Understanding Clearance Levels

Security clearances are government-granted access levels that allow individuals to handle classified information. Understanding the hierarchy is essential for both candidates and recruiters in the cleared space.

Clearance Level Hierarchy

Listed from lowest to highest access:

Public Trust

A background investigation for positions of moderate risk, typically in federal agencies. Not a full security clearance but often grouped with them. Common in healthcare, IT support, and administrative roles supporting government agencies.

Confidential

The lowest level of security clearance. Grants access to information that could cause damage to national security if disclosed. Typically requires reinvestigation every 15 years.

DoE Q or L

Department of Energy clearances. The L clearance is roughly equivalent to Secret, while the Q clearance is equivalent to Top Secret. Required for work at DOE facilities and national laboratories.

Department of Homeland Security

A clearance specific to DHS programs. Required for contractors and employees working on homeland security initiatives.

Secret

The most commonly held clearance level. Grants access to information that could cause serious damage to national security if disclosed. Requires reinvestigation every 10 years.

Top Secret

Grants access to information that could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security. Requires a more thorough background investigation than Secret, typically a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI). Requires reinvestigation every 5 years.

Top Secret/SCI

Sensitive Compartmented Information access is an additional designation on top of Top Secret. SCI access is granted for specific intelligence programs and requires additional vetting beyond a standard Top Secret clearance.

Intel Agency (NSA, CIA, FBI, etc.)

Clearances administered directly by intelligence agencies. These often include the most rigorous background investigations and may require specific polygraph examinations.

Key Points

• Higher clearance levels meet the requirements for lower-level positions. A TS/SCI holder qualifies for Secret-level roles.
• Clearances are granted by the government, not by employers. Employers sponsor candidates for clearance investigations.
• The investigation process and timeline vary by level — Secret investigations typically take 1-3 months, while Top Secret can take 6-12 months or longer.

Tips

• Keep your clearance information current on your profile. Investigation dates help recruiters assess whether your clearance is active.
• If your clearance is inactive but was held within the last two years, many employers can reinstate it more quickly than starting a new investigation.