All posts by Ashley Jones
Tier 3 vs. Tier 5: The Investigation Difference Behind Secret and Top Secret
A Tier 3 vs. Tier 5 investigation comparison starts with the position's sensitivity and risk. Tier 3 supports noncritical-sensitive work at moderate risk, including Secret eligibility; Tier 5 supports critical- or special-sensitive work and Top Secret eligibility. Both use SF-86.… more
SF-85 vs. SF-86: Which Background Form Matches the Position
The SF-86 vs. SF-85 comparison starts with the position: SF-86 is the national-security questionnaire; SF-85 is for non-sensitive positions. Public-trust applicants also need to recognize SF-85P. The sponsoring agency determines the required form from the position's designation, … more
Moving From DoD to DOE: How Clearance Reciprocity Affects Your Offer
A final DoD Top Secret clearance can support a DOE Q access authorization through reciprocity, but it does not settle when your new job can start. When comparing DOE Q clearance vs. DoD clearance, distinguish the eligibility DOE can accept from the authorization, work access, and… more
Reciprocity Delays: A Candidate Checklist for Crossing Agency Lines
Security clearance reciprocity stories on Reddit cannot tell you why your agency move is delayed. SEAD 7 requires reciprocal acceptance of qualifying investigations and eligibility adjudications, subject to defined exceptions. Your next step is to identify the gaining security of… more
Top Secret Sponsorship: When an Employer Will Invest in the Upgrade
Companies that sponsor Top Secret clearance must have a legitimate classified requirement for the person being processed. For a Secret-cleared candidate, the useful question is whether a particular vacancy supports an upgrade and an acceptable start arrangement. A company name ca… more