News + Career Advice
Stay current on security-cleared job search tips, trends, and news.
Children and the SF-86 Cohabitant Definition Explained
No. Children do not count as cohabitants on the SF-86 merely because they live in your home. The form places children, including adopted or foster children, and stepchildren in its relatives section. Its cohabitant question concerns a different relationship: a person living with … more
Choosing an Address Verifier Who Actually Knew You There
An SF-86 person who knew you at an address does not have to be the resident next door. The form allows a neighbor, landlord, friend, business associate, or another explained relationship. DCSA's November 2025 applicant guide says a verifier for an address in the last three years … more
Agency Polygraph Failure Rates: Why Public Numbers Need Context
GAO reported a 66 percent average polygraph pass rate for FBI applicants from fiscal years 2018 through 2023. That is not an agency-wide FBI failure rate: it covers applicants, not the people already working there, and GAO reported pass rates rather than a direct failure-rate mea… more
Correcting an SF-86 After Submission: Who to Tell and What to Document
An unintentional omission on an SF-86 should be raised promptly with the office that provided the questionnaire. DCSA directs military applicants to their command security officer, federal civilians to agency security or HR, and DoD contractor applicants to the company FSO. Ask t… more
Bad Credit and Secret Clearance: A Record Review Before You Apply
Bad credit does not by itself bar a Secret clearance, but “bad credit” is too vague to predict an eligibility decision. Guideline F examines the conduct and circumstances beneath the label: unpaid obligations, willingness and ability to resolve them, causes, disputes, correct… more