The importance of openness in your security clearance application

9 months ago

​Getting security clearance can be a highly stressful process. Especially for higher-level clearance, you'll find yourself having to expose a lot of personal information to the vetting agents responsible for your application.

However, it's vital that you're as open as possible throughout this process to stand the best chance of approval. While you may not be comfortable with disclosing certain information - especially sensitive details about finances or health issues - failing to be honest and upfront could do serious damage to your chances of success.

What will you need to inform a vettor about?

The vetting process will often ask for information across a wide range of topics. In addition to personal details, such as work and residence history, key data for vettors includes any previous criminal record - including spent convictions, as well as any financial issues. A poor credit rating or history of county court judgements, for example, will need to be disclosed.

For stringent security clearances such as Developed Vetting, you'll also need to provide details of any close family members who may have such issues.

Failing to disclose this information could have serious consequences. In the best case scenario, it can greatly delay the process, as security clearance vettors have to chase you down for any information. However, it can also be a reason for clearance to be denied completely if you fail to be forthcoming about any issues that may affect the final decision