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How to List Security Clearance on Resume

Published June 18, 2026

How to List Security Clearance on Resume

Why Security Clearance Matters on Your Resume

A security clearance is one of the most valuable credentials you can hold in today's job market. Federal agencies, defense contractors, and intelligence organizations actively seek candidates who already possess an active clearance, saving them significant time and money in the hiring process. Knowing how to properly display this credential can dramatically increase your chances of landing interviews.

Types of Security Clearances

Before listing your clearance, understand what level you hold:

Where to List Your Security Clearance on a Resume

There are several strategic locations to place your security clearance depending on its relevance to the position:

Option 1: Resume Summary or Header

If security clearance is a primary requirement of the job, place it prominently in your summary section or even directly in your header beneath your name and contact information. This ensures hiring managers see it immediately.

Example: "Active TS/SCI Clearance | Former Intelligence Analyst | 8+ Years Federal Experience"

Option 2: Dedicated Certifications or Clearances Section

Create a standalone section titled "Security Clearance," "Clearances & Certifications," or "Professional Credentials." This works well when you have multiple credentials to list alongside your clearance.

Option 3: Skills Section

For roles where clearance is helpful but not the central requirement, listing it within your skills section is appropriate. Place it near the top of the skills list to draw attention.

Option 4: Work Experience Descriptions

Mention clearance level within relevant job descriptions to provide context about the sensitivity of work you performed.

How to Format Security Clearance on Your Resume

Use clear, standardized formatting when listing your clearance. Here are recommended formats:

Always indicate whether your clearance is active or inactive. An active clearance is far more valuable to employers because it eliminates the lengthy adjudication process.

What Information to Include

When listing your security clearance, consider including the following details:

Polygraph Information

If you have undergone a polygraph examination, this is highly valuable information for many employers. There are two main types:

List polygraph information alongside your clearance level, for example: "TS/SCI with Full-Scope Polygraph (Active)"

What NOT to Include

There are important restrictions on what you can disclose about your clearance:

Violating these guidelines can result in legal consequences and permanent loss of clearance eligibility.

Resume Example: Security Clearance Section

Here is an example of a properly formatted clearance section:

SECURITY CLEARANCE
Top Secret/SCI with Counterintelligence Polygraph — Active
Granted by: Department of Defense
Last Reinvestigation: 2021

Tips for Applicants with Inactive Clearances

An inactive or lapsed clearance is still worth listing. Many employers can reinstate a lapsed clearance more quickly than initiating a new investigation, especially if it lapsed within the past two years. Be transparent about the status and indicate the year it became inactive.

Example: "Secret Clearance (Inactive, last active 2022)"

Tailoring Your Resume for Cleared Positions

When applying to positions requiring clearance, make sure your resume also highlights:

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I put my security clearance at the top of my resume?

Yes, if the job requires a security clearance, placing it prominently in your resume header or summary section is highly recommended. Hiring managers often screen resumes specifically for clearance status, so making it immediately visible can keep your resume from being overlooked. For jobs where clearance is a bonus rather than a requirement, listing it in a skills or credentials section is sufficient.

Can I list a security clearance that has expired?

Yes, you can and should list an expired or inactive clearance on your resume. An inactive clearance often requires a faster reinstatement process than a brand-new investigation, making you more attractive to employers. Simply note the status clearly, for example: 'Secret Clearance (Inactive, last active 2021).' Transparency about your clearance status is essential to avoid misrepresentation.

What does TS/SCI mean on a resume?

TS/SCI stands for Top Secret with Sensitive Compartmented Information access. It is one of the highest and most sought-after clearance levels. TS refers to the base classification level, while SCI indicates the holder has been granted access to specially controlled intelligence information beyond standard Top Secret. Listing TS/SCI on your resume signals to employers that you have undergone extensive background investigation and have been trusted with highly sensitive national security information.

Should I include my security clearance on LinkedIn?

Yes, it is generally acceptable and recommended to list your security clearance on LinkedIn. Many defense contractors and federal agencies use LinkedIn to search for cleared candidates. However, follow the same rules as your resume: list only the clearance level and status, and never disclose classified program names, compartments, or sensitive access details. LinkedIn has specific fields where you can note your clearance level.

Can listing a security clearance hurt my job search?

In most cases, listing a security clearance significantly helps your job search, especially for government, defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity roles. However, if you are applying exclusively to private-sector companies unrelated to government work, it may be less relevant. There is no meaningful downside to listing an accurate clearance level, as it demonstrates trustworthiness, reliability, and that you have passed rigorous background checks, qualities valued across many industries.

How do I list a DoE Q clearance on my resume?

A Department of Energy Q clearance is equivalent in sensitivity to a Department of Defense Top Secret clearance. List it clearly as: 'DoE Q Clearance (Active)' or 'Department of Energy Q Clearance.' If you also hold an L clearance (equivalent to Secret), list that separately. When applying to positions outside the DoE, you may want to include a brief note clarifying that a Q clearance is equivalent to Top Secret to help hiring managers unfamiliar with DoE nomenclature understand its significance.

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