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How do I get Security Clearance?

Key FactsSecurity Clearance is essential* for many important jobs nowadays, ranging fromMOD to private sector and government departments.

Well explain if youre eligible, how to obtain it, and what the procedure is to bec

ome cleared. Some tips on gaining security clearance follow:

1. You must be sponsored to get security clearance.

2. There are 4 main types of clearance : BC, DV, SC, and CTC

3. Work for a sub-contracted organisation, and then sponsorship will be providedthrough the prime contractor.

*Tellingly, the MoD states that it is aware that many commercial organisations (

recruitment agencies and alike) advertise for contractors with existing securityclearance, but it says that this practice is neither necessary nor desirable.

The official line from the DVA is that you do not have to be security cleared toapply for MOD contracts, and that advertising for staff that already hold clear

ance is contrary to Government policy, unnecessary and potentially discriminatory.( Why is nothing being done about it then! ).

It would appear that recruiters are still coming under fire for asking for contractors to demonstrate clearance before considering them for SC roles.

Its a catch 22 situation in that short term contract work requires SC clearance,and a lot of job hunters would be looking for short term contract work whilst se

arching for a permanent job! I know I am!

The DVA told CUK that it is aware of these instances, but is powerless to act since it is not unlawful, although equally it certainly isnt considered best practice either.

Jobs Requiring Security ClearanceTheres an increasing number of security cleared IT jobs advertised within both the public and private sector. Typical security cleared IT jobs range from skillssuch as Java, Oracle, Cisco, J2EE,developers and project managers.

Employers range from :

GovernmentNuclearITAerospaceAnti FraudBiometricForensicRemember: Once cleared youll have the potential to earn a higher rates of pay than normal contracting jobs by nearly 24%Pre Employment Screening is another type of vetting available PES as it is often referred to. I have passed PES to work on a contract in the financial sector.Unfortunately this is not recognised in the same way as SC or DV clearance.

Wed be interested to hear from anyone who has advice on obtaining SC or DV clearance as it is not our intention to cheat the system, but just to gain employmentin sectors which we are currentlly excluded from.

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I have also read that if you can get BC cleared, which takes only 2 weeks, you should be more likely to be take on by an employer, this may work as a foot in thedoor.

Who does the vetting?The Defence Vetting AgencyMetropolitan Police Service

Foreign and Commonwealth Office