In today’s cleared job market, many security clearance holders are finding themselves navigating uncertain waters. One of the most frequent questions we’re hearing at ClearanceJobs is: “Do I still need to self-report if I’m no longer in a cleared role?”
The answer depends on your clearance status.
Self-reporting requirements—such as disclosing foreign travel, financial difficulties, or legal issues—only apply to individuals who are currently in access. That means you’re actively working in a cleared position today, or your clearance is held by an entity such as the National Guard or a reserve component, and you have an associated security officer.
If your clearance is simply eligible or current, but you’re not actively working in a cleared role, you’re not required to self-report. Why? Because you don’t have an active facility security officer to report to, and no one is monitoring your day-to-day status.
That said, your conduct during a gap in employment can still come under review. If you hope to return to a cleared position, your next employer will assess your behavior during that time. So yes, while you don’t need to self-report, you do need to remain clearable. That means tracking foreign travel, staying financially stable, and avoiding the kinds of behavior (no matter how fun it sounds) that could jeopardize your future eligibility.
Bottom line: If you’re currently in access, self-report. If you’re not, focus on staying clearable.
