Clearing Up Seven Common Myths About Security Clearances

At Leidos, many of our customers are U.S. government agencies, and approximately 55% of our employees hold security clearances to perform their work. If you’re like most people, though, you may know little about clearances. In this article, we help debunk myths surrounding obtaining and maintaining a security clearance.

Myth 1: You must already have a clearance before you can get a cleared job.

Leidos can sponsor you for an initial clearance if the contract and position require classified access. This means you can get hired and, in the right circumstances, even start your job without a clearance. Some employees will have a delayed start date until their clearance is granted, while others begin training and work on other tasks until their clearance is granted. 

Myth 2: The process for getting a security clearance takes years. 

The timeline for obtaining a clearance varies depending on a person’s background, as well as the level of clearance required. An initial clearance application may take up to a year, with averages for Secret clearances approximately six months, and Top Secret approximately nine to twelve months. As a new applicant you will complete a Standard Form (SF)-86, Security Questionnaire, provide proof of citizenship, and electronic fingerprints.  Once the security questionnaire is submitted, the government may grant you an interim clearance within weeks, allowing you to begin work on some contracts.

Myth 3: You need a perfect credit score to get a clearance.

A perfect credit score is not required. But a positive financial picture demonstrates your trustworthiness and signals that you’re less susceptible to bribery.  The key is to be truthful about your debt, and if you have financial issues, have a plan in place to mitigate the debt.

Myth 4: You can't travel internationally with a clearance.

You can travel internationally - you just need to take additional steps. Clearance holders must complete required documentation which includes where you’re going, when, and who you plan to see 30 days prior to international travel. All international travel for vacations must be reported to security for documentation in the government systems of record. The main concerns of international travel while holding a clearance is for those countries that are designated a high threat by the U.S. government. They may require additional awareness before travel, potential debriefings after travel, and the U.S. government can deny international travel to some countries depending on the threat to clearance holders. 

Myth 5: Only those in the military can get a clearance.

Military members are more likely to already have a security clearance from their prior service, but civilians can also get a clearance when sponsored by a U.S. government agency or a qualified company, like Leidos.

Myth 6: Security clearances are only for spies.

Anyone working on a U.S. government contract, from a software engineer to an intel analyst, may need a clearance to do their job. Clearances are needed for any position that requires access to classified information or secure facilities.

Myth 7: Security clearances make your career less flexible.

Security clearances may come with specific parameters around your work location, certain reportable requirements, and disclosing personal international travel, but they do the opposite of limiting your career. More doors are open to you when you have a security clearance, creating opportunities for career advancement and better compensation.

Blogs in this series:

• How to Get a Security Clearance: Demystifying the Process
• Security Clearance 101
• Clearing Up Seven Common Myths About Security Clearances 

Leidos supports contracts from multiple government agencies and is continuously hiring for roles with security clearances. View our current job opportunities.