For cleared job seekers, the question frequently arises – will the security clearance I already have transfer to my next position? Because a security clearance is attached to a position and not a person, it doesn’t exactly ‘transfer,’ but your next company should be able to easily reinstate the clearance. The 13 adjudication guidelines are identical across federal agencies. Security clearance reciprocity has also been heavily emphasized in security clearance reform and cost-savings initiatives. The Office of Management and Budget provides reciprocity guidelines with the goal of ensuring new security clearance investigations are only conducted when they’re required.
The good news is your clearance remains ‘current’ for a period of two years. So assuming you’re looking to go directly from one position to another at the same clearance level, your new company should be able to easily re-instate your clearance for your new position. If you’re moving to a new position supporting the same federal agency (which will pull from the same database), the job should be easier.
Because a single online system has not been implemented to track security clearances across agencies, however, delays can still occur. And it’s also important to consider the level of security clearance you currently possess. Having previously undergone a Secret security clearance investigation should make obtaining a Top Secret clearance easier (largely because you are already familiar with the process and adjudicative guidelines). But that doesn’t mean it won’t come without delays. And if you weren’t completely honest in your initial investigation, you can certainly expect headaches. One of the most frequently asked questions we receive are from individuals who misrepresented information on an initial investigation and want to now come clean in a follow-up or future investigation. Passage of time and an otherwise exemplary character will help your chances.
In all cases, be up front with the hiring manager about your current clearance details and get clear information about the new work you’ll be doing. A recruiter or hiring manager in the cleared space will be able to provide good guidance on whether reciprocity guidelines apply.
