It seems lucrative to go for the Top Secret clearance, after all, the numbers show that on average, Top Secret clearance holders earn more than Secret clearance holders. So, why no go for the next rung on the security clearance ladder?
Years ago, my employer asked me if I wanted to take my clearance to the next level. I didn’t really give it much thought. Now that I’m not in my 20s anymore, I realize that there are different factors that could have spelled a revocation and job loss for me.
3 Things to Consider When You Go for a Top Secret Clearance
So, it’s best to do your homework before flippantly replying yes. Depending on where you want to be located and your field, having a Top Secret clearance offers a lot more job security. And it also offers future job opportunities too. Just because it’s best to do some research doesn’t mean that you should avoid the option.
1. Interim is not Guaranteed
You may think that just because you already have a Secret clearance or a squeaky clean record that you will automatically receive an interim Top Secret clearance. And the reality is that your odds could be high. However, interim clearances are offered because with an initial assessment of the information, the applicant is not deemed to be a risk. The reality is though that there could be any number of things that require more investigation time. So, don’t bank on an interim clearance.
2. Be prepared for More
Be ready for more detail or more years of your life to consider. The Secret clearance timeline is faster because there’s less to sift through. The exception to this is for someone who is super young, hasn’t moved around a lot, and hasn’t dabbled in anything in life that would require some follow-up questions. But it takes time to verify the information on the SF-86 to the degree that a Top Secret clearance requires.
3. You Risk Your Secret Clearance
This doesn’t mean that you should automatically skip the opportunity to get a Top Secret clearance. But if you have accrued debt since you got your security clearance or you’re worried about the length of time since you last tried an experimental drug, you should pause before proceeding. Consider talking things over with a security clearance lawyer. Or it might be good to wait until you have your finances back in order. Don’t skip opportunities when they come along, but at the same time, don’t be naive. If you are denied a Top Secret clearance, that process will also weed you out of your Secret clearance. And without a clearance, you’ll be without a job.
Check out the Adjudicative Guidelines
Before you fill out your SF-86, it’s a good idea to check out the Adjudicative Guidelines and make sure that you’re not forgetting anything that could be an issue in the investigation process. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
