How Long It Takes to Get a Security Clearance

Many defense candidates will need a security clearance if they’re selected for a position in the defense industry. Security clearances are formal authorizations to interact with classified information. Essentially, the credential asserts that an employee has undergone a suitable background check based on the sensitivity of the data they’ll work with during the course of performing their duties. While many candidates who are new to the defense sector might assume that security clearances are quick, they’re actually lengthy processes. They dig far deeper than the background checks associated with jobs at more traditional companies, as they need to ensure that the employee doesn’t pose any risk to national security. Here’s a look at how long it takes to get a security clearance. How Long It Takes to Get a Security Clearance Security clearance timelines vary, though most are completed within 60 to 120 days of the application submission. A top secret security clearance ......