Help Obtaining a Security Clearance

The Security Clearance Application Process

The majority of security clearances are obtained through the United States Department of Defense (DoD), which is the process we will summarize on this page. While the security clearance application itself is the same across the board, the procedures followed during the investigation and decision-making process may vary slightly with other agencies. 

At The Edmunds Law Firm, we have deep knowledge of security clearance requirements and what’s required for a successful top secret clearance application. Our skilled attorneys have helped hundreds of applicants across the country obtain or retain their security clearance.

Applicant Requirements to Obtain National Security Clearance

You can’t initiate a security clearance application on your own. The request for a security clearance investigation must come from a department or agency of the U.S government, typically because they are considering employing you or contracting with you. Then, you’ll begin the process. You will typically be required to:

• Complete specific forms
• Provide personal information
• Be fingerprinted
• Consent to a background investigation
• Undergo multiple interviews
• Possibly consent to a polygraph test
• Provide contact information for acquaintances and people close to you, so that they may be interviewed

As you prepare to apply for a secret clearance, you should seriously consider consulting a security clearance lawyer. Many people make mistakes in the security clearance application process simply because they don’t fully understand the extent of the information required or how to manage any negative items.

SF-86 Security Clearance Questionnaire

The Standard Form (SF) 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions, is used by military personnel, government contractors, and government employees to apply for a Security Clearance. To keep up with the electronic era, a new form titled SF86 Electronic Questionnaire for Investigation Processing (eQIP) became available online. However, it contains the same questions and information that can be found in SF 86.

Completing the SF-86 Form

When filling out the form, it is important to be honest in your answers to each question. You may also provide explanations for answers in the comments or continuation section if you feel it is necessary. One of the key reasons for a security clearance investigation is to assess your honesty and trustworthiness. Omitting information or telling half-truths could disqualify you, even if the information you were hoping to hide would not have.

The form will require an extensive amount of information, including current and former spouses, residential addresses for the past 10 years, employment history for the past 10 years, and time spent overseas. This information will be verified, and even an honest mistake could cause serious problems. So, it’s important to take your time and take care to answer every question accurately. Be sure to make copies since you may require this information in the future when seeking higher clearances.

Cooperating with the Security Clearance Investigation

Once you’ve submitted your security clearance package, you’ll be asked to sit for an interview. The interview is not a formality, and you will likely be questioned extensively. An experienced security clearance application lawyer can help you prepare for this investigative interview. Investigators will also talk to other people in your life (past and present) and will run a criminal background check and a credit check. You may also be asked to take a polygraph exam as part of the process.

Work With Nationally Ranked Security Clearance Lawyers

If you have doubts about revealing certain information while completing the SF86 form, you might want to consider contracting a skilled security clearance attorney. Attorney Alan Edmunds has the experience and knowledge to guide you through this process and answer any questions you might have.

If inconsistencies, incorrect information, or falsehoods are discovered in any of the documents you provide for your security clearance application, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) may contact you to ask for clarification on these issues. Some might deny security clearance without this opportunity. If you encounter obstacles throughout the application process or are denied security clearance, legal representation can make a critical difference in changing the outcome.

If your security clearance application is denied, you will have the opportunity to appeal. However, your time to file a Notice of Appeal is quite limited, as you have just 15 days from the date of the decision. Then, you’ll need to file an appeal brief that explains in detail what you believe the adjudicator got wrong and why. In most situations, the decision of the Appeal Board is final, so you cannot afford to leave anything out of this brief or make mistakes in your argument. 

Apply for Security Clearance Today

The legal team at The Edmunds Law Firm has been serving clients in the area of national security clearance for over 45 years, since 1976. If you would like more information about applying for a security clearance, contact one of our accomplished security clearance lawyers today.

We are nationally ranked and proud to offer effective representation. Call us at (800) 481-2526!

Pursuing a security clearance can be stressful. You may have a dream job or a significant promotion hanging in the balance. You know you have to do everything in your power to make sure your security clearance process goes smoothly. 

Below, we have provided answers to some of the questions we hear most often, to give you a high-level understanding of national security clearance requirements and how to obtain security clearance. 

Of course, this general information is only a starting point. When you apply for secret clearance or need to appeal a denial of security clearance, there is no substitute for guidance from a seasoned national security clearance lawyer.