How to Get a Security Clearance: Demystifying the Process

Many Leidos employees work on sensitive missions for U.S. Government agencies requiring them to hold security clearances. Many of those employees didn’t necessarily hold a clearance when they were first offered a job. If you see an opening for a job requiring a clearance, and you do not have one, don’t let the clearance requirement stop you from applying. You may receive a job offer without a clearance if you otherwise meet the mandatory job qualifications and can process for a clearance once selected. 

The 3-step process for obtaining a security clearance

When you receive a conditional offer of employment for a cleared job, this means Leidos has a position the company would like to hire you for that requires you to obtain and maintain a security clearance. 

The Leidos corporate security team will help guide you through this process, which starts with an initial security prescreen questionnaire that determines your suitability to successfully complete the government clearance process. Once that is successfully completed, you will undertake these steps:

1. Fill out and submit Standard Form 86 (SF-86)

The U.S. Government’s Office of Personnel Management Standard Form 86 (SF-86) is the first step for most types of security clearances. You’ll fill out the form electronically and you must complete it thoroughly and truthfully. Mistakes can happen but understand that intentionally falsifying a government document can lead to a denial of your application for a security clearance. A completed SF-86 essentially documents the last 7 years of your life, and some categories of questions 10 or more years. You will also be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship and fingerprints.  

The SF-86 includes but is not limited to information regarding:

• Citizenship
• Residence
• Education
• Employment history
• Family and associates
• Foreign affiliations
• Foreign travel
• Criminal record
• Illegal drug involvement
• Financial issues
• Certain types of mental health treatment
• Alcohol-related incidents
• Military service
• Prior clearances and investigations
• Civil court actions
• Misuse of computer systems
• Subversive activities

The government will use this information to begin a background investigation. This stage includes a criminal background check, credit check, and fingerprint check against commercial and government databases. The investigation will also include your employment record, interviews with co-workers, neighbors, and friends, and an interview with you to review the information in your security forms.

2. If needed for your level of security clearance, take a polygraph

A polygraph is a physiological test that measures and records physical responses your body subconsciously makes to outside influences during a scripted line of questioning. A reaction to a question does not necessarily mean you are lying. The physiology can change based on any number of factors. There are a number of types of polygraphs, with the two most common being Counterintelligence and Full Scope. Questions on the polygraph will relate to drugs, crime, espionage, contact with foreign governments, and accuracy of information on forms. Polygraphs are required by certain U.S. government agencies for access to sensitive compartmented information.

3. Await government review

Once the background investigation and polygraph (if necessary) are completed, the government will adjudicate your case. This step determines if you are of trustworthy character to be granted access to classified information. The government uses the “whole person concept” meaning, one piece of derogatory information will usually not result in a denial. If all goes well, the government will grant the appropriate level of clearance eligibility, you will receive a clearance indoctrination briefing and begin working in your new position. 

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.