Security Clearance Process

Security Clearance Process information

If you receive and accept a conditional job offer with DIA, you will go through our security clearance process. You must complete this process before we can extend a final job offer.

All potential employees must:

• Obtain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
• Successfully complete a drug test to screen for illegal drug use.
• Complete a required counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.
• Complete any required medical examination(s).
• Complete personal interviews.
• Complete any other procedures necessary to meet the agency's security, suitability and overall qualifications standards.

What happens during a background investigation?

We verify your experience, education, and personal history. Based on the investigation, we determine if you're eligible to hold a TS/SCI security clearance by meeting the following criteria:

• Your character, conduct and discretion must be above reproach and you must have unquestioned loyalty to the United States.
• You must be a U.S. citizen (Dual citizens may be eligible for TS/SCI clearance).

When does the security clearance process start?

The security clearance process starts after you receive a conditional job offer and complete all required forms and signed authorizations (you will receive an email with these forms). We may use the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) or a contracted Investigative Service Provider (ISP) to conduct the background investigation. Once the investigation is complete, we conduct an adjudicative review to see if you're eligible for a TS/SCI security clearance.

What happens if I include false information or withhold information in my application or on other forms?

All statements and claims you make in your application and security forms are subject to investigative verification. Any false claims or withheld information may impact whether you receive a final job offer.

Why wouldn't I get a final job offer after the background investigation or security clearance process?

You might not receive a final job offer due to information you are genuinely unaware of or an assessment that you do not meet our overall employment criteria.

A negative employment determination by DIA is final. We do not give specific reasons about why you weren't selected.

What if I refuse to take the drug test or test positive?

If you refuse to be tested, we will not extend a final job offer. If you receive a positive test result, you will have the opportunity to submit medical documentation that may support a legitimate use for a specific drug or substance. A medical review officer will review the documentation to determine whether you are legitimately using an otherwise illegal drug. If you fail to substantiate the legitimate use of a specific drug or substance, we will not extend a final job offer.