Background check and security clearance

This section groups background check, security clearance, position sensitivity and risk, trust determination process and drug test in a consistent location.

Background check

Indicates the level of background check necessary for this job.

The value in this field will always link to: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/job-announcement/security-clearances/

Required by USAJOBS

Yes

Required by Policy

No. However, it is strongly encouraged to include this in the job announcement.

Do

  • Indicate the level of background check.

Do Not

  • Do not repeat this information in other sections.

Security clearance

Indicates the level of security clearance necessary for this job.

The value in this field will always link to: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/job-announcement/security-clearances/

Required by USAJOBS

Yes

Required by Policy

Yes

Do

  • Indicate the level of security clearance.

Do Not

  • Do not repeat this information in other sections.

Position sensitivity and risk

Indicates the sensitivity level of the job—whether the job responsibilities and duties have the potential to adversely impact the national security.

The options are:

  • 1 - Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
  • 2 - Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
  • 3 - Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
  • 4 - Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
  • 5 - Moderate Risk (MR)
  • 6 - High Risk (HR)
  • 7 - NCS/High Risk

You can only select one option.

Note: This is a new field and may not yet be available from your Talent Acquisition System (TAS) vendor. Work with your TAS to request the ability to populate this new field.

Required by USAJOBS

No

Required by Policy

No

Do

  • Indicate the position sensitivity and risk level of the job.
  • Only select one option if applicable.

Do Not

  • Do not repeat this information in other sections.

Trust determination process

Indicates the type of investigation the applicant will undergo (in addition to a background check).

The options are:

  • Credentialing
  • Suitability/fitness
  • National security

You can include one or all options.

If you include a level for the Position sensitivity and risk, then you need to include the Trust determination process.

Note: This is a new field and may not yet be available from your Talent Acquisition System (TAS) vendor. Work with your TAS to request the ability to populate this new field.

Required by USAJOBS

No, but this field is conditionally required if a value is provided for Position Sensitivity and Risk.

Required by Policy

No

Do

  • Indicate the investigation type.
  • Only include if you’ve included Position Sensitivity and Risk.

Do Not

  • Do not repeat this information in other sections.

Drug test required

Tells the applicant if a drug test is required. Will display as “Yes” or “No”.

Note: This is a new field and may not yet be available from your Talent Acquisition System (TAS) vendor. Work with your TAS to request the ability to populate this new field.

Required by USAJOBS

Yes

Required by Policy

Yes

Do

  • Tell the applicant if a drug test is required.

Do Not

  • Do not repeat this information in other sections.

Questions? Concerns?

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