Passing a background check and receiving clearance is among the biggest barriers to federal employment. This can make holding an active clearance (or being eligible for one) one of the most valuable assets for advancing your federal career.

---

Outline:

(01:12) Levels of background checks and security clearances

(04:23) What's the process for getting a security clearance?

(07:55) What roles do you need a security clearance for?

(08:34) What can disqualify you (and how to mitigate it)

(23:32) Security clearance tips

(26:08) FAQ

(26:25) Further resources

---

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form, and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests.

The original text contained 17 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

---

Last updated:

Source:

---

Images from the article:

Apple Podcasts and Spotify do not show images in the episode description. Try Pocket Casts, or another podcast app.