Software QA/Testing/Tester FAQs: Apply For Security Clearance?

Software QA/Testing

Glossary and Technical FAQs

Q: What is a security clearance investigation?

A: The Defense Security Service (the agency that conducts all security investigations for the DoD) says, "A security clearance investigation is an inquiry into an individual's loyalty, character, trustworthiness and reliability to ensure that he or she is eligible for access to national security information. The investigation focuses on an individual's character and conduct, emphasizing such factors as honesty, trustworthiness, reliability, financial responsibility, criminal activity, emotional stability, and other similar and pertinent areas. All investigations consist of checks of national records and credit checks; some investigations also include interviews with individuals who know the candidate for the clearance as well as the candidate himself/herself."

Q: How long does it take to get my clearance?

A: An interim clearance can be had in as little as two weeks, but your full approval can take months, or even a full year. A typical investigation about you and your lifestyle takes approximately 120 days, sometimes longer, depending on backlog, need for more information, depth of the investigation, and other factors.

Q: How do I apply for clearance?

A: First you have to find the right job, apply for the job, and get a conditional offer of employment. Then you can apply for clearance, by filling out multi-page forms (e.g. federal form SF-86, National Security Questionnaire), giving the government lots of background and identification information on yourself, your relatives, and others. Then you're fingerprinted, interviewed, and then, in due time, investigators working for the government (i.e. DSS) will put you and your lifestyle under a microscope.

Q: How does the government decide who gets the clearance?

A: We don't know for sure, but my educated guess is, if you're a stereotype all-American good guy, a long-time registered Republican and native born U.S. citizen who is well liked by everyone - including girlfriends of your ex-girlfriends - and if all your life you have lived in the same house in Smalltown, USA, and if you have had a clearance before, then, chances are, your clearance will be granted.

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