How do I get my own Security Clearance?

[LadyyRedd]

Anyone have any ideas on what steps I can take to get a Security Clearance on my own? I work in the IT Field and many times see postings for positions where a Security Clearance is required to even get the job. I've never held a position where my company would pay for (or even needed me to have) a Security Clearance, so I don't have one already.

Kimya

 

[caitycaity]

you can't get it on your own.

 

[Christine]

I don't know if you can get one for the sake of getting one. Most are granted on a "need to know" basis. So, if you don't have a need to know anything, you don't get one. I have a job that requires a security clearance, so I have one. The minute that I leave this job, it will be revoked because I no longer have the requirement.

I understand what you are saying though because many companies that you could bid for work on would require you to have one and you can't really bid on the work unless you have it right?

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My husband works on a lot of secret government defense contracts. He got his clearance through his company. He works on things that he can't even discuss with me. I'm not even allowed to enter his company's building.

I agree with others that you have to go through a company that has a contract with the government.

 

[caitycaity]

The minute that I leave this job, it will be revoked because I no longer have the requirement.

i don't know your situation, but that is not the way it works at my company. you have to have a reason for getting it, but once you get it you can keep it for a certain time period, even if you are not working on any projects that require you to (or if you are unemployed).

 

[Christine]

i don't know your situation, but that is not the way it works at my company. you have to have a reason for getting it, but once you get it you can keep it for a certain time period, even if you are not working on any projects that require you to (or if you are unemployed).

Yes, I don't think the revocation is immediate; however, I was under the impression that if I became a "domestic engineer", I would probably lose my clearance within about 6 months of leaving my job. However, I think it is easy to get it reinstated once you have had one.

 

[grlpwrd]

Yes, you can't get one on your own. It's really a catch 22.

My dh had 1 thru a shipbuilding company and now at an aerospace company. He got it thru the companies and not on his own. I guess they were "transferrable" in the sense he didn't have to go thru the process again and there was quite a rigorous, intensive background search on him.

I never get to visit him at his place of business and everyone wears their badges to get access to certain places, they don't allow picture cell phones, and all that sort of thing.

GL!

 

[caitycaity]

Yes, I don't think the revocation is immediate; however, I was under the impression that if I became a "domestic engineer", I would probably lose my clearance within about 6 months of leaving my job. However, I think it is easy to get it reinstated once you have had one.

ah, sorry. i misunderstood your previous post - i thought you were saying it was immediate. and yes, it is also my understanding that if you had one previously and it expired, you don't have to go through the full process again.

 

[Crankyshank]

Yes you don't have to go through the whole process again if you need to re-apply for security clearance if you re-apply within a certain timeframe.
DH had to re-apply 2 years ago.

 

[Sleepy]

Yes you don't have to go through the whole process again if you need to re-apply for security clearance if you re-apply within a certain timeframe.
DH had to re-apply 2 years ago.

That depends on what level of clearance. Hubby has always has a clearance, but recently had to apply for top secret. Lots and lots of paperwork. (and he has been military the last 22 years)

You would be amazed at the things that can prevent you from getting a clearance. Bad credit can keep you from obtaining clearance. Your spouse is investigated and so are your parents and in-laws. They want detailed info on everyone.

 

[littlelitmr]

Yes, you can't get one on your own. It's really a catch 22.

My dh had 1 thru a shipbuilding company and now at an aerospace company. He got it thru the companies and not on his own. I guess they were "transferrable" in the sense he didn't have to go thru the process again and there was quite a rigorous, intensive background search on him.

I never get to visit him at his place of business and everyone wears their badges to get access to certain places, they don't allow picture cell phones, and all that sort of thing.

GL!

I am in the planning stages of switching careers, from GOV work to driving. I have to make this transition smartly, pay some debt, save some money and sell my home here in San Diego and relocate to another state. I am looking at relocating to a non-income tax state (Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, or Texas). Of course, earn my CDL. Are there companies that hire new drivers with security clearances? If so do they pay any more than others for inexperienced drivers?

 

[luvnwdwgal]

Being able to get your own security clearance just doesn’t sound right to me.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I am in the planning stages of switching careers, from GOV work to driving. I have to make this transition smartly, pay some debt, save some money and sell my home here in San Diego and relocate to another state. I am looking at relocating to a non-income tax state (Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, or Texas). Of course, earn my CDL. Are there companies that hire new drivers with security clearances? If so do they pay any more than others for inexperienced drivers?

Welcome to the dis, little.

Best wishes on all your planned changes. Do keep in mind some of the replies on this 17 year old thread may not be applicable today.

 

[Mysterian]

My father received Top Secret during his military service. I can't think of any area outside of military and the civil service that grants these clearances.

I tried looking into a specific means of receiving access, but the last thing I remember was this:

 

[Mysterian]

That depends on what level of clearance. Hubby has always has a clearance, but recently had to apply for top secret. Lots and lots of paperwork. (and he has been military the last 22 years)

You would be amazed at the things that can prevent you from getting a clearance. Bad credit can keep you from obtaining clearance. Your spouse is investigated and so are your parents and in-laws. They want detailed info on everyone.

There was an scientist that used to work for the government who mentioned something similar. When accepting the position, the government notified him that they would be tapping his phone. They discovered that his wife was cheating on him, and had to speak with him privately, as the infidelity might prompt him to go off the handle.

 

[BrianL]

They should be applying for that for you. I suppose they might mean that getting the job is contingent upon receiving clearance, but they still have to initiate the process.

 

[_19disnA]

^^ I agree this isn't like getting a passport or driver's license. If you have a civilian/military job that requires some level of security clearance, your employer will already have a process in place to accomplish this.