Security Clearance Essentials: Process, Requirements, and SF-86 Guidance

Course Description

Military personnel, and increasingly government employees, must maintain a security clearance, requiring a minimum 7 year review of the applicant’s background. The Standard Form 86 facilitates that review. Given the sensitivity of holding a clearance and the publicity that results from individuals whose backgrounds were not “sufficiently” examined, completely, correctly, and accurately completing the form, is a stressful endeavor. It is made more so if an investigator questions the responses.

This course is designed to familiarize applicants and their advisors with the SF 86, and provide advice beyond “disclose, disclose, disclose,” such insights into what the government is looking to understand, and how to disclose potentially adverse information.

Syllabus

1. Defining the security clearance
2. The security clearance process
3. The SF86, questions, and strategies for answering honestly and appropriately