Continuous Vetting, Explained
Continuous vetting replaced the old "reinvestigation every 5 or 10 years" model. Here's how it works, and why keeping your own records current still matters.
What Continuous Vetting Is
DCSA describes continuous vetting (CV) as regularly reviewing a cleared person's background to make sure they still meet clearance requirements. It's part of Trusted Workforce 2.0, the government-wide reform of personnel vetting.
How It Works
- Automated record checks can run at any time during your eligibility, pulling from criminal, terrorism, and financial databases and public records.
- When an alert comes in, DCSA checks whether it's valid and worth looking into.
- If it is, investigators and adjudicators gather facts. Many issues are worked out with the cleared person. In some cases a clearance can be suspended or revoked.
What Changed From Periodic Reinvestigations
| Before | Now |
|---|---|
| A full reinvestigation every 5 or 10 years | Ongoing automated checks |
| Problems might surface years later | Alerts can surface issues within days or weeks |
| A fresh questionnaire each cycle | An updated questionnaire may still be required. Follow your agency's instructions. |
Self-Reporting Still Matters
Automated checks don't replace your duty to report. Security Executive Agent Directive 3 (SEAD 3) sets reporting requirements for covered people. Depending on your agency and access, these can include: - Foreign travel, and contacts with foreign nationals - Arrests and other legal issues - Serious financial problems, such as bankruptcy or wage garnishment
Your security office's rules control what, when, and how you report. Ask your FSO when in doubt.
Why Your Own Records Help
- If an alert prompts questions, accurate dates and notes make your answers fast and consistent.
- When an updated SF-86 is required, you start from your last one instead of rebuilding from memory.
- ClearanceTrail keeps your full history and a private log, so the next form starts from the last one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does continuous vetting replace reinvestigations?
For people enrolled in continuous vetting, ongoing automated checks replace the old fixed-interval reinvestigation model under Trusted Workforce 2.0. You may still be asked for an updated questionnaire.
Do I still have to self-report if I'm in continuous vetting?
Yes. Reporting requirements under SEAD 3 and your agency's rules still apply.
What does continuous vetting check?
According to DCSA, automated checks pull from criminal, terrorism, and financial databases and public records.