How to Obtain Secret Clearance with Background Checks

If you want to work with the federal government, defense contractors, or a federal agency, you may need Secret-level access to classified information. This guide explains how to obtain secret clearance, the security clearance process, and the background investigation steps from a practical point of view.

You will learn who needs Secret, what forms to complete, how investigators review your file, and what affects eligibility. The goal is a clear path from conditional offer to final decision, with examples, tips, and simple explanations.

What “Secret” Actually Means

According to the National Archives (ISOO), Executive Order 13526 defines “Secret” as information whose unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to U.S. national security; a Secret security clearance is the government’s eligibility decision that lets an individual access information at that level when the job requires it and the need-to-know is met.

Understanding how to obtain a secret clearance starts with sponsorship. A hiring agency or cleared employer begins the clearance process after a conditional offer. You will complete required forms, undergo a background check, and wait for an adjudicator to review results against published guidelines. The decision determines whether you are eligible for access at the appropriate level for your job duties.

Who Needs Secret Clearance and Why

Clearance is tied to job duties and risk, not job titles. Agencies determine the appropriate level by looking at the type of data a role must access, the facilities involved, and whether classified information will be handled. If the role requires access to information where unauthorized disclosure could cause serious damage, Secret is likely the match.

Examples include systems administration on classified networks, logistics work with controlled shipments, or analysis that references classified sources. Employment can be with the federal government or with federal contractors who support programs. The security agency that oversees the program will signal which level the position needs before a request is sent to start your file.

Secret vs Confidential vs Top Secret, plus SCI and SAP

Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret escalate risk, damage, serious damage, and exceptionally grave damage if disclosed. SCI and SAP are added, compartmented controls layered on a clearance; access requires sponsorship, need-to-know, and a favorable background investigation.

Confidential

Confidential is the lowest national security classification. It covers information that, if disclosed without authorization, could cause damage to the United States. Access is granted when a job requires it and the person has been found reliable through a background investigation tied to the role.

Typical checks include a national agency check and a credit check, with limited fieldwork. Holders access only what they need for their job duties, and misuse can lead to loss of eligibility or employment action.

Secret

Secret is the mid-level classification. It covers information that, if disclosed, could cause serious damage to national security. Many federal employees and defense contractors need Secret for daily tasks tied to systems, logistics, or operations.

Investigations for Secret use the SF-86 through e-QIP or eApp and include record checks, a subject interview, and fieldwork with references. Access is based on need to know, and sponsorship by a hiring agency or cleared employer is required.

Top Secret

Top Secret is the highest standard classification. It covers information that, if disclosed, could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security. Roles with Top Secret often involve sensitive operations, advanced systems, or senior analysis.

The investigation is deeper, commonly referred to as Tier 5, and may include expanded fieldwork and enhanced checks. Many TS positions also require ongoing reporting and closer monitoring under continuous vetting.

Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)

SCI is not a clearance level. It is a set of compartments for intelligence sources and methods that sit on top of an existing clearance, typically Top Secret. Access is limited to individuals who have a mission need for a specific compartment.

Gaining SCI access requires a separate approval, sometimes with a polygraph depending on the agency. Each compartment has its controls, so being read into one does not grant access to others.

Special Access Programs (SAP)

SAP adds extra protections to especially sensitive projects. A SAP can exist at Secret or Top Secret and limits who can see program details to a small, approved group.

Access requires sponsorship, additional briefings, and strict handling rules. People admitted to a SAP only receive the specific information they need and may face added reporting and audit requirements.

You Cannot Apply Alone

You cannot obtain a security clearance by yourself. A federal agency or cleared employer must sponsor your case after a job offer. Most candidates receive a conditional offer that clearly states the role requires Secret access. The sponsor will send a request to begin your background investigation.

During this stage, keep your contact information current and reply quickly to any request. The security agency or the sponsoring office will send instructions for accounts and forms. Responding fast reduces idle time in the clearance process. If facts change, such as addresses or employment dates, send updates in writing so investigators can review accurate data.

Required Forms and Systems

The main form for national security cases is the SF-86. You will complete it through e-QIP or eApp, which are secure systems used to collect your data and release authorizations. Read each item closely, answer fully, and be consistent with dates, locations, and names.

Organize your documents first. This includes addresses for the past ten years, employment and school dates, foreign travel, foreign contact details, police records, and financial accounts. Many delays in how to obtain a secret clearance come from incomplete forms, missing references, or date gaps that force a resubmission.

Security Clearance Process

Once your sponsor opens the case, you will receive instructions to complete the SF-86 and related release forms. When you submit, the package goes through an initial review. If the forms are complete, the background investigation is scheduled. If information is missing, you will get a message asking for corrections before the investigation can start.

The investigation process begins with a national agency check and a credit check, followed by record searches and interviews. Investigators may contact former employers, neighbors, and references. You will have a subject interview to clarify answers, correct errors, and provide context. When fieldwork is finished, an adjudicator reviews the file under national guidelines and makes an eligibility decision.

