Key takeaways
- Public Trust is a suitability determination, not a security clearance.
- The three clearance levels are Confidential, Secret and Top Secret. SCI is an access program layered on top of a Top Secret clearance.
- Polygraphs, investigation dates and access status matter as much as the clearance label.
When a contract requires "TS/SCI with poly," a candidate who simply holds a Top Secret clearance may not be able to start. Understanding the levels helps you write accurate requirements, price labor correctly and avoid staffing surprises. This guide covers the essentials for contractors. Your facility security officer remains the authority for your specific program.
Public Trust
Public Trust positions involve access to sensitive but unclassified information or systems, common at civilian agencies such as HHS, Treasury and DHS components. A Public Trust determination is based on a background investigation, often at a moderate-risk or high-risk tier, but it is not a security clearance and does not grant access to classified information.
Confidential and Secret
Confidential is the lowest classification level and is less commonly seen in contractor hiring. Secret is one of the most common requirements across DoD and many civilian programs. It is supported by a background investigation at the appropriate tier and allows access to Secret information on a need-to-know basis.
Top Secret
Top Secret requires a more extensive background investigation and supports access to information whose unauthorized disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security. Many intelligence, defense and space programs require it.
SCI and SAP access
Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) is not a separate clearance level. It is a set of access controls for certain intelligence information, granted on top of a Top Secret clearance after additional adjudication and indoctrination. That is why job posts say "TS/SCI." Special Access Programs (SAPs) are similar compartmented programs with their own access approvals.
Polygraph types
- Counterintelligence (CI) polygraph: focuses on topics such as espionage, sabotage and unauthorized disclosure.
- Full-scope (expanded scope or lifestyle) polygraph: covers counterintelligence topics plus personal conduct questions. It is common for certain intelligence community roles.
A polygraph completed for one agency is not always accepted by another, so confirm reciprocity with your security team.
Active vs. current clearances
Recruiters use active to mean a person currently holds eligibility and access, and current to mean eligibility that is not in active use but can generally be reinstated within a defined window without a new investigation. Exact rules depend on the program and current policy, so verify through your FSO.
Continuous vetting
Under the government's Trusted Workforce reforms, many cleared individuals are enrolled in continuous vetting, which replaces much of the old fixed-interval periodic reinvestigation model with ongoing automated checks. For hiring, ask whether a candidate is enrolled, and let your FSO confirm.
What this means when you staff a contract
- Write requirements that state the level, SCI or SAP access, and polygraph type precisely.
- Budget for the cleared labor premium in your pricing.
- Name key personnel who already meet the requirement. See contingent hires and key personnel.
- Engage a cleared recruiting partner when timelines are tight.
Need cleared talent for a contract or proposal?
Secret to TS/SCI candidates, key personnel and contingent hires. Typical shortlist in 1 to 2 weeks for common roles.