An investigative interview is part of the federal security clearance process.
Employment with a federal installation requires passing a background check. If your intended employment will require protection of classified information, you will need to get a security clearance. The process includes having fingerprints taken, filling out official forms and answering many personal questions concerning finance, citizenship and criminal history.
Sponsorship
You cannot get a federal security clearance without sponsorship by a government agency or government contractor. The need for a security clearance must be in the official job description and processed with a security service officer. When you apply for the clearance, the security servicing officer informs the Office of Personal Management, which handles investigations and verifies that subjects have sponsors.
Application
Applicants must fill out the proper forms via hard copy or through OPM's electronic system known as e-qip. These forms include the SF 85, SF 85P and the SF-86. The SF 85 is for confidential clearances, while the SF 85P is the application for public trust positions such as jobs involving finance or work with children. The SF 86 is for secret and top secret positions.
Background Investigation
The background investigation occurs once OPM receives the application. They hire investigators to verify the answers and information you listed on the respective forms. The information verified depends on the level of clearance you need. For example, all background checks will include a credit check and employment reference check for at least the most recent five years. But the secret and top-secret investigation will include inquiries on family members, criminal history and information technology history of use.
Citizenship
For secret and top-secret clearances, you must have a United States citizenship. If you have a dual citizenship, you must be willing to at least renounce your citizenship with the foreign country. Relationships with foreign nationals and foreign countries will also be in question. Voting in foreign elections or serving with foreign military services may call your loyalty into question and disqualify you from getting a clearance.
Fingerprints
All initial clearances, such as the Single Scope Background Investigation for top secret, require fingerprints. These go to OPM and can be in ink or electronic transmission. If done by ink, the fingerprints must be on the SF87 card stock by approved printers such as a sheriff's office or military police station.
