Checking your JPAs status can be tricky, but luckily you’ve come to the right place! In this blog, we’ll explore some easy-to-follow tips and tricks to make sure you know your status – so you can move forward in confidence. Let’s get started!
How long does it take to get a top-secret clearance?
When it comes to applying for a Top Secret clearance, the process is lengthy and thorough. As part of the process, applicants must submit items such as fingerprints, financial information, and various other forms of background checks. Depending on the complexity of your application, as well as how easily accessible your information is to be verified, it can take anywhere from three months up to two years for a Top Secret security clearance to be completed.
Most individuals will receive their final determination within six months of completing their application package. There are several steps along the way that can take place before the final clearance is granted including things like an investigator contacting your references or interviewing you in-person. The entire process can be lengthy and frustrating but is necessary if you wish to access classified information through your job or government position.
It’s important to keep in mind that if any discrepancy arises during your investigation period that could lead to potential doubts about your trustworthiness or reliability with restricted information; then further investigation may occur which could cause additional delays in granting security clearance. It’s also important to say honest and be open – an applicant who does not provide accurate answers when filling out paperwork for security clearance purposes may face legal repercussions in addition to their clearance being denied.
What is the procedure for renewing my security clearance?
The procedure for renewing your security clearance can vary, depending on the type of clearance you possess. Generally, you should contact your agency’s security office to find out the exact process and timeline to follow. If you are a service member or contractor and have developed a relationship with the agency’s Security Office, they may already have much of the information they need.
For both service members and contractors, your agency will request a new or updated copy of your personnel security questionnaire (SF-86) as well as any records that provide material updates since your initial application. Your employer should provide additional paperwork such as completed Foreign Travel Self Declaration forms and Work Authorization Forms (if applicable). Additionally, if you have completed any polygraph testing in the past, additional copies may be required for internal review.
Your employing agency will then review all documents submitted before preparing a new or renewed JPAS status document which will update any requested changes on their system. Once completed, they will typically inform you of the process completion via either email or mail correspondence and will update all information in JPAS to confirm that your physical security clearance remains current.
When I quit my employment, what happens to my security clearance?
When you quit your employment due to voluntary or involuntary reasons, there are certain steps you should take in order to ensure that your security clearance remains valid. After departing an agency where you held a security clearance, it is wise to check the status of your security clearance profile in the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS).
JPAS is an automated information system that tracks sensitive Department of Defense and industry security clearances, suspensions and revocations. JPAS allows authorized users the ability to query certain aspects of a person’s background and view screening results.
In order to check the status of your previous agency-granted clearance through JPAS, contact your former employer’s security office and provide specific information such as: full name, date-of-birth and Social Security Number used in obtaining the clearance. Once this information is provided to the security office at the former agency, they will be able to search JPAS for any remnants of investigations related to yourself.
If it is determined that an investigation has been completed within JPAS associated with yourself it can then be used by other DoD entities that have access to JPAS for granting or reinvestigating a person’s security clearance with their new employer or position. Note there is no guarantee that having a “Current” adjudication within JPAS at one any given point will guarantee continued access should another agency or company choose reinvestigate you for another level of access.
Is it true that a security clearance has an expiration date?
It is true that a security clearance has an expiration date. Security clearances may be issued for a limited period of time, an indefinite period of time or for the duration of your employment with the organization. The length of the security clearance is usually determined by several factors, including the classified nature of the information you will be accessing as well as its sensitivity level and claim to need-to-know basis.
In general, all security clearances expire after five (5) years unless they are re-certified or re-investigated prior to expiration. If your security clearance is only good for a specific period, such as two (2) years, you must submit a new National Agency Inquiry form when it expires in order to have it renewed or extended. You can check your JPAS status by logging into JPAS system or obtaining reports/statements from your command security manager as per DoD instruction 5220.22-M (NISPOM). Additionally, JPAS serves as platform for timely coordination between agencies involved in processing personnel security clearances requirements significantly reducing processing times up to 60 days from receipt of required forms and documents from applicants/interests.
