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CLEARANCES
Everything you need to know about obtaining and maintaining a DoD security clearance — from completing the SF-86 to surviving adjudication. No rumors, no clearance myths. Just the actual process.
SF-86 & Application
What Is the SF-86? The Clearance Form, Explained (2026)
The SF-86 is the federal security clearance questionnaire. Here's what it covers, how long it takes, and how to prepare before you open NBIS eApp.
10 SF-86 Mistakes That Can Delay Your Security Clearance
These 10 SF-86 errors create clearance delays — not because of what happened, but because of how you disclosed it. Here's what to avoid.
Investigation & Adjudication
What Happens After You Submit the SF-86? Investigation, Interview, and Adjudication Timeline
What the background investigation process looks like after SF-86 submission — who gets contacted, what interviews cover, and how long adjudication takes.
How Long Does a Security Clearance Take? Secret, Top Secret, and TS/SCI Timelines
Security clearance timelines vary by tier, agency, SF-86 quality, and case complexity. Learn realistic Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI, and interim clearance timelines.
The 13 Adjudicative Guidelines, Explained (SEAD 4, 2026)
What all 13 SEAD 4 adjudicative guidelines cover — the disqualifying conditions, what mitigates them, and how adjudicators weigh your whole record.
Can You Get a Security Clearance With Debt?
Yes, you can get a security clearance with debt. Here's how Guideline F treats credit cards, collections, student loans, bankruptcy, tax issues, and repayment plans.
Can You Get a Security Clearance With Marijuana Use?
Past marijuana use doesn't automatically disqualify you — but timing, frequency, and disclosure matter. Here's how Guideline H evaluates marijuana use and what actually gets people denied.
Clearance Levels & Access
Security Clearance Levels Explained: Confidential, Secret, Top Secret, and Beyond
Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI, and SCI access explained — what separates them, which investigation tier each requires, and why clearances don't always transfer.
Interim Clearance Explained: Why It Gets Approved or Denied
An interim clearance lets you start work before final adjudication — but it's not guaranteed and doesn't cover SCI. Here's what gets checked and why interims are denied.