SF-86 Education History: What Section 12 Asks For
Section 12 covers schools you attended and degrees you earned. Dates and school addresses are the parts people forget, so collect them first.
What Section 12 Asks
The official SF-86 (OPM PDF) asks whether, in the last 10 years, you attended any school, and whether you received a degree or diploma beyond high school at any time. For each school you list, it asks for:
- School name and address
- Dates of attendance, by month and year
- Degree or diploma earned, if any, and the date
- For schools attended in the last 3 years, someone who knew you there
The exact rules depend on your age and situation, so follow the instructions on the form. Online and correspondence programs count as schools.
Where to Find Your Dates
- Transcripts. Your registrar can send an official or unofficial transcript with term dates.
- Degree verification. Many U.S. schools use the National Student Clearinghouse for enrollment and degree verification.
- Financial aid records. Your StudentAid.gov account lists schools and enrollment periods tied to federal aid.
- Military education. The Joint Services Transcript lists military training and courses.
- Email. Search for acceptance letters, registration confirmations, and graduation notices.
When You Cannot Pin Down a Date
- Give your best estimate and mark it Estimated, which the form allows.
- Explain how you got it in the comments.
- Never leave off a school you attended, even for one term.
Line It Up With Your Other History
Section 13A asks you to account for your activities over the same period, so make sure your school dates and employment dates agree. ClearanceTrail flags gaps and overlaps across sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back does SF-86 education history go?
The form asks about schools attended in the last 10 years and degrees beyond high school earned at any time. Follow the current form instructions.
Do online classes count?
Yes. Online and correspondence schools count. Check the form instructions for details.
Do I need a reference for my school?
For schools attended in the last 3 years, the form asks for someone who knew you there.