Candidates will undergo a background investigation that includes verifying and corroborating key activities, information, and events. In addition to various inquiries into criminal history, credit, and other databases, a Diplomatic Security (DS) background investigator may conduct interviews with you and various references (those you provide and those developed through the investigation).
Based on the information obtained in the investigative process, DS will determine if you are eligible for access to classified information. A Security clearance will enable you to perform the various duties and responsibilities of a Foreign Service or Civil Service employee. The security clearance is adjudicated based on Security Executive Agency Directive (SEAD) 4: National Security Adjudicative Guidelines. These guidelines include factors that may raise security concerns, as well as the circumstances that mitigate those concerns. You are encouraged to review SEAD 4 for awareness of the issues DS considers in making this determination. See SEAD 4 For more information, visit https://www.state.gov/security-clearances.