Is a public trust a security clearance?  

If you support the federal government, you’ve likely heard of public trust positions—but do you really know what they entail? Many people confuse public trust positions as cleared roles, but spoiler alert, they’re not the same.  

ClearanceJobs’ latest report breaks down everything you need to know about Public Trust Personnel Vetting. Download the full report here. 

The Difference Between Public Trust and Security Clearances

While security clearances grant access to classified information, public trust positions focus on suitability and fitness—determining whether someone can be trusted with responsibilities that could significantly impact public confidence. These roles are often found in healthcare, IT, finance, and law enforcement—sectors where integrity is just as important as security. 

How Trusted Workforce 2.0 is Changing the Vetting Process

With the rollout of Trusted Workforce 2.0, the federal government is making personnel vetting faster, more efficient, and continuous. This initiative brings: 

  • A streamlined 3-tier system for vetting processes, sorting both public trust and security clearances into low, moderate and high risk.  
  • Continuous Vetting, originally only for security clearance holders, but under Trusted Workforce 2.0, it is now being introduced to public trust positions as well. This means automated checks of financial records, criminal history, and other risk factors will be ongoing, helping to maintain integrity across the federal workforce. 
  • Additionally, digital modernization with automated systems like the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) will centralize data, improve efficiency, and assist reciprocity.  

Challenges in Public Trust Vetting

Many assume that Public Trust determinations happen faster than security clearance decisions. That’s not always the case. Some investigations take months, especially if agencies uncover adverse information. Plus, inconsistent application of standards across agencies can create confusion—especially for contractors, who may not always be given a clear reason for suitability denials. 

Download the full report, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up to date on all things security and defense. 

Related News

Phoebe Wells is the Public Relations & Partnerships Marketing Manager at ClearanceJobs and loves every aspect of her role. Creating content and working with the CJ team to connect cleared candidates with employers is incredibly rewarding, as the work ClearanceJobs does ultimately supports the mission of the U.S. As the daughter of a veteran and former cleared worker, she knows the sacrifices security and defense professionals make. She is honored to assist them in leveling up their careers. Plus, she gets to work from home in the Adirondack Mountains with her partner and two huskies!