How To List A Security Clearance On A Resume?

A security clearance is a sanctioned status allowing individuals access to confidential information or restricted spaces after a comprehensive background check. It is commonly required for government, military, and private sector roles and extends to various personnel levels. In job applications, accurately noting security clearances is vital to highlight qualifications for specific roles.

Learn to effectively display your security clearance on your resume with our guide on How to list a security clearance on a resume. Whether you’ve protected classified data in government, military, or private sectors, highlighting your clearance strategically is vital for job application success. Discover practical tips in this article, including when and where to emphasize your security clearance, along with a sample format to make your resume stand out in the competitive job market.

Learn the essentials of showcasing your security clearance on your resume. Discover tips on strategically showcasing your clearance to stand out in your job search. Elevate your resume to stand out in government, military, or private sector applications by following our practical tips and examples.

What is a security clearance?

Security clearance is crucial in government, military, and sensitive industries, serving as a vital credential for accessing classified information and restricted areas. Trusted and vetted personnel with this clearance contribute to national security, safeguard confidential information, and maintain the integrity of critical operations.

All the essential information about security clearance

Navigating the complexities of security clearance requires comprehensive knowledge. From exploring different levels to understanding the application process, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.

What are the levels of security clearance?

Level	Description	Access to Information	Reinvestigation Period	Required Investigation
Confidential	Basic level of security clearance	Information with a risk to national security	Every 15 years	National Agency Check with Local Agency and Credit Check (NACLC)
Secret	Mid-level security clearance	Information with a serious risk to national security	Every 10 years	National Agency Check with Local Agency and Credit Check (NACLC)
Top Secret	Highest level of security clearance	Information with a severe risk to national security	Every 5 years	Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)
SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information)	Subset of Classified National Intelligence	Intelligence sources, methods, and processes	Periodic Review	Specific investigation for access to SCI
SAPs (Special Access Program)	Additional protection for highly sensitive projects	Restricted to minimum personnel with clearance	Varies based on program requirements	Specialized investigation for access to SAPs

When do you need security clearance?

Security clearance extends beyond high-ranking roles. Any position that involves interacting with classified information or high-security settings may necessitate security clearance, extending from CEOs to administrative and janitorial staff.

Specifically, you may need security clearance if you intend to work for:

• Central Intelligence Agency
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Homeland Security
• Defense Intelligence Agency
• Office of National Security Intelligence
• Civilian contractors engaged in defense or national security affairs.

How can you get security clearance?

The security clearance process varies based on your role, sector, and clearance level. The specific requirements differ across industries, with private companies employing clearance levels distinct from those used by government agencies.

Importantly, individuals can’t independently apply for government-level security clearance; it is granted based on job necessity and a “need to know” basis. Understanding the unique criteria and industry-specific considerations is crucial for those seeking security clearance for their roles.

What factors affect security clearance?

The assessment for Classified, Secret, or Top Secret security clearance evaluates various aspects of:

• Stability: Demonstrate a steady and consistent history in both personal and professional domains.
• Trustworthiness: Prove your ability to handle confidential information with trust and reliability.
• Reliability: Demonstrate reliability and responsibility in fulfilling tasks and obligations.
• Discretion: Handle sensitive information with caution and confidentiality.
• Character: Reflect a solid and positive ethical character in all aspects of your life.
• Honesty: Embrace truthfulness and transparency in providing information about your background.
• Judgment: Demonstrate strong decision-making skills, especially in challenging or high-pressure situations.
• Citizenship: Meet the U.S. citizenship requirements aligning with national security priorities.
• Loyalty to the United States: Demonstrate unwavering allegiance and dedication to the interests of the United States.

Why might security clearance be denied?

Security clearance denials often result from credit check failures, with additional reasons including criminal records and foreign activities. If your security clearance is denied, you will be informed of the specific reasons and provided with information on any available avenues for filing an appeal.

Where can I learn more about security clearance?

Additional information can be located on the U.S. Department of State website.

How should I list security clearance on my resume?

When adding security clearance to your resume, use a strategic approach to boost your candidacy for roles involving classified information. Begin by thoroughly understanding the specific requirements associated with your clearance level and industry. Once you have a clear grasp of these requirements, follow these critical steps for effective presentation:

Understand the requirements

It’s acceptable and advisable to include your security clearance on your resume; however, it’s essential to be aware of regulations to maintain confidentiality. Recommended practices by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Security Agency (NSA) guide the disclosure of security clearances.

You can mention your clearance level, polygraph tests, investigation details, and relevant work, but avoid specifying sensitive project details, mission names, classified tools used, associated locations, or supervisor names.

Header

For those with an active or past security clearance, it’s beneficial to highlight it right away on your resume. Consider placing this information prominently in a header alongside your contact details. Start your resume with your name in a larger font, followed by “Security clearance” in a smaller type as a title. Complete the header with your city, email address, and phone number. Prioritize the higher clearance if you held multiple on your resume.

Summary

The professional summary, located near the top of your resume beneath contact details, serves as a candidate introduction. Briefly outline your qualifications and skills in this crucial section. It’s an ideal space to detail your security clearance. Specify if you currently hold or previously had an active clearance, mentioning the achieved clearance level.

Employment History

You can highlight your security clearance further in the employment history section. Include bullet points outlining achievements for each relevant job entry. Within these achievements, specify the clearance you maintained, its level, and other non-sensitive details.

In a separate section

Craft a dedicated section at the bottom of your resume listing and summarize all your security clearances. Reiterating this information helps capture the attention of applicant-tracking systems. List each clearance as a bullet point, indicating its level and validity dates.

