| Submit an employee for a security clearance | Initial Investigation |
| Submit an employee for a security clearance renewal | Reinvestigation |
| Submit an employee for a higher security clearance | Upgrade Clearance |
| Cross an employee over to a new vendor code | Crossover |
| Renew an employee's badge | Badge Renewal |
| Terminate an employee from a contract | Termination from Contract |
| Terminate an employee from a vendor code | Termination from Vendor Code |
| Send a Cert | Sent Cert |
| Terminate a cert | Terminated Cert |
| Fill out an SF-86 form | SF-86 |
Who should apply for a security clearance?
A person whose duties will require that they have access to classified information, and who is willing to undergo a mandatory background investigation and full-scope polygraph (in the case of an ISSA/TS clearance).
What is the purpose of a background investigation?
Caroline: The Agency uses a polygraph to check the veracity of information that bears upon the areas listed above. Their polygraph examiners are highly trained security professionals, among the world's best in their field. They work closely and carefully with applicants to ensure that the information upon which clearance decisions are based is as accurate as it can be and is guarded with the strictest confidence.
What kind of inquiries will be made into a person’s background?
Credit and criminal history checks will be conducted on all applicants. For a Top Secret security clearance, the background investigation includes additional record checks which can verify citizenship for the applicant and family members, verification of birth, education, employment history, and military history. Additionally, interviews will be conducted of persons who know the candidate, and of any spouse divorced within the past ten years. Additional interviews will be conducted, as needed, to resolve any inconsistencies. Residences will be confirmed, neighbors interviewed, and public records queried for information about bankruptcies, divorces, and criminal or civil litigation. The background investigation may be expanded if an applicant has resided abroad, or has a history of mental disorders, or drug or alcohol abuse. A personal interview will be conducted of the candidate.
What is the purpose of a polygraph?
The Agency uses a polygraph to check the veracity of information that bears upon the areas listed above. CIA's polygraph examiners are highly trained security professionals, among the world's best in their field. They work closely and carefully with applicants to ensure that the information upon which clearance decisions are based is as accurate as it can be and is guarded with the strictest confidence.
If a person has poor credit history or other issues in their background, will this prevent them from getting a security clearance?
A poor credit history, or other issues, will not necessarily disqualify a candidate from receiving a clearance, but resolution of the issues will likely take additional time. If the issues are significant, they may prevent a clearance from being approved.
How do I fill out a 4311 for Initial Investigation?
For instructions on how to fill out a 4311 for Initial Investigation, follow the How Do I link at the top of this page.
Can you crossover an employee to any contract?
Yes, as long as you are the manager of that contract.
What form should I use to upgrade a clearance for an employee?
You will need the employee to fill out an SF-86, and your security officer will fill out a 4311. Also, after the investigation, an SOP form will be filled out. See upgrade clearance in the How Do I section above for more details.
How long does it normally take to obtain a Top Secret/ISSA security clearance?
The clearance process can be lengthy. The processing time for each individual case will vary depending upon its complexity, from several months to several years.
