Completing the SF-86 is a precursor to getting a security clearance, and it can be an intimidating process. It’s incredibly long, asks you about things in your past that you may be less than proud of, and you have to come up with references who have known you for nearly a decade.
How much time do most people spend completing their SF-86?
- 2 hours
- 7 hours
- About a week
- 30 days
What types of information do you need before beginning your SF-86?
- 10 years of employment history
- Current addresses for all of your close relatives, including step-siblings and former guardians or foster parents
- Records of any foreign travel
- All of the above
How many references will you need?
- 5
- 4
- 3
Should you tell your references that they may be contacted by someone during the clearance process?
- No, they may not even be contacted.
- Yes, they will probably be contacted.
If you’ve ever committed any type of crime, used any type of drug, or had any financial issues, you should lie about it so you pass the initial screening process.
- True
- False
How much information should you give when you answer each question?
- Spill all the beans
- Only give answers that make you look good
- Just the facts, ma’am
Once your SF-86 is complete, you should keep a copy of it for your records.
- True
- False
How much time do most people spend completing their SF-86?
- 2 hours
- 7 hours
- About a week
- 30 days
What types of information do you need before beginning your SF-86?
- 10 years of employment history
- Current addresses for all of your close relatives, including step-siblings and former guardians or foster parents
- Records of any foreign travel
- All of the above
How many references will you need?
- 5
- 4
- 3
Should you tell your references that they may be contacted by someone during the clearance process?
- No, they may not even be contacted.
- Yes, they will probably be contacted.
If you’ve ever committed any type of crime, used any type of drug, or had any financial issues, you should lie about it so you pass the initial screening process.
- True
- False
How much information should you give when you answer each question?
- Spill all the beans
- Only give answers that make you look good
- Just the facts, ma’am
Once your SF-86 is complete, you should keep a copy of it for your records.
- True
- False
There’s no getting past the length of time it takes to fill out what used to be a 127-page document. The process might be digital now, but you should know that if you’d rather procrastinate just a bit longer, you should take our quiz to find out if you’re REALLY ready to fill out your SF-86.
Security clearances are only issued to those who need to access classified information. And while the SF-86 is required, that’s not the only step aspiring clearance holders need to take.
The SF-86 is just a precursor to the investigation, which can take varying amounts of time. That’s right, you’ll probably need to answer even more questions during the investigation process. You may even need to eventually take a polygraph test, depending on your level of clearance.
It’s a crime to knowingly conceal information on your SF-86, and doing so can end in a criminal conviction along with a permanent mark on your record. Filling out your SF-86 correctly makes it more likely that you can get an interim clearance so you can start working sooner.
It can take a few months for full security clearance approval, so interim clearance can make a major difference in your timeline for starting your new job.
So go ahead, gather your information, and start filling out your SF-86. Your future self (and future employer!) will thank you.