and sources. This clearance is typically granted only after thorough SSBI and adjudication processes, as well as any departmental requirements and clearances.

Special access programs involve highly sensitive projects, usually established by the Department of Defense for programs such as new military technology. Not many individuals have a clearance level this high.

Interim Security Clearance

In some cases, individuals may be granted interim security clearance so they can start their jobs sooner. Final clearances are usually processed and adjudicated in less than 90 days, but an interim security clearance allows an individual to perform classified work until a decision is made on their security clearance.

Automatic Disqualifiers for Security Clearances

If you fit any of the following criteria, you are immediately ineligible for security clearance:

You’re not a citizen of the United States*.
You’ve been dishonorably discharged from military service.
You’re currently involved in the use of illegal drugs.
Your security clearance has been previously revoked for security concerns.
You’ve been judged as mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional.

While not automatic disqualifiers, criminal charges or financial history mistakes, such as low credit score or unpaid bills that went to collection, may also stop you from getting a security clearance.

*Limited Access Authorization (LAA) may be granted in rare circumstances where a non-U.S. citizen possesses a unique or unusual skill or has expertise that is urgently needed.

Government Jobs That Require Security Clearance

Positions in the federal government that may require security clearance include secretaries, security officers, librarians, system administrators, and computer support personnel who can access classified documents or systems.

Individuals that work for private organizations with government contracts may also require security clearances. Employees of companies, non-profit organizations, and research organizations with federal contracts, subcontracts, or grants may need to go through the clearance process.

Higher security levels are required for agencies that defend our national security—think the CIA, FBI, DEA, Homeland Security, and Defense Intelligence Agency. One often overlooked agency when it comes to security clearances is the Department of Energy. Some employees have access to nuclear information, so they require top secret clearances.

Increased Demand for Workers with Clearance

The number of job postings that require security clearance has been steadily increasing, while the number of individuals with a security clearance remains stagnant.

According to data from Clearance Jobs, there has been a growth rate of over 1000% in job postings for cleared talent since 2014. Meanwhile, the growth rate of the population with security clearance since 2014 has remained at barely above 0%.

This has led to fierce competition between the government and private sectors in the race for cleared talent. And it’s no surprise that as demand for employees with security clearance rises, so does the pay for cleared employees.

Additional data from Clearance Jobs showed that cleared employees received an average boost of six percent in compensation in 2023, bringing their average salary to a record $114,946. The clearance process seems worthwhile now, right?

Find Government Jobs with Various Security Clearance Types

With such an increase in demand and better pay opportunities, there’s been no better time to look for a position that requires any type of security clearance. Now that you know a bit more about the process, what are your next steps?

If you have security clearance or are planning to apply for clearance soon, you’re on the right track. Once you’re ready to start looking for government positions, we can take it from there.

Insight Global can help connect you with roles in need of pre-vetted and cleared talent! Check out our job board to start the search for your next position.