If you’ve applied for a security clearance, or are about to, you may be wondering what happens after you submit your application—especially when it comes to the references you’ve listed.
From verifying places you’ve lived to talking to people who know you well, references play an important role in the background check process.
It’s normal to feel uncertain about whether or not they’ll be contacted, what happens if they don’t respond, and how this all fits into the overall investigation.
Let’s break down what you can expect when it comes to your references and the overall security clearance process.
How Are References Used in the Security Clearance Process?
When you submit your security clearance application, you’ll be asked to provide contact information for several references. These references typically include people who can verify details about your past residences, employment, and personal character.
However, it’s important to understand that not every reference you list will necessarily be contacted. The way the government reaches out to your references is an important part of the investigation process, but it’s not always predictable.
It’s common for applicants to worry if their references haven’t been contacted, but this isn’t necessarily a bad sign. In many cases, investigators may choose to contact individuals who aren’t listed on your application. This is done to get a fuller picture of your background, beyond what’s provided by the people you’ve named.
What If My References Don’t Respond?
Another common worry for applicants is whether the clearance process will be delayed if a reference doesn’t respond to the government’s inquiry.
If you're not applying for a highly secretive position, it can be helpful to give your references a heads-up. Let them know they may be contacted and encourage them to respond promptly.
While not every reference needs to reply for the process to move forward, ensuring they do respond when contacted can help speed up the investigation. In some cases, delays can occur if key individuals don’t respond to the government’s queries.
How Will the Government Contact My References?
The method the government uses to contact your references can vary. They might reach out via phone, email, or even postal mail. It’s important to make sure the contact details you provide are accurate and up-to-date to avoid unnecessary delays in your investigation.
While it would be helpful if there were a set roadmap for how investigators contact references, the process is deliberately flexible. This flexibility allows investigators to choose the best method to gather the most reliable information based on each applicant's situation and level of clearance.
The Security Clearance Process: A 7-Step Breakdown
To better understand where the reference check fits into the overall security clearance process, here’s a simple breakdown of the 7-step process involved in getting a security clearance:
e-App Submission Applicant fills out the security clearance application (also known as the e-App), which includes providing personal details, references, and other required information.
Security Office Review The application is reviewed by the security office to ensure all information is complete and accurate before moving forward to the investigation phase.
Background Investigation This is where the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) steps in to investigate the information you’ve provided. This can include contacting references, verifying employment and residences, and checking criminal or financial records.
In-Person Interview In many cases, a DCSA investigator will conduct an in-person interview with you to get a better sense of your background. Sometimes, coworkers or other acquaintances may also be interviewed.
DCSA Completes Investigation Once all information is gathered, the DCSA finalizes its report and sends it to the Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DOD CAF) for review.
Clearance Decision Based on the investigation, a decision is made regarding your eligibility for clearance, and you’ll be notified of the results.
Continuous Vetting Even after receiving clearance, your status will be continuously monitored. This includes checking databases for any changes in your credit, criminal, or public records that could impact your clearance.
Don’t Stress About the Process
If you’re anxious about whether your references will be contacted or what will happen if they don’t respond, try not to stress. The security clearance process is designed to gather all the information needed, even if it means contacting people not listed on your application.
Ensuring that your references’ contact details are correct is the best way to help move things along smoothly. And remember, it’s not uncommon for investigators to reach out to others outside of your listed references to get a more complete picture of your background.
If you’re ever concerned about the process, it’s perfectly okay to remind your references to respond to any queries they might receive. With patience and accuracy on your part, the security clearance process will move forward as it should.
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