Gaining security clearance for regime positions can have a flake of fourth dimension. Clearance times saw an uptick in the second quarter of 2021 and often change every bit need changes. The more people needing security clearances, the longer the process may take. And then, how long is the security clearance process taking right at present?

Security Clearance Processing Times

Because of the high demand for the clearance system, the process is taking anywhere from 4 to five months. Top Underground clearance processing times are sitting around 159 days, on average. To gain Secret clearance, the procedure is taking around 132 days. These processing times are for manufacture applicants. Processing times are slightly faster for Department of Defense civilians and service members.

Why the Uptick?

Not just is there a higher demand for clearances, but the process in which they are beingness granted has changed due to seasonal employment and COVID-19. Both of these things have led to delays. While groundwork investigators are notwithstanding at work, the individuals they need to get information from aren't ever accessible. This leads to an increment in security clearance processing times overall.

Officials have pointed out that, while processing times are higher, things are nonetheless moving forwards. There accept been a lot of changes, including many groundwork investigators working remotely or working in staggered shifts. These changes to the overall process accept definitely contributed to longer wait times for clearance.

On top of the changes to the concrete workspace, investigators likewise accept a higher workload. As mentioned above, in that location is a college demand for clearances. This is because there are more temporary or seasonal workers that need clearance. Additionally, there are occasional It problems that investigators are facing.

Despite the longer processing times, once an applicant's background has been checked, decision times have significantly decreased. Security clearance conclusion decisions were typically made between 5 and seven days.

Other Factors

While dealing with higher demand, It bug, COVID-19 restrictions, new work settings, and longer expect times, the Defense Part of Hearings and Appeals has also noted an increased number of Statement of Reasons (SoRs). They take been working to implement better tracking procedures for SoRs and have been sending them direct to manufacture employees.

The Part of Hearings and Appeals has moved forrad with remote piece of work procedures and is working to ensure in that location are not any major hiccups in the workflow. They recently started using a new communications organization for times where they are not able to access facilities or travel was not possible. This has largely allowed the office to keep all investigations moving forward, fifty-fifty if it has been at a slower than usual pace.

If you are looking for candidates with security clearances to make the hiring process faster working with an agency like the Staffing Resource Group can assistance. We tin get candidates through the security clearance process earlier they are put in front of you, meaning you lot get applicants who are ready to become started. Learn more about how nosotros can help you in placing candidates with the proper clearances in your organization.

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