Future Leaders in Public Service

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DeadlineDecember 5, 2025

Award amountA stipend

Last checkedJun 24, 2026

Application

Background Checks and Security Clearances for Federal Jobs

Information on background checks and security clearances required for federal jobs, including investigation types, clearance levels, and the interim clearance process.

Official source Source page

Requirements

Undergo a basic background investigation of criminal