Looking to upgrade your clearance? Applicants should tread lightly, particularly if they lied on their last investigation or if other issues have come up since that you have not self reported.
Take clearance2017’s story as a cautionary tale and look at the adjudicative guidelines as you ponder the level-up:
“Could a rejected TS/SCI (or a SOR) affect an active secret clearance with current job?”
Will a TS/SCI Denial Make You Lose Your Active Secret?
Yes, a rejection for a TS/SCI clearance can negatively impact your existing Secret clearance, especially if the denial is based on information discovered during the TS/SCI investigation that could also be considered a concern for your Secret clearance level; in some cases, a TS/SCI denial could lead to a review and potential revocation of your Secret clearance, especially if the denial is from the same agency or security clearance system of record.
Lindy Kyzer, VP of Content + Market Engagement at ClearanceJobs says, “ …if you lied about anything in your initial Secret clearance investigation and it’s then uncovered in a more interview-driven Top Secret clearance investigation, your TS eligibility would be denied.”
Things to consider:
Different levels of sensitivity: While a Secret clearance allows access to classified information, a TS/SCI clearance grants access to even more sensitive information, including Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
Investigation depth: A TS/SCI investigation is typically more thorough than a Secret clearance investigation, potentially uncovering issues that could also affect your lower level clearance.
Agency discretion: The specific impact on your Secret clearance depends on the agency involved and the reasons for the TS/SCI denial.
Get your clearance questions answered at ClearanceJobsBlog.com and your federal work inquiries noted at FedWork.net.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” This case-by-case system is meant to consider the whole person, increase process security, and allow the lowest-risk/highest-need candidates to complete the process. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
