It is a question that keeps some applicants up at night, especially those worried about the impact of a pre-existing condition like anxiety or depression.
The worry is understandable, since psychological examinations are used only in a small percentage of security clearance cases: for intelligence community applicants, federal law enforcement applicants, and those for whom specific issue resolution (e.g., concerns about mental health) is required. The relative rarity thus leads to a perception of mystery – and sometimes fear.
But it shouldn’t. For most clearance applicants subject to a psychological exam, the experience is entirely unremarkable. Here is a brief overview of what to expect:
Review of the Applicant’s Case History
Prior to meeting with the applicant, a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist will review the applicant’s security case file. Often, this will include the SF-86 completed by the applicant, investigative fieldwork reports, and a memorandum from personnel security officials outlining any specific concerns or questions. In some cases, the evaluator may request additional documentation from the applicant or the applicant’s medical provider(s), including any medical history not already in the investigative case file.
Diagnostic Testing
In most cases, the applicant will then be invited to the evaluator’s office to complete diagnostic testing. That typically includes completing a written, multiple-choice assessment designed to provide a psychological baseline on the applicant and identify any potential issues for follow-up. In cases involving a previously-identified issue (e.g., alcoholism), additional testing may be administered. This can include other, non-written forms of testing like a blood test to determine the presence (or lack) of certain enzymes that would corroborate or disprove an applicant’s narrative about recent substance abuse.
Interview with Evaluator
A face-to-face interview with the evaluator follows the diagnostic testing. Applicants are assessed for standard psychological indicators like orientation (awareness of time, place, etc.), mood, and logical thought process. Depending on the results of the diagnostic testing, specific questions may be asked to clarify or gain additional insight on potential issues. Contrary to urban legend, this writer has never heard of an applicant being placed under hypnosis or otherwise being placed into an altered mental state (e.g., by administering so-called “truth serum”) during the examination.
Evaluator’s Report
Upon conclusion of the evaluation process, the psychologist or psychiatrist will complete a report to security officials outlining their findings and providing a recommendation either for or against granting a security clearance. As I have cautioned previously on these pages, these are fitness for duty evaluations where the applicant has no doctor-patient confidentiality. Applicants should present themselves professionally and take the process seriously, but should not attempt to obscure issues or present themselves as infallible, as the process is designed to identify such behavior.
Applicants should bear in mind that this is a broad generalization and that actual experiences will vary by agency. However, like the polygraph examination, the worst thing an applicant can do is to research technical specifications of the process in advance by reading books about the evaluation criteria or going down an internet rabbit hole. Not only does this often heighten anxiety and produce false expectations, it can also raise questions about whether the applicant is intentionally trying to circumvent vetting procedures. That’s an integrity concern that can sink an otherwise successful applicant.
This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Although the information is believed to be accurate as of the publication date, no guarantee or warranty is offered or implied. Laws and government policies are subject to change, and the information provided herein may not provide a complete or current analysis of the topic or other pertinent considerations. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
