In the United States, a security clearance is an official determination that an individual may access information classified by the United States Government. Security clearances are hierarchical; each level grants the holder access to information in that level and the levels below it. The clearance process requires a background investigation and the signing of a nondisclosure agreement. Access to any particular piece of information requires "need - to - know. '' In some cases, this requirement is only nominal, as some classified information is widely published on secure networks. In other cases, there is a formal need - to - know determination. In addition to such a determination, Special Access Programs and Sensitive Compartmented Information may require additional investigation and adjudication of the prospective clearance holder.
what is security clearance for jobs in usa
an official determination that an individual may access information classified by the United States Government