Transferring Your Security Clearance from Military to Civilian Jobs

While serving in the military with a security clearance, you were granted access to classified information based on that clearance. Depending on the level—confidential, Secret, or Top Secret—this access came with significant responsibility and a thorough vetting process. But what happens after you quit doing that work?

For those about to retire or separate from the military with a security clearance, the question is, does the security clearance expire when you depart? It’s not a simple yes or no; understanding the nuances is key to leveraging this valuable asset in your civilian career.

Why Security Clearances are Needed in the Private Sector

According to the U.S. Department of State, the security clearance process is used “to assess individuals seeking to obtain security clearances to allow access to classified national security information or for those seeking public trust and low-risk/non-sensitive positions.”

Security clearances aren’t just necessary for some federal jobs. Private sector jobs, especially those of private government contractors and suppliers, may also require clearances.

In some cases, the clearances may be needed due to the sensitive nature of the project; in others, it may be required simply to work in a secured area even if the employee never touches classified material.

“Active” vs. “Inactive” Status

The first thing to understand is active versus inactive security clearances. While you’re actively employed in a position that requires your clearance, it’s considered “active.” You regularly access classified information and are subject to typical security requirements and potential reinvestigations.

When you leave the military, your clearance typically goes into an “inactive” status. You no longer have automatic access to classified information. Just because you held the clearance doesn’t give you a “need to know” outside your last clearance job.

The Two-Year Window?

A security clearance can generally be reactivated within two years of leaving active duty. This two-year window is your prime opportunity to leverage your existing clearance in the civilian sector.

The two-year timeframe is based on security regulations that acknowledge the significant investment already made in vetting you. The government recognizes that a recent clearance holder is generally less risky than someone without prior clearance.

Within this period, a new employer who requires you to hold a security clearance may be permitted to reactivate your previous clearance without going through the entire initial investigation process again. However, much depends on individual circumstances.

Beyond the Two-Year Mark

What happens if you don’t land a job requiring a clearance within those two years? It doesn’t necessarily mean your clearance is gone forever, but the process for reactivation becomes more involved.

After two years, your clearance enters what’s often called a “stale” status. To reactivate it, a new employer will likely need to sponsor you for a reinvestigation.

The extent of this reinvestigation will depend on the level of your previous clearance and the length of time it has been inactive.

The longer your clearance remains inactive, the more scrutiny you will likely face during a reinvestigation. Life circumstances change, and the government needs to ensure you still meet the security standards.

Factors Influencing Reactivation

Several factors can influence the ease and likelihood of reactivating your security clearance.

• Top Secret clearances often require more rigorous reinvestigations than Secret or Confidential clearances, regardless of the timeframe.
• The longer it’s been since you actively used your clearance, the more scrutiny you might face.
• Negative changes in your personal life, such as financial issues, legal problems, or substance abuse, may complicate or even prevent reactivation.
• It is crucial that a potential employer be willing and able to sponsor your clearance reactivation. Some companies have established processes for this, while others may be hesitant due to the time and cost involved.
• Different government agencies have specific procedures and timelines for clearance reactivation, both for military clearances and civilian equivalents.

Preparing to Transition With a Security Clearance

Knowing all of this, what steps can you take before leaving the military to maximize your chances of leveraging your security clearance in your civilian career?

Know your clearance level and last investigation date. This information is vital. Keep records of your security clearance level and your last background investigation date. Your security officer can provide this information. If you have copies of records you gathered from the first investigation, have those ready for a reinvestigation. It may also pay to have copies of your military service records for the same reason.

Highlight Your Clearance on your Resume and LinkedIn

Clearly state your security clearance level and its status (e.g., “active secret clearance,” “previously held top secret clearance – inactive”). This immediately signals your potential value to employers.

During interviews, be ready to discuss your clearance, your experience handling classified information, and your understanding of security protocols. Familiarize yourself with the reinvestigation process to know what to expect if an employer sponsors you.

Why Your Clearance is a Valuable Asset

Your security clearance, even in its inactive state, can be a significant advantage in the job market. Do you know why?

• Reactivating an existing clearance is generally faster and less expensive than sponsoring someone for an initial clearance.
• Having held a security clearance signifies that you’ve undergone a rigorous vetting process and have been deemed trustworthy by the government. This is a valuable intangible asset that many employers appreciate.
• Security clearances are required for many lucrative and stable career paths in defense contracting, government agencies, cybersecurity, and intelligence.
• Your prior clearance makes you a more competitive candidate for these positions.
• Jobs requiring security clearances often come with higher salaries due to the level of trust involved.

Common Misconceptions About Security Clearances After Leaving the Military

“My clearance automatically transfers to my civilian job.”

Reality: It doesn’t automatically transfer. Your new employer needs to initiate the reactivation process formally.

“Once it’s inactive for two years, it’s gone forever.”

Reality: While it becomes more challenging, it’s not necessarily gone forever. A new employer can still sponsor you for a reinvestigation.

“My security clearance guarantees me a job.”

Reality: While it’s a valuable asset, it doesn’t guarantee employment. You still need the necessary skills and experience for the specific role.

“All security clearances are created equal.”

Reality: Clearance levels (Confidential, Secret, Top Secret) have different requirements and implications.

Connecting Your Clearance to Your Career Goals

As you transition, consider how your security clearance aligns with your career aspirations. Are you targeting defense contractors? Government agencies? Cybersecurity firms? Understanding the landscape of industries that value clearances will help you focus your job search and networking efforts.

The Role of Your Military Experience

Your leadership skills, teamwork abilities, problem-solving skills, and discipline are all highly sought after by civilian employers. Frame your security clearance within the context of your broader military experience to create a compelling narrative for potential employers.\

Navigating the Reactivation Process with an Employer

If you find an employer willing to sponsor your clearance reactivation, be prepared to cooperate fully with their security team. This will likely involve completing updated paperwork and potentially undergoing interviews. Be transparent and honest throughout the process.

The Continuous Evaluation Program

The government increasingly uses the Continuous Evaluation (CE) program to monitor clearance holders in real time. While you’re in the military, this program continuously checks various databases for potential security concerns. While your clearance is inactive, you’re generally not subject to active CE monitoring, but any significant negative information that surfaces could still impact future reactivation efforts.

Your Security Clearance is a Continuing Responsibility

Even after you leave the military and your clearance goes inactive, you are still responsible for protecting classified information you may have had access to. Don’t discuss classified details with unauthorized individuals, and be mindful of where you store any classified materials (which you shouldn’t have in your possession after leaving unless specifically authorized).

Read next: Military Career Transition Roadmap