“The clearance process is mean and unjust. They intentionally try to make it difficult and make you uncomfortable throughout the entire process. It is not for the thin-skinned.”
It’s important to respond to clearance denials with a level-head so you don’t completely bulldoze your chances of getting a cleared career in the future – whether that’s with another agency, starting with a non-cleared government entity, or the private sector.
One ClearanceJobsBlog subscriber writes:
I was denied in 2022, in failure to be truthful I was denied even a retake. They accused me of withholding information to better my chances.
Can I still receive records on my adjudication?
Frankly it hurt my feelings, and they clearly don’t care…
Read the rest of the thread here.
Getting a suitability denial can be stressful, but it’s not necessarily the end of your federal or cleared career. It’s different from a clearance denial—and how you respond can make all the difference.
Understand What a Suitability Denial Really Means
A suitability denial means you were found unsuitable for a specific position, agency, or type of federal employment—not that you are untrustworthy or unable to obtain a security clearance.
-
Common reasons: financial issues, criminal conduct, drug use, misrepresentation, or even behavioral red flags during interviews.
-
Different from a clearance denial: you could still be eligible for a clearance through a different agency or contractor.
How to Respond to a Suitability Denial
1. Don’t complain or type things on the internet you may want to delete later.
2. Read the denial letter carefully.
3. Understand the reasons behind the denial and ask follow-up questions if you’re able. Typically, a suitability determination cannot be denied, but some agencies may offer you the opportunity to respond to the issue or provide clarifying information. Most suitability denials are not that specific, and many do not give the reason, but indicate the individual is welcome to re-apply in a year’s time.
Tips to Move Forward
Don’t reapply immediately to the same agency—most have a 1- to 3-year wait before reconsideration. So, start by applying to different agencies or contractors. One agency may deny you for suitability, but another might accept you for a similar role. If applicable, use the time to build your case, and earn certs, volunteer, or seek counseling—anything that demonstrates stability and reliability. Passage of time is the biggest mitigating factor in most suitability determinations, and each agency has their own litmus when it comes to suitability. Drug issues are a greater issue at some agencies than others; you may have a much better success story if you simply pursue a different agency.
A suitability denial can feel like a dead end, but it’s more like a detour. With the right approach—and a bit of patience—you can often recover, reapply, and re-enter federal or cleared service stronger than before.
This question was posed from a subscriber at ClearanceJobsBlog.com, where you can read and discuss government security clearance process, how to get a security clearance job, and background investigations issues.
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.
