A security clearance certifies that an individual is trustworthy enough to access classified national security information. This certification is granted only after an investigation into a person’s background, character, and loyalty. For those seeking employment in the defense or intelligence sectors, the status of this certification is paramount, often deciding hiring eligibility.
Defining “Active Security Clearance”
An “active security clearance” signifies that the government has completed the necessary background investigation and formally adjudicated the individual as eligible for classified access. This eligibility is currently maintained, meaning the status has not been suspended or revoked. Holding this status confirms the individual meets the rigorous standards of character, associations, and loyalty required to handle sensitive national defense materials. The designation of “active” means the clearance holder is currently authorized to access classified information immediately, contingent only upon having a “need-to-know” determined by their employing agency or contractor.
The Different Levels of Clearance
Security clearances are tiered according to the sensitivity of the information the holder is authorized to view. The hierarchy begins with Confidential, which applies to information that could cause damage to national security if improperly disclosed. The next level is Secret, covering information that could cause serious damage if compromised. The highest standard is Top Secret, designated for information that could cause exceptionally grave damage. Many Top Secret clearances include access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI), which requires additional, specific background checks and access approvals.
What Makes a Clearance “Active”?
Maintaining an active clearance is a systemic process managed by the government to ensure ongoing eligibility. A major factor in this process is Continuous Vetting (CV), which has largely replaced the older system of fixed-schedule periodic reinvestigations. CV involves the automated and ongoing monitoring of various public and government databases for potential security concerns related to the clearance holder. This constant screening ensures that any new issues, such as financial distress or criminal activity, are flagged immediately for review.
The clearance must also be considered “in-scope” to be truly active in the employment sense. Being in-scope means the individual is currently assigned to a position that officially requires access to classified information. This employment relationship is typically the mechanism that keeps the clearance record designated as active within the government’s security management systems. If an individual leaves a cleared position, the status of their clearance transitions, even if the underlying eligibility remains valid.
Active, Inactive, and Expired Statuses
The distinction between active, inactive, and expired status is important when seeking cleared employment. An Active clearance means the holder is currently employed in a sponsored position requiring access to classified material, keeping the eligibility status “in-scope.”
An Inactive status, often referred to as “current but not active,” occurs when an individual separates from their cleared position. In this state, the underlying eligibility remains valid and is still subject to Continuous Vetting, but the person is not currently accessing classified information. This inactive clearance is portable and can be quickly reactivated by a new cleared employer without a full new investigation.
The maximum time a clearance can remain inactive while retaining its portability is typically two years from the date of separation from the last cleared job. If the break in cleared service exceeds this period, the status becomes Expired. An expired clearance means the eligibility has lapsed, and the individual must undergo the entire investigation and adjudication process again to regain access.
How Employers Verify Clearance Status
When a cleared company hires a new employee, verifying the status of their security eligibility is a mandatory step. Employers must confirm the status through official government systems, not relying solely on the applicant’s word. The primary system for Department of Defense (DoD) clearances is the Defense Information System for Security (DISS), which replaced the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS). For clearances managed by the Intelligence Community, systems like Scattered Castles are used for verification.
To pull the record, the employer’s Facility Security Officer (FSO) requires the applicant’s consent along with specific identifying information, such as their full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number. The system then displays the clearance level, the date of the last investigation, and the current status (active, inactive, etc.). This official verification process ensures the hiring company remains compliant with security regulations and confirms the individual can be placed in a classified role immediately.
Maintaining Your Active Clearance Status
Holding an active clearance comes with ongoing behavioral and reporting obligations that fall directly on the individual. The government requires immediate and mandatory reporting of specific life events that could impact trustworthiness. These reportable events include changes in marital status, the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings or other significant financial difficulties, and any arrests or criminal charges. Reporting contact with foreign nationals, particularly frequent or close associations, is also a continuous requirement.
Even with Continuous Vetting, some individuals may still be selected for a full Periodic Reinvestigation (PR) based on risk factors or agency requirements. Participation in these subsequent reviews must be completed promptly. Failing to comply with these self-reporting responsibilities or deliberately concealing relevant information is considered a serious security violation. Such non-compliance can lead to the suspension or revocation of the clearance.