Security Clearance Info
Security Clearance Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers related to US government-sponsored security clearances in accordance with the
National Industrial Security Program (NISP) and compiled by ClearanceJobs.com
General
What is a security clearance?
A security clearance is a determination by the United States government that a person or company is eligible for access to classified information. There are two types of clearances: Personnel Security
Clearances (PCL) and Facility Security Clearance (FCL). Government agencies that issue clearances often refer to clearances as “eligibility for access.”
What is DISCO?
The Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO) is part of the Defense Security Service (DSS), an agency of the Department of Defense (DoD). DISCO processes and adjudicates Personnel Clearances
(PCL) and Facility Clearances (FCL) for defense contractor personnel and defense contractor facilities. It is one of eight Central Adjudication Facilities (CAF) within DoD.
What are the security clearance levels?
Security clearances can be issued by many United States government agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy (DoE), the Department of Justice, and the Central Intelligence Agency. DoE clearances include the “L,” and “Q” levels. DoD issues more than 80% of all clearances. There are three levels of DoD security clearances:
• Confidential
• Secret
• Top Secret.
What type of information is requested on a security clearance application?
The application form requires personal identifying data, as well as information regarding residence, education and employment history; family and associates; and foreign connections/travel. Additionally, it asks for information about arrests, illegal drug involvement, financial delinquencies, mental health counseling, alcohol counseling, military service, prior clearances, civil court actions, and subversive
Questions and answers related to US government-sponsored security clearances in accordance with the
National Industrial Security Program (NISP) and compiled by ClearanceJobs.com
General
What is a security clearance?
A security clearance is a determination by the United States government that a person or company is eligible for access to classified information. There are two types of clearances: Personnel Security
Clearances (PCL) and Facility Security Clearance (FCL). Government agencies that issue clearances often refer to clearances as “eligibility for access.”
What is DISCO?
The Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO) is part of the Defense Security Service (DSS), an agency of the Department of Defense (DoD). DISCO processes and adjudicates Personnel Clearances
(PCL) and Facility Clearances (FCL) for defense contractor personnel and defense contractor facilities. It is one of eight Central Adjudication Facilities (CAF) within DoD.
What are the security clearance levels?
Security clearances can be issued by many United States government agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy (DoE), the Department of Justice, and the Central Intelligence Agency. DoE clearances include the “L,” and “Q” levels. DoD issues more than 80% of all clearances. There are three levels of DoD security clearances:
• Confidential
• Secret
• Top Secret.
What type of information is requested on a security clearance application?
The application form requires personal identifying data, as well as information regarding residence, education and employment history; family and associates; and foreign connections/travel. Additionally, it asks for information about arrests, illegal drug involvement, financial delinquencies, mental health counseling, alcohol counseling, military service, prior clearances, civil court actions, and subversive