Security clearance reciprocity is intended to make it easier for cleared professionals to move between federal agencies without restarting the clearance process. In theory, a clearance granted by one agency should be accepted by another, saving time, money, and administrative effort. In practice, however, reciprocity can be inconsistent, confusing, and a major source of delay in federal hiring.
We posed the question on FedWork.Net to see people’s experiences with reciprocity between federal agencies:
When moving between federal agencies or federal jobs, how reliable is clearance reciprocity in practice, and what issues have you encountered despite having a current clearance? Specific agencies you have moved between?? Let me know if this has worked for you and what timelines you experienced!
Join the conversation here.
What Is Security Clearance Reciprocity?
Security clearance reciprocity is the federal policy that requires agencies to recognize and accept a security clearance that was previously granted by another federal agency, provided certain conditions are met. This policy is grounded in executive orders and government-wide guidance aimed at improving workforce mobility and reducing redundant investigations.
At its core, reciprocity means:
- A current clearance should not need to be reinvestigated simply because an individual changes agencies.
- The prior adjudication should be honored if it meets current standards.
- Agencies should avoid duplicative background investigations whenever possible.
Clearance reciprocity does not always work smoothly. Many cleared professionals experience unexpected delays for start dates. A common reason reciprocity breaks down is because agency to agency risk tolerances or special access requirements layered on top of the clearance – for example, moving from DoD to IC isn’t just about transferring a security clearance, it requires the agency to make a new suitability determination and often has additional requirements, like psychological evaluations and polygraphs.
Clearance Level vs. Position Sensitivity
One of the most misunderstood aspects of reciprocity is the difference between clearance level (Secret, Top Secret) and position sensitivity. Two roles may both require a Top Secret clearance, but one may be designated as more sensitive due to mission scope, access, or risk exposure.
When position sensitivity changes:
- Agencies may require additional vetting (suitabililty)
- Reciprocity may still apply, but with added review time
- Hiring timelines can be extended significantly
Reciprocity and Federal Hiring Timelines
For job seekers pursuing federal employment, reciprocity issues can directly impact hiring outcomes. Even when a clearance is eligible for reciprocity, delays can push back start dates by weeks or months, cause candidates to lose offers and create uncertainty for hiring managers and applicants alike.
This is particularly challenging in competitive federal job markets where agencies are under pressure to fill roles quickly.
What Cleared Professionals Can Do
Although individuals do not control reciprocity decisions, there are steps cleared professionals can take to reduce friction:
- Keep clearance information current and accurate
- When changing agencies, keep continuous communication with your PM and FSO
- Continually work for one agency while applying to other agencies if under different components so there is no break in employment or your paycheck
Security clearance reciprocity is a cornerstone of an efficient federal workforce, but it remains imperfect. While policy supports seamless movement between agencies, real-world implementation varies. Understanding how reciprocity works, and why it sometimes doesn’t, can help cleared professionals better navigate federal job transitions and set realistic expectations during the hiring process.
As agencies continue to modernize vetting systems and expand continuous vetting, reciprocity should improve. Until then, patience and preparedness remain essential for anyone moving between federal agencies with a security clearance.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” For this reason, we maintain ClearanceJobsBlog.com – a forum where clearance seekers can ask the cleared community for advice on their specific security concerns. Ask CJ explores questions posed on the ClearanceJobs Blog forum, emails received, and comments from this site. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.Â
