Security Clearance 101

At Leidos, many of our customers are U.S. government agencies, and approximately 55% of our employees hold security clearances to perform their work. Receiving a security clearance from the U.S. government can open up new avenues for your career. If you’re like most people, though, you may know little about clearances. Let’s clear that up by answering frequently asked questions.  

What is a security clearance?

A security clearance is an official U. S. Government authorization granting a person access to classified national security information. The authorization includes an extensive background investigation to determine a person’s trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to safeguard classified information.  There are three levels: Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret.

When are security clearances necessary?

Security clearances are necessary when a job requires someone to access classified information. Many Leidos customers are U.S. government agencies that require security clearances, so our employees who work on those contracts must obtain the appropriate clearance to support those missions. Not all jobs at Leidos require a security clearance; however, the position advertisement clearly states when a security clearance is required. 

You can only obtain and maintain a security clearance if you hold a job that requires access to classified information, and the U.S. Government makes the final decision on whether to grant one.

What are the different levels of clearances?

The three levels, from lowest to highest, include: Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. Beyond that, there are additional access levels that go even higher, such as Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Program (SAP). Some of the highest clearances with additional special accesses require polygraphs. At Leidos, the most common clearances are Secret and Top Secret. Our employees who work in the Intelligence Sector are most likely to be Top Secret SCI cleared (TS/SCI) with a polygraph.

How long does it take to get a clearance? 

The answer depends on the person and the level of clearance they need. A Secret clearance has been taking approximately six months, while a Top Secret clearance is taking nine to twelve months.

What could delay a security clearance?

Government backlogs can delay the process, especially following furloughs during a government shutdown. Also, a candidate’s personal background may lengthen their investigation and adjudication timeline. Some examples of factors that can affect the speed of obtaining a clearance include your financial background, any recent criminal activity, and whether you’ve moved often or have a large number of foreign contacts. 

How does having a security clearance affect your work location? 

Individuals with a security clearance work with classified information that must be kept secure. Most cleared employees work at a government site, government approved restricted area, or in a sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF). A SCIF is a secure area that meets all government standards to store and process classified information — and where that information can be safely discussed. Employees cannot bring their personal electronic devices or phones into a SCIF, but there is always a landline for outside calls. 

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.