Security Clearances: Completing the Standard Form 86

This session introduces the fundamental concept of security clearances as the government’s determination that an individual’s background is uncompromisable. Participants will learn about clearance levels from Confidential to TS/SCI with polygraph, the five agencies that grant clearances, and the purpose of the SF-86 form.

This session covers the critical importance of full disclosure and providing mitigating information when completing clearance applications. Attendees will learn about the personal interview process, facility clearances for organizations, and when to seek legal assistance during the application journey.

A brief intermission allowing participants to refresh before the comprehensive SF-86 deep dive. Use this time to gather questions about specific application scenarios.

This comprehensive session walks through each major section of the SF-86, from personal information and employment history to foreign contacts, financial issues, and psychological health questions. Participants will learn what the government is really looking for, how to frame disclosures with appropriate mitigation, and understand the whole person evaluation concept that determines clearance outcomes.