Leaving a Job with a Security Clearance: What Happens Next?

In today's complex world, security clearances play a crucial role in accessing sensitive information and performing certain types of work, particularly in the military, government, and private sectors. However, what happens to these clearances when one leaves a job that provided them? This article examines the process, considerations, and potential impacts of maintaining security clearances after changing jobs.

Understanding Security Clearance

Security clearances are granted based on an individual’s need-to-know and the level of access required for their job. In the military, for instance, I held top secret and NATO top secret security clearances, which required reapplication at every duty station due to the specific need for security measures at each location. Even on the same installation, different locations might require separate applications.

Change of Employment

When changing jobs, the requirement for security clearance can vary. If you remain with the same employer, you might not need to take any action. However, if your new job requires a security clearance, several factors will need to be considered:

Same Employer Different Job Role: No action may be required if the employer is the same but your job role changes. The existing clearance may be sufficient depending on the job requirements. New Employer: If you are moving to a new employer, the clearance process can differ. Your original investigation may be aging out, or your access needs may have increased.

Clearance Transfer and Reapplication

If you move to a new organization that requires the same level of clearance and has similar security concerns, the new job’s security office may contact the old job’s security office to request the clearance transfer. This can often result in a streamlined process.

Same Security Level: If the new job requires the same clearance level and has similar Security Compartmented Information (SCI), the clearance may be transferable. Different Security Level: If the new job requires a different clearance level, a new background check may be necessary. This can slow down the process significantly.

Retention and Revalidation

When you leave a job that provided you with a security clearance, the clearance typically does not transfer automatically to new employment. Here are some key points to consider:

Clearance Ownership: Security clearances are tied to the individual's employment with a specific organization. Unless you are hired by another organization that also requires a clearance, the clearance becomes inactive. Revalidation: If you move to a new job that requires a security clearance, the new employer will likely need to sponsor you for a new clearance or revalidate your existing one. This process can sometimes be expedited if your clearance is still within a certain timeframe, usually within two years. Duration of Clearance: Security clearances are subject to periodic reinvestigation. Your clearance may remain valid for a period, but it will eventually need to be renewed or revalidated by a new employer. Transferability: Transferring your clearance to a different job within the same agency or a related agency may be possible through a specific process. Impact of Leaving: Leaving a job under less-than-favorable circumstances can impact your ability to obtain a new clearance in the future.

Summary

In conclusion, while you can retain your clearance for a limited time after leaving a job, it does not automatically transfer to new employment. New employers will typically need to sponsor a clearance application. Understanding the process and potential impacts can help navigate the situation more effectively.