The SF86 (eApp, EQip)

Disclaimer: Everything here is NOT advice and is for educational purposes only. We do not offer any specific or legal advice. For specific or legal advice, consult with an attorney that specializes in the security clearance field.

Completing the Security Clearance forms correctly, the first time, will save you time and headache. Be sure to take the form seriously, it is part of a Federal investigation and penalties of purgery are attached (monetary fines and jail time, not to mention being fired, or denied a clearance). DO NOT LIE.

We hear the complaint all the time, there is not much information regarding the Standard Forms (SF85 & SF86) used for security clearance. We hope to answer common questions and concerns we hear the most often, section by section, for free.

A BIG factor in mistakes is not reviewing EACH section when updating your forms. It’s great that the system imports information from the last time you complete the form – but it also imports the mistakes (which is why doing it right the first time will save you time in the clearance process and the future). Time moves along fast and things change since you last completed the form. People often forget to update the sections with current information (current addresses, changes to relatives (think marriage, divorce and birth of children).

Time Frames

Different questions on this form reference different time frames. Some questions require information for the past 7 years, 10 years and others reference EVER. Be sure to read each question carefully.

Other Names Used

Remember to list current or former nicknames, aliases and former names (such as maiden names).

Where You Have Lived

List ALL physical addresses (not PO Boxes etc) where you have resided for more than 90 days within the past 10 years.

If you split your time between one or more residences, list all of them.

Education

List ALL degrees no mater when they were obtained.

List ALL schools you attended within the past 10 years.

Employment

List EVERY place you have worked within the past 10 years, even if you only worked there for a short period. It does not matter if the employment does not apply to the job for which you are applying – the SF85/SF86 is not a resume.

If the employment consisted of working at different locations, list each location in a separate entry.

—- Former Federal Service – List any or all of Federal employment, no matter how long ago it was.

Relatives

Believe it or not, relatives are often left off the form. Especially if you have new relatives (children or in-laws are the most common to overlook ) since you last filled out the form.

The section provides a list of relatives required to be listed. This includes relatives that have passed away. If there is unknown information, list as much information as possible and list “unknown” for any field where you truly do not know the information.

Foreign Activities

This is an EVER question. Be sure to consider each example the question provides (stocks, property, investments, BANK ACCOUNTS, ownership of corportate entities, corporate interests or exchange traded funds (ETFs). Note: Exclude financial interests in companies or diversified mutual funds or diversified ETFs that are publicly traded on a U.S. exchange 

Police Record

These questions are divided into 2 sections. The first asks about events within the past 7 years. The second section asks about events that have EVER happened. Read these questions carefully.

Drugs

With reference to this section, your truthful responses nor information derived from your responses to this section will be used as evidence against you in a subsequent criminal proceeding. As to this particular section, this applies whether or not you are currently employed by the Federal government. 
The following questions pertain to the illegal use of drugs or controlled substances or drug or controlled substance activity in accordance with Federal laws, even if use is permissible under state laws. 

Investigations and Clearance Record

List ALL past background investigations by any government (US or non-US government).

List ALL past clearance eligibilty or access authorizations granted by any US or non-US government.

Conclusion

This is a serious Federal investigation process. Take the time to read the questions carefully. Be mindful of the time frames referenced in each question.

Complete the forms correctly the first time and it will save you having to fix errors years down the line OR answering for the same mistake multiple times.

For more information about how adjudicators review investigations and make eligilbty determinations, review the “Sead 4 13 Adjudicative Guidelines”.