What the Background Investigation Covers

The background investigation process verifies identity, residence history, employment, education, travel, and relationships that may affect risk. Record checks include criminal history, court filings, and any criminal charges. Financial files and credit reports are reviewed to assess reliability, debt, and repayment track records.

Depending on the position and agency, you may be asked to take a polygraph test, especially where intelligence duties are present. Social media that is publicly available can be reviewed. Investigators assess how you handle sensitive information and protected information, any misuse of IT systems, and the full picture of your character. Provide direct answers and be transparent about past issues.

Adjudication: How Eligibility Is Decided

Adjudication is the formal review of the completed investigation. An adjudicator looks at the whole person using published guidelines that weigh loyalty, character, personal conduct, foreign influence, financial considerations, alcohol or drug issues, and handling of protected information. The goal is to determine whether access supports national security needs and whether you are trustworthy and reliable.

Outcomes can be favorable eligibility, additional procedures such as a request for more information, or denied eligibility. You may have appeal rights if denied. Mitigating factors such as time since conduct, counseling, repayment plans, or self-reporting can help. Keep copies of documents you might need to submit quickly if the reviewer asks for them.

Responsibilities After You Obtain Secret Clearance

Once you hold Secret, you must follow reporting rules. Report foreign travel, new foreign contacts, significant financial changes, arrests, and any incident that affects risk. Handle secure systems correctly, follow storage rules, and access only what you need to perform job duties. Misuse of sensitive information can lead to suspension or revocation.

Many positions now use continuous vetting. That means certain records are monitored between periodic updates. Keep your file clean and your supervisor informed of changes. Ask for help if you are unsure about a rule. Day-to-day compliance shows you are reliable, which supports your long-term standing.

Special Situations and Exceptions

U.S. citizen status is normally required for Secret. A rare exception may exist in very limited cases, but treat that as unlikely. Military candidates still follow the same framework, although service processes and timelines can differ by branch. When roles change, reciprocity rules may allow a transfer without a new full investigation if recency and scope match.

Top Secret and SCI add more steps. A TS clearance, sometimes listed as ts clearance, supports broader access, and SCI adds compartment rules. Some intelligence jobs also require a polygraph test under defense counterintelligence policies. Special access programs bring added procedures and training. Your sponsor will explain which path applies to your job offer.

Common Reasons for Clearance Issues and How to Mitigate

Frequent problem areas include unreported debt, tax issues, unpaid judgments, undisclosed foreign contacts, and inaccurate forms. Criminal conduct and recent drug use can also weigh against eligibility. Issues do not always end a case, but they increase risk until mitigated. Show a plan with documentation, steady payments, and consistent behavior.

Be proactive. Conduct your review before you submit. Pull your credit file, collect court records if any, and prepare written explanations that match dates and facts on your forms. If you receive a statement of reasons or a similar letter, respond by the deadline and attach clear evidence. Honest, documented steps are more persuasive than vague claims.

Hiring for Cleared Roles the Right Way

Hiring teams should state the clearance requirement in job postings and describe the appropriate level. List the main responsibilities, the expected access, and whether sponsorship and interim requests are available. Do not imply that a company can grant a clearance. Only the federal government decides after investigation and adjudication.

Pre-hire screening must follow law and policy. Use background checks that are relevant to the role and avoid collecting more data than needed. Work closely with the sponsoring office to time requests and procedures. Keep candidates informed so they know when to expect account links, interviews, and review steps.

Conclusion

Learning how to obtain a secret clearance is about preparation, accuracy, and steady follow-through. Start with a complete SF-86, respond to every request, and keep records ready for investigators. Understand the differences among Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret, the role of SCI and special access programs, and how adjudicators review character, loyalty, and conduct. With clear facts and timely updates, you improve your chance of a favorable decision and the right access for your role.

Sapphire Check supports employers and candidates with practical guidance that respects federal rules, program procedures, and privacy. If you need help organizing records for a background investigation or planning compliant screening workflows, contact us. Speak with our team to review your preparation plan, streamline your documentation, and plan next steps.

FAQs

Can I apply for Secret clearance on my own?

No. You must have a sponsoring employer or a government agency after a conditional offer. Individuals cannot start a case without sponsorship.

What form do I complete for Secret clearance?

Use the SF-86 in e-QIP or eApp. Public Trust roles use SF-85 or SF-85P, which are not national security clearances.

How long does Secret clearance take?

Many cases were completed in several months. Complex travel, foreign ties, finances, or missing data can extend the timeline.

Will I need a polygraph test for Secret?

Some positions require a polygraph, often tied to intelligence duties or SCI access. Your sponsor will tell you if it applies.

What causes a denial?

Serious financial problems, unreported criminal charges, false statements, or mishandling sensitive information can lead to denied eligibility. Mitigation with documents and a clear track record can help.