Having a Security Clearance vs. Being Eligible for a Security Clearance

Originally published at: https://www.clearancejobsblog.com/having-a-security-clearance-vs-being-eligible-for-a-security-clearance/

What is the difference between having a security clearance versus being found eligible for a security clearance? This question has confounded many applicants after they have endured the long and arduous national security background investigation process and were told it was favorably adjudicated. Many who thought they were cleared found out otherwise when applying for…

Thank you for shedding some light on this confusing process, Marko.

Outstanding info for all.

So if a job posting says “TS/SCI eligibility required” - this specifically means they are looking for someone that has ALREADY been through the process, i.e. the “long and arduous national security background investigation process and were told it was favorably adjudicated”? Thanks

No, it means you either already have one or can make it through the process to obtain eligibility.

Ok great, thank you Marko!

Just an add on to this topic, ODNI released an SF-312 FAQ that can be found here:

Your situation is unclear and it would have been better to have started a new thread rather than add to the end of this one . . .

Do you have a cleared job right now? If you were investigated and cleared back in 2016 but you never started the job, your investigation has expired and you would have to start over from scratch. That may be the “flag” that you were told about.