Security clearance upgrades can feel like a secret club within a secret club—one where you’re not just cleared, but more cleared. If you’re sitting on a Secret clearance and eyeing a Top Secret (TS), or you have a TS and want to break into the world of polygraph-required positions, the path forward isn’t always clear. But here’s the truth: clearance upgrades don’t happen by accident, and you’ll need a combination of opportunity, timing, and advocacy to get your company to make the investment.
Here’s what you need to know—and do—to get your company to sponsor your clearance upgrade.
1. Understand the Business Case Behind the Badge
Companies don’t upgrade clearances just because you’re a great employee (although that never hurts). Clearance upgrades are time-consuming, and resource-intensive. If your current role doesn’t require the higher level, your company has little incentive to initiate the process—unless it serves a business need. And the government doesn’t look kindly on companies who oversaturate their staff with higher-level clearances than required. In fact, policies require companies to audit their positions to ensure eligibility meets access requirements.
That means your best shot at a clearance upgrade is to align yourself with a contract or program that requires it. Want a TS? Find work on a project that requires TS access. Want a polygraph? Seek out roles supporting agencies like the CIA or NSA that require one.
Pro tip: When you hear about a contract award involving SCI or polygraph positions, that’s your sign to raise your hand and say, “Put me in, coach.”
2. Build Trust With Your FSO and Manager
Whether you’re gunning for a TS or trying to navigate the polygraph process, your Facility Security Officer (FSO) and direct supervisor are the gatekeepers. They’re the ones who initiate the process—but only if they know you’re interested and ready.
Be direct, but professional. Ask for a one-on-one conversation. Let them know:
- You’re interested in growing within the company.
- You’re eager to take on projects that require higher levels of clearance.
- You understand the clearance process and are willing to wait and comply with the steps.
Be prepared for a no—but don’t take it personally. Companies don’t always control the timeline or availability of upgrade-worthy roles. What you can do is stay top of mind for the next opportunity. And keep in mind that there are many people who don’t want that higher level clearance or the hassle of the polygraph. It does help your security officer or HR manager to know that when that higher level cleared billet opens up, it’s one that you want.
3. Position Yourself for the Next Big Contract
Want to go from Secret to TS? Or get your first poly? Look for upcoming proposals your company is bidding on. Companies often submit candidates with intent to upgrade as part of their staffing plans.
Let your leadership know you’re interested in being part of the proposal team. Being “on the bench” for a new contract is often how individuals get slotted for upgrades. This is especially true for large programs supporting the intelligence community.
4. Be Willing to Make a Lateral Move
Sometimes the best way to move up is to shift sideways. Don’t be afraid to take a lateral role—same pay, different project—if it puts you in a TS or polygraph pipeline. These roles might not come with immediate perks, but the long-term career impact of a higher clearance can be enormous.
Once you’re in the TS+Poly world, you’ve entered a more exclusive tier of cleared jobs, with higher compensation and greater job security.
5. Know the Timeline and Set Expectations
Going from Secret to TS can take several months, depending on backlog, complexity, and agency. Adding a polygraph—especially with agencies like the NSA or CIA—can stretch the process to a year or more.
Some individuals pass through in a few months. Others wait a year or longer. The key is patience and communication. Once you’re nominated, stay connected with your FSO and avoid any issues that could delay the process.
Clearance Is a Security Decision, But You Can Influence It
If you’re not speaking up and putting yourself out there, you’re likely to get passed over for those upgrades. Be strategic. Be informed.
Because the clearance world isn’t just about the badge on your CAC—it’s about knowing when to raise your hand and say, “I’m ready.”
