Changing Jobs With a Security Clearance
Moving to a new cleared job is common, and your eligibility doesn't automatically start over. Your records still need to be current, though. Here's what to expect.
Your Eligibility Usually Travels With You
Clearance eligibility belongs to you, not your employer. When a new cleared employer or agency needs you to have access, its security office typically checks your existing eligibility in the government's records system instead of starting a new investigation. Whether you need a new or updated questionnaire depends on your situation and your new sponsor.
What Employers Report
Under 32 CFR 117.8, cleared contractors report certain changes in status for cleared employees, including termination of employment, change in name, change in citizenship, and death. Your old FSO reports your departure. Your new FSO sets up your access.
When You May Fill Out a Questionnaire Again
- Your new position needs a higher level of access.
- Your sponsor asks for an updated questionnaire for continuous vetting enrollment or reinvestigation.
- There's been a long break since you last held eligibility.
Your new security office will tell you which applies. Under Trusted Workforce 2.0, the government is moving toward fewer full reinvestigations and more continuous vetting.
Keep Your History Current
Every job change adds an employment entry, a supervisor, and often a new address. Add them while they're fresh: - Employer, job title, start month, and supervisor name and contact. - The move-out and move-in months if you relocate. - Any gap between jobs, listed as unemployment.
ClearanceTrail flags jobs in the last 10 years that don't have a supervisor yet, and keeps older jobs saved for reinvestigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my clearance transfer when I change jobs?
Eligibility generally stays with you, and a new sponsor typically checks your existing eligibility rather than starting over. Your new security office decides what's needed.
What does my old employer report when I leave?
Under 32 CFR 117.8, cleared contractors report certain status changes, including termination of employment.
Do I list the gap between jobs on the SF-86?
Yes. The SF-86 asks for 10 years of employment activities with no breaks, and unemployment counts as an activity.