security cleared ??

[lenbod]

I have seen some jobs requesting applicants for getting or undergoing security clearance. What does it really mean? Is it worth going for security clearance in order to get a job?

[Sockpuppet]

Search. Done to death.

You more than likley wont get SC job without being SC cleared and will not get SC clearance without landing an SC job.

Basically SC means you can have supervised access to Top Secret material.

STRAP is an addition to SC and DV (Developed/Deep Vetting) means unrestricted access to TS material.

[NotAllThere]

If you can get a contract that is security cleared, the client do the clearance. You may have to wait until you're cleared (which can take months) before you start work. Or you may have to be escorted around site until clearance comes through.

For this reason, although not allowed, most clients requiring security clearance will only take on people already cleared.

You cannot get clearance yourself - only your client can do that.

The upshot is, if you can get it, then it can be worth quite a bit.

[TheFaQQer]

Some agencies can do it for you, e.g. Parity.

Depending on the client, some will let you be escorted round all the time and have no problems with it; others will not.

My SC went to the clearance guys middle of July and it came through two weeks ago. The current SLA is 25 working days, though.

There are other levels that take more / less time - DV is painful to get; EB / EB(C) is much easier since it isn't really a security check.

[dang65]

My SC went to the clearance guys middle of July and it came through two weeks ago.

A client actually told me off in an interview once because I'd mentioned on my CV that I have SC.

So, not only do you have a situation where clients will only take on people that already have clearance and you can only get clearance by being taken on by a client, but you're not supposed to tell people that you've got it.

If you can get your head round that paradox then they bump you up an extra level, but don't tell anyone I said that.

[TheFaQQer]

There's nothing wrong with stating that you have security clearance - but maybe avoid what level it's to unless explicitly asked.

It's all a bit of a farce anyway, since it's only a point in time check.

[NotAllThere]

There's nothing wrong with stating that you have security clearance - but maybe avoid what level it's to unless explicitly asked.

It's all a bit of a farce anyway, since it's only a point in time check.

Obviously you've never been cleared for the really secret stuff. Otherwise you'd know tha............................................... .................................................. .................................................. ...................

[TheFaQQer]

I could tell you, but I'd have to have you killed.

[xoggoth]

People kept warning me I might have difficulty remaining in defence sector if I kept posting about stabbing/blowing up politicians and shagging baboons. Since this is the same dept. that appoints illegal migrants as security staff at airports I never felt it was a real risk.

[Ian]

I've currently got SC clearance. It was sorted out, and paid for, by the agent.

If you don't already have it, then you'll have to make sure the client wants you to make it worth the agents time.

Is it worth SC clearance? In my experience it won't get you a higher rate. If anything, it's worse. Compared to many adverts, defence pay is at the low end. But if your skills are in the areas that require it, or want to work on it, then it's obviously worth it.

For me, SC took about 1 month to come through.