SF-86 Bug: Inconsistent Employment History Requirements on the e-QIP Form

If you’re filling out the SF-86 for a Secret security clearance, you’ve likely noticed the form asks for your employment history over the last 5 years, starting from age 18 or later. That part is straightforward.

However, a major inconsistency arises when you answer “Yes” to the question:
“In the last 7 years, have you been fired from a job, quit after being told you’d be fired, or left by mutual agreement following allegations of misconduct or poor performance?”

When you say yes, the e-QIP system prompts you to enter the details of that specific job, even if the employment ended more than 5 years ago.

The problem?

The system will throw an error if you try to submit employment dates outside the 5-year range—even though it’s the system itself that asked you to report it!

Has anyone else faced this issue as well?

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There is more going on here unless I’m misunderstanding you. The SF86 asks for a ten year employment history, not five.

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My SF862020 asks for last 5 years. Also note this is for Secret.

You are misreading the question. The SF86 is the same for a secret or top secret so that makes no difference. The listing requirement is TEN years, NOT five.

Double check the employment dates you entered. You probably have a typo somewhere.