I've had an investigation for a secret clearance open since August 2016. How long does it normally take to be granted one?

SGT Jody Trapp — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 22:21:28 -0500

Response by SFC George Smith made Jan 11 at 2017 10:29 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 22:29:56 -0500

depending on your past and what the extent of the background check it can take as much as 6-8 months...
TS is not much of a problem and in Most cases an interim clearance can be issued upon the initial investigation... but if it a BI of SCI they take a lot longer and they are going to go thru every thing you have done ot thought about doing and who and what type of friends you have

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2017 10:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 22:37:59 -0500

mine was closed last month (same time frame) it depends.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2017 1:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 01:07:10 -0500

It's entirely relative to you, your conduct, your background, and your connections. It can last one month to one year. The big thing that you need to know is that there are two parts: investigation and accreditation. Investigation I out of everyone's hands. Your commander can request an expedite on your accreditation at their discretion if they deem you mission essential.

Response by 1SG Mike Case made Jan 12 at 2017 3:28 PM

1SG Mike Case — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 15:28:42 -0500

Lots of factors play into it. The location of all the people you used as recommendations plays a part in it. If they are all in different locations, it will take a longer time. If it is your first time, it takes longer as the initial investigation takes longer as opposed to a five or ten year reaccreditation.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jan 12 at 2017 3:44 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 15:44:37 -0500

I work these on a weekly basis and for a Secret, it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year. OPM is so backed up right now it will take a while. Longer doesn't necessarily mean a bad thing...it just is what it is. If your fingerprints are good, local files check is good, then based on the risk once the questionnaire is sent off, a commander can grant in interim if they feel the risk is worth the gain.

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Jan 13 at 2017 11:47 PM

SSG Waldo Yamada — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 23:47:19 -0500

Relax. Patience is a virtue. For the most part, wait for the yea or nae. You'll realize it's like getting a driver's license you'll drive a while and start to get tired of it.