How to filter your job search by security clearance

All federal jobs require a background check. Some federal jobs also require more screenings to get a security clearance. The level of security clearance depends on access to classified information or secure facilities.

You can find the Security clearance field in the Overview of the job announcement. The job announcement will tell you if you need a security clearance before you apply or if you apply after getting hired.

What are background checks and security clearances?

How to use the security clearance filter

Use the Security clearance filter to find jobs that need a security clearance.

1. Go to Search.

2. Select Security clearance from the filter bar.

3. Select one or more clearance levels from the list:

   1. Not Required—Jobs that don't require a security clearance.
   2. Confidential—Jobs that require a Confidential clearance.
   3. Secret—Jobs that require a Secret clearance.
   4. Top Secret—Jobs that require a Top Secret clearance.
   5. Sensitive Compartmented Information—Jobs that require a TS/SCI clearance.
   6. Q Access Authorization—Jobs that require a Q clearance (used by the Department of Energy).
   7. L Access Authorization—Jobs that require an L clearance (used by the Department of Energy).
   8. Other—Jobs that require a clearance type not listed above.

4. Select Apply to update your results.

Your results will update to show only jobs that match your selected clearance level(s).

Tips for using this filter

• You can select more than one option at a time to broaden your results.
• If you don't have a clearance, select Not Required to find jobs you can apply to right away.
• If you already have a clearance, select the level you hold to find matching jobs.
• Some jobs may accept applicants without a clearance but require you to get one after you're hired.
• The hiring agency decides the clearance level required for each job.
• Not all jobs list detailed clearance information.