Learn how to define whether or not your security clearance is active.
People either have a clearance or they do not have a clearance.
The Personnel Security Investigation (PSI) on which the clearance is based can be either current or expired . PSIs are current if the individual has held access within the past two years and remains within a continuous vetting program.
Generally, if the PSI is out-of-date (expired) or there has been a break-in-service of two years or more, a person must be nominated for a new clearance and must complete a new application in the same manner as a person who never had a clearance.
The exception is for individuals who are currently employed and still utilizing their security clearance in the scope of their work.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CLEARANCE IS ACTIVE?
Your clearance is active as long as you’re in a job requiring access to classified information. In the midst of investigation delays, the Department of Defense clarified eligibility doesn’t expire – even if your investigation technically does. The moment you leave a cleared position or contract, your clearance is no longer active, it’s considered current – assuming your investigation hasn’t expired. Obtain another cleared position within two years, and your clearance can be reactivated without a new investigation.