Security Clearance Question

[Maikeru-sama]

If you feel like you have the credentials (no criminal record, great credit etc etc), can one just apply for a Security Clearance for jobs that he/she may apply for in the future that require one or do you have to be pursuing the job at the current time that you apply for a Security Clearance?

I start my new job as a Consultant next week. I am not sure if my company has contracts with companies/government that require a Security Clearance but I was thinking of applying for a Security Clearance in case we do, so I could have the option of getting on one of those projects if I so choose too.

During my final 2 weeks at my former company last week a co-worker asked me if my new company did Government Contracting work that required a Security Clearance because she felt her husband may be interested because he couldn't find a job at the moment and has one, so that is why I started thinking about it.

Whatever you can do to separate yourself from the pack .

 

[burmafrd]

Its a good idea for your resume; but most of the time contractors do not care if you have the clearence at the time you apply for the job. The government is the same way. They WILL check your background as much as they can though.

 

[Maikeru-sama]

burm, is it like a Passport, meaning you can apply any time or do I have to wait until I'm trying to get a job that requires one to apply?

 

[Phoenix]

Actually, nowadays, many contractors working in the security clearance world are requiring an active clearance. Why? Because each clearance (higher level ones like Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information or TS/SCI) cost thousands and thousands of bucks. Even when I did that for 13 years Back In The Day, those background checks were around 10K per check...and the company had to pay...

 

[YosemiteSam]

My dad works on the F-35 Lightning II at Lockheed. He had to have security clearance for it, but he already had it from his days in the Navy.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

A private individual can pay for the costs of a Q Clearance but, you would still have to be sponsored by somebody within a specific organization in order to receive a clearance. In addition, not all clearances are accepted by various different agencies. For example, a security level clearance may be sponsored by a DOD site but if you use it at a DOE site, it may not be validated or accepted. They don't transfer so it's really a good idea to have specific agencies and projects in mind for an investment such as this. As was stated much earlier, a clearance is very expensive and is not usually done without sponsorship.

Clearances that span agencies are only Federal Government Issue and are not available to anybody not affiliated with private industries. These are usually associated with very high level intelligence agencies. You really need to understand what you are getting cleared for and how it might work to your advantage financially.

 

[Maikeru-sama]

Thanks for the information fellas.

Looks like I will just wait until it is necessary to get one.

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

A private individual can pay for the costs of a Q Clearance but, you would still have to be sponsored by somebody within a specific organization in order to receive a clearance. In addition, not all clearances are accepted by various different agencies. For example, a security level clearance may be sponsored by a DOD site but if you use it at a DOE site, it may not be validated or accepted. They don't transfer so it's really a good idea to have specific agencies and projects in mind for an investment such as this. As was stated much earlier, a clearance is very expensive and is not usually done without sponsorship.

Clearances that span agencies are only Federal Government Issue and are not available to anybody not affiliated with private industries. These are usually associated with very high level intelligence agencies. You really need to understand what you are getting cleared for and how it might work to your advantage financially.

I was going to weigh in, but ABQ pretty much covered everything.

 

[Avaj]

Congrats on the new job!!

 

[burmafrd]

I forgot to mention the money part. Its up to $3-5000 now. If your company is willing to pay for it do it. Otherwise its not a good investment.

 

[Maikeru-sama]

I forgot to mention the money part. Its up to $3-5000 now. If your company is willing to pay for it do it. Otherwise its not a good investment.

Yeah, it sounded pretty expensive to get, that is why I will pass unless a company will pay for it.