When Your Job Requires A Security Clearance

By Mark Swartz

Monster Contributing Writer

So you want to work for the federal government and access top secrets. You’ll have to pass more than just a standard background check.

If your role will expose you to classified documents or sensitive sites, official security clearance is a must. For that you must undergo a Government Security Screening (GSS).

You’d better have your ducks in a row before applying. Your data will be reviewed by a national security agency, such as CSIS and the RCMP. They don’t mess around when scrutinizing applications.

About Security Clearance

The purpose of security screening is to prevent anyone of security concern from gaining access to sensitive government assets, locations or information, and to prevent non-Canadians who pose security concerns or risks from entering Canada or receiving permanent residence in the country.

Who Needs One?

Federal public service employees, members of the Armed Forces (including civilian jobs in the military), and persons under contract to a government department who, in the performance of their duties, have access to classified government assets or information. Same goes for people who work at “sensitive sites” such as airports, the Parliamentary Precinct, ports and nuclear power stations.

Non-Canadians who apply for permanent residency or refugee status must also undergo security screening.

Levels Of Clearance

If you pass a basic security screening, you will be deemed to have “reliability status.” This is the lowest level of clearance, but it suffices in most cases.

There’s a ranking system beyond the basic clearance. Level I is called Confidential. Level II is titled Secret. The highest level is referred to as Top Secret. The employer consults government officials to determine an appropriate clearance.

What Do Authorities Look At?

Security assessments fall under one of two categories for resident Canadians: Government Screening, and Sensitive Sites Screening.

A lower-level clearance may involve a background check into your education, job history, criminal record, credit history and residences.

Depending on the level or category of security clearance required, screening can also involve interviewing the applicant's friends, neighbours and employers, consulting with local police, and possibly interviewing the applicant. Your private life could be investigated as well.

Applying for Security Clearance

The general public cannot apply for clearance without the support of an employer. That employer’s HR department will direct you to the appropriate Applicant Screening Form.

Information on this form is collected under the authority of subsection 7(1) of the Financial Administration Act and the Government Security Policy (GSP) of the Government of Canada. It is protected by the provisions of the Privacy Act in institutions that are covered.

Depending on the level of security screening required, the information may be disclosed to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). They conduct the requisite checks and/or investigation.

Replying To A Job Posting Requiring Clearance If You Don’t Have One

Lack of a clearance shouldn't stop you from seeking a job that requires one. If you don’t have one yet, the company may hire you, start the clearance process and have you work on other projects until your clearance is approved.

It can take time to get approval of your application. Allow for at least several weeks after applying for Reliability Status. Any security level above that could take quite a bit longer.

Not For Everyone

If you’d fail a standard background check, it’s likely you won’t pass a clearance screening. Do you have concerns? Start by doing a reference check on yourself.

Clean up your credit history. Tidy up your online activities if they give the wrong impression. And most importantly, do not lie or fudge the truth on your security application.

The majority of people have nothing to hide from a screening. But if an investigation could uncover damaging details that might derail your career, working with national secrets is probably not in your immediate future.

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