Regarding Frederal jobs

[aidan80 9]

After reading this it's got me thinking and I have to ask.. what is security clearance, is it some type of background check or something? I don't understand what it's all about, can't say we had any "security clearance" in my last job back home

[Completely 3]

After reading this it's got me thinking and I have to ask.. what is security clearance, is it some type of background check or something? I don't understand what it's all about, can't say we had any "security clearance" in my last job back home

Aidan, with regards to your Question:

This article came from wikipedia

What is Security Clearance?

A security clearance is a status granted to individuals allowing them access to classified information, e.g. state secrets. The term "security clearance " is also sometimes used in private organizations that have a formal process to vet employees for access to sensitive information. A clearance by itself is normally not sufficient to gain access; the organization must determine that the cleared individual needs to know the information. No one is supposed to be granted access to classified information solely because of rank, position, or a security clearance.

Types of Security Clearance:

[edit] Clearances

Individuals who need to have C/S/TS clearances because of their job or access to federal government assets will be required to sign the Security Clearance Form (TBS/SCT 330-60e).

Confidential (Level I)

In addition to the ERS checks, foreign employments, immediate relatives and marriages/common-law relationships must be declared and be screened.

This level of clearance will grant the right to access to protected and classified information up to Confidential level on a need-to-know basis. Department Head have the discretion to allow for an individual to access Secret level information without higher level clearance on a case-to-case basis.

Secret (Level II)

Same as Confidential.

This level of clearance will grant the right to access to protected and classified information up to Secret level on a need-to-know basis. Department Head have the discretion to allow for an individual to access Top Secret level information without higher level clearance on a case-to-case basis.

Top Secret (Level III)

In addition to the checks at the Secret level, foreign travels, assets and character references must be given. Field check will also be conducted prior to granting the clearance.

This level of clearance will grant the right to access to all protected and classified information on a need-to-know basis.

In order to access protected information, one must have at least ERS, as of any Government of Canada employees, or those who have access to information or assets that are protected by the Federal Government. However, Government employees by Order-in-council are not subjected to this policy. [2]

Clearances at the RS/ERS/C/S level are valid for 10 years while TS is valid for 5 years. Because security clearances are granted by individual departments instead of one government agency, clearances are revoked at the end of appointment or when an individual transfers out of the department.

Below also is the information from the FBI..regarding security clearance process..

http://www.fbi.gov/clearance/securityclearance.htm

Edited September 9, 2008 by Completely