On the hunt for information about security clearances? You’re in the right place.
ClearanceJobs.com is home to expert guidance on the security clearance process. Want to know how to get a clearance? What are the rules about security clearances and drug use? How to check on the status of your security clearance investigation? We’ve got these answers and many (many) more.
What’s an Automatic Disqualifier for a Security Clearance?
Outside of requiring American citizenship, there is only one thing that is an automatic disqualifier for obtaining a federal security clearance – current, ongoing use of an illegal drug. According to the Bond Amendment which became law in 2008, there are technically four disqualifying criteria: criminal conviction resulting in a prison sentence over 1 year; dishonorable discharge from the military, criminal incompetence; or addiction to a controlled substance.
In practice, waivers have been granted in each of these instances except for the continuous, ongoing use of illicit drugs. That’s one issue adjudicators have thus far been unwilling to budge on (keep reading about security clearance disqualifiers here).
For other questions – and all the answers - visit our complete Security Clearance FAQs, our security clearance news and career advice section or ask your question on the ClearanceJobs Blog anonymously. You can also learn more about the evolution of the Security Clearance Process.