Getting a security clearance can increase your opportunity as an IT professional.
A security clearance can help whether you’re looking for a temporary contract position or long-term employment. Acquiring a security clearance can broaden your job opportunities, raise your earning potential, and allow you to gain access to high-profile positions.
What is a Security Clearance?
A security clearance is a status granted to select individuals by the federal government that permits them to access classified information or locations.
In general, security clearances measure whether an individual is a loyal U.S. citizen who is honest, trustworthy, mentally sound, and not involved in criminal activity or foreign intelligence efforts.
Individuals cannot start the security clearance application process on their own. A government agency must sponsor an individual to begin the process.
When Do You Need a Security Clearance?
Federal and state employees, military personnel, and government contractors are some of the kinds of workers who typically receive a clearance to do their jobs.
An active clearance may be required to be considered at all for certain jobs. Many positions require you to obtain one as soon as you have a conditional offer in hand.
What Are the Types of Security Clearances?
There are three tiers of security clearances: confidential, secret, and top secret.
- Confidential security clearances permit access to information that, if disclosed, may cause damage to national security.
- Secret security clearances allow access to information that could cause serious damage.
- Top secret security clearances are the highest level: they permit access to information that could cause exceptionally grave damage to U.S. security.
How Do You Get a Security Clearance?
You will be invited to fill out an application to seek a clearance, once you are sponsored by a government agency.
If the application is accepted, it triggers the investigation stage. Government agents will conduct a background check. This check includes a close examination of current and past relatives, employers, neighbors, friends, and other contacts.
Agents will evaluate the findings for approval and next steps.
Get Cleared for Your Next Job with ABBTECH
Working with ABBTECH can be an easy step in the right direction. ABBTECH can help you gain the clearance you need and access the best employment opportunities possible.
ABBTECH is a staffing agency in the Washington, D.C. area that connects IT personnel to jobs in government and other industries. We are prepared to help you get cleared for your next position.