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The Global Insight

What would disqualify you from a security clearance?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on March 29, 2026

Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying include: A history of not meeting financial obligations; Financial problems that are linked to gambling, drug abuse, alcoholism, or other issues of security concern.

Will a misdemeanor affect security clearance?

A misdemeanor conviction can affect security clearances and criminal background checks. An attorney will have to disclose that an individual has had a criminal conviction if they are convicted of a misdemeanor, and that charge will come up if employers are checking an individual’s background.

Can you get a security clearance with a criminal record?

as part of a job and your criminal record means you can’t get that security clearance. But if you have been refused a job because of your criminal record, and you do not think your past convictions affect your ability to do the job, then you may have been discriminated against.

Can you quit a job with security clearance?

Your clearance does not necessarily end and is not always terminated upon leaving employment, although your immediate access to confidential or classified information does indeed stop when you are no longer working, be that through resignation or retirement.

How often are security clearances denied?

You may even wonder if you should continue with the process, particularly if you’re not getting a paycheck while you wait. But don’t lose heart – 20-30% of all interim security clearances are denied, but that is vastly different than the figure of final clearance denials, which hovers around 1%.

Do security clearances look at medical records?

The employer does not have access to the medical/financial records or investigation details, only the agency doing the actual investigation. HOWEVER a security clearance investigation can access your medical records with your permission.

How far back does security clearance go?

Security Clearance Adjudicative Process The clearance process for Secret level access uses an investigation called the National Agency Check with Law and Credit that goes back five years, while the clearance process for Top Secret uses a Single Scope Background Investigation that goes back ten years.

How can I lose my security clearance?

Reason #3: Security violations These are conditions that may disqualify you from obtaining or keeping your clearance: Unauthorized disclosure of classified information. Violations that are deliberate, multiple, or due to negligence.

Can I remove a conviction from my record?

The only way to get your conviction removed from police records is to appeal against the conviction through the courts. You will need to seek legal advice if this is something you wish to pursue. I was told my conviction would be removed after five years.

How long before a conviction is spent?

Essentially, a conviction cannot become spent until the order ends. Some orders run for many years longer than the ‘main’ sentence. If someone received a 4 month prison sentence, this would be spent 2 years after the end of the full sentence.

How does a criminal conviction affect your security clearance?

Criminal Charges and Security Clearance. A criminal conviction can have serious consequences. In the near term, it can result in jail, probation, and/or a fine. In the longer term, it can jeopardize a person’s career and reputation. Being arrested or convicted of an crime can also affect a person’s security clearance.

What are the most common reasons for security clearance denial?

Over the years Criminal Conduct has consistently been among the 4 most common reasons for security clearance denial. The Adjudicative Guidelines states that “Criminal activity creates doubt about a person’s judgment, reliability and trustworthiness.

Where do government employees need a security clearance?

This is an issue of particular importance to the D.C./Maryland/Northern Virginia area where many government employees and contractors require a security clearance to perform their jobs. A security clearance is technically a license issued by the government to access classified information.

How does your spouse or partner affect your security clearance?

If you have a federal security clearance or need one for the course of your duties, you need to make your spouse aware that his or her actions have a direct effect on your employability.