For many federal employees, military members, and government contractors, moving from a Secret Clearance to a Top Secret (TS) or Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance can lead to higher-paying positions and more career growth. But with these opportunities comes deeper scrutiny. Upgrading your clearance is not automatic, and even small mistakes can drag out the process or create avoidable problems potentially affecting all of your security clearances.
Top 7 Tips for Upgrading Your Security Clearance
Below are some practical tips to help you as you seek a clearance upgrade.
1. Understand What Changes with a Top Secret or SCI Clearance
While all security clearances require an investigation, they get more rigorous as the clearance level gets higher. A TS clearance involves a much more in-depth background investigation than a Secret-level clearance does. A TS investigation includes more extensive checks into finances, foreign contacts, travel, and personal conduct. If your position requires SCI access, expect additional steps, which may include a polygraph and a separate vetting process depending on your agency. In my experience, the jump to SCI is more rigorous than moving to a TS from a Secret-level clearance.
2. Review and Update Your SF-86 Thoroughly
In preparing for the upgrade, you should review and update your SF-86/eQIP/eApp. The Standard Form 86 (SF-86) is the foundation of your entire clearance investigation. When upgrading your clearance, you will likely be required to submit a new or updated version of the form. Mistakes on this form are one of the most common causes of delays.
Some frequent errors include:
- Forgetting to list foreign travel, relatives, or contacts,
- Omitting financial debts or delinquencies,
- Failing to disclose past drug use or arrests,
- Leaving out previous addresses, employers, or supervisors.
Treat your SF-86 like the legal document it is. Omissions, even accidental, can raise concerns about honesty that are harder to mitigate than the underlying issue. One of the most frequent issues we run across is where a clearance holder simply repeats the same information from an older SF-86 without realizing that changes have occurred since the last investigation.
3. Address Any Financial or Foreign Influence Issues Early
Before upgrading, attempt to anticipate any new security concerns that could come up and try to resolve or mitigate them in advance.
Two of the most common reasons for clearance delays or denials are: (1) Guideline F (Financial Considerations); and (2) Guideline B (Foreign Influence). It is important to address these two issues fully and directly if they arise. If you have family overseas, dual citizenship concerns, or foreign assets, be upfront and prepared to demonstrate continued loyalty to the United States and to demonstrate that you are not subject to undue foreign influence. Additionally, if you have had credit problems, debt collection accounts, or a history of bankruptcy, gather documentation showing that you have resolved or are responsibly managing your finances.
These issues will almost always come up in an upgrade investigation, and it is important to get ahead of them where possible.
4. Be Prepared for a More Intensive Interview and Possible Polygraph
As mentioned above, during a TS investigation you will be interviewed by an investigator who will review your SF-86, clarify information, and discuss any potential issues. If SCI access is required, you may also undergo a counterintelligence or lifestyle polygraph. These examinations assess honesty and identify potential security vulnerabilities. Be honest, calm, and forthcoming; investigators are typically more concerned about dishonesty than about conduct that occurred years ago.
5. Maintain Communication with Your Security Officer
Your Facility Security Officer (FSO) or security manager is your point of contact throughout this process. They can advise you about:
- Additional paperwork or briefings,
- Whether interim TS eligibility is possible, and
- Typical processing times for your agency or contract.
Higher-level clearance investigations often take several months and may take longer depending on backlog and agency requirements.
6. Keep Your Record Clean During the Investigation
Your clearance upgrade is not complete when you submit your SF-86. You remain under review for the upgrade until adjudication is complete.
During this time, avoid creating new potential security concerns such as:
- Taking on unmanageable debt,
- Using illegal drugs even in states where they are “legal” under state law,
- Getting involved in criminal or domestic disputes,
- Failing to report foreign travel or contacts.
Encountering new security concerns while your upgrade is processing can significantly delay or impede your investigation so do your best to avoid any new issues.
7. Know Your Rights If Issues Arise
If the agency has unresolved concerns, you may receive a Statement of Reasons (SOR) or a Letter of Intent to deny or revoke your clearance (LOI). If this happens, you have the right to respond and appeal. The process varies between federal employees, military members and government contractors. In fact, it is very important that you respond given that adverse issues can affect not only the upgrade but your existing security clearance. Experienced security clearance counsel can help you prepare a thorough response that includes mitigating evidence and a detailed rebuttal. Many clearances that initially appear “at risk” are ultimately granted after a well-supported rebuttal and/or a personal appearance.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading from a Secret to TS or SCI clearance is a significant milestone in your cleared career. It is important to handle the upgrade process with care. If you anticipate issues, financial, foreign, or otherwise, address them early and seek professional guidance. With preparation and transparency, it can be a smooth and productive step forward.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Clearance adjudication processes and government policies may change. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