Indicate the type or level of clearance, such as Confidential, Secret, Special Access Programs, Sensitive Compartmented Information Clearance (SCI), or Top Secret, as job requirements may vary.

Example of a resume with security clearances

John Doe

123 Main Street, City, State 12345

Email: john.doe@email.com | Phone: (555) 555-5555

Professional Summary

Detail-oriented cybersecurity professional with an active Top Secret security clearance. I specialize in securing sensitive information and implementing robust security measures.

Employment History

Cybersecurity Specialist | XYZ Corporation | City, State | March 2024 – Present

Implemented and maintained cybersecurity protocols to protect confidential data.

Oversaw network security systems and performed regular vulnerability assessments.

Held Top Secret security clearance, ensuring the safeguarding of classified information.

IT Analyst | ABC Solutions | City, State | June 2022 – February 2024

Provided technical support and troubleshooting for internal IT systems.

Collaborated with security teams to ensure compliance with security policies.

Held Secret security clearance.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from [University Name] | Graduation Date

Security Clearances

Top Secret Clearance (Active) – Granted: MM/YYYY, Expiration: MM/YYYY

Secret (Previous) – Granted: MM/YYYY, Expired: MM/YYYY

Listing Expired Security Clearance on Resume

If your security clearance has lapsed or was associated with a previous position, you can include it on your resume. However, avoid placing it in the resume summary or at the top of your job experience section. List it chronologically as you would a past position.

Security Clearances

Top Secret (Expired)

Granted: MM/YYYY, Expired: MM/YYYY

Details: Brief description of the projects or responsibilities associated with the clearance.

Secret (Previous)

Granted: MM/YYYY, Expired: MM/YYYY

Details: Highlight notable achievements or responsibilities tied to the Secret clearance.

What would disqualify you from a security clearance?

• Facing financial challenges: Facing challenges in managing and repaying debts.
• Dealing with mental health concerns: Dealing with challenges in mental well-being and emotional health.
• Born in another country: Native of a foreign nation.
• Holding dual citizenship: Possessing citizenship in two countries simultaneously.
• Married to a foreign spouse: Being legally wed to an individual from another country.
• Frequent international travel: Regularly journeying to and from different countries.
• Additional considerations: Other relevant unspecified factors or elements in the context.

Do’s and Don’ts of security clearance on a resume:

Do’s:

• Mention Active Clearances: Explicitly mention your current active security clearance on your resume.
• Include Details in a Dedicated Section: Create a dedicated section for security clearances to enhance visibility.
• Specify Clearance Level: Mention the level of your security clearance (e.g., Confidential, Secret, Top Secret).
• Highlight Relevant Projects: Highlight achievements related to classified projects in the employment history section without disclosing sensitive information.
• List Expired Clearances Chronologically: Incorporate it chronologically into your work history if the clearance has expired.
• Follow Government Guidelines: Adhere to any specific guidelines or recommendations provided by government agencies regarding the disclosure of security clearances.

Don’ts:

• Disclose Classified Information: Refrain from disclosing specific details about classified projects, missions, or tools used.
• Include Supervisor Names: Avoid naming supervisors linked to classified work.
• Provide Sensitive Location Information: Omit specific locations tied to your security clearance.
• Forget to Mention Polygraph Tests: If applicable, mention that you’ve undergone polygraph tests without disclosing specific details.
• Overemphasize Expired Clearances: While it’s essential to include them, remember to emphasize expired clearances on your resume.
• Misrepresent Clearance Status: Be truthful about your clearance status, whether it’s active, expired, or under review. Misrepresentation can have serious consequences.

Should you always list a security clearance you obtained?

While not mandatory to list, possessing a security clearance can enhance your image as a skilled and reliable candidate for employers. Even if the job doesn’t need a clearance, mentioning your past clearance could make you seem less risky during hiring, especially with the emphasis on background checks today.

How does an employee obtain security clearance?

Usually, a security clearance is awarded following a comprehensive background check, which includes interviews with the new hire’s contacts, examinations of citizenship, credit history, affiliations, criminal record, and education.

Do I need to list that I lost a security clearance due to negligence or other reason?

Unlikely unless employer mandates it, revealing lost security clearance is not typically required. However, during interviews, be aware that a background check might uncover this information, potentially becoming a discussion point. If you face a loss of clearance, consider seeking legal advice on whether and how to disclose this information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you list security clearance on a resume?

In the “Security Clearances” section, include level and relevant details on your resume.

Can I put security clearance on CV?

Include your security clearance on your CV, usually in a dedicated section.

Can you say you have a security clearance?

Specify your security clearance level when stating that you have one.

What should I answer for security clearance?

For security clearance questions, answer truthfully, providing accurate details about your current or past clearances, if any.

How to list security clearance on LinkedIn?

On LinkedIn, add your security clearance to the “Licenses & Certifications” section, specifying the level and type.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, understanding how to list a security clearance on a resume is a crucial step in presenting your qualifications effectively. Clearly displaying your clearance level and pertinent details can significantly attract potential employers.

As emphasized in this guide, strategically placing this information, whether in a dedicated section or specific job entries, improves visibility and conveys your reliability in handling classified information. Crafting a resume that reflects your security clearances not only demonstrates your suitability for roles requiring such credentials but also adds a layer of trustworthiness to your profile.

Employers often value candidates with security clearances, recognizing their ability to handle sensitive information responsibly. Adhere to guidelines, avoiding divulging classified details on your resume to strike a balance between transparency and confidentiality. As you embark on refining your resume, consider the impact that a well-presented security clearance can have on potential employers’ perceptions of your candidacy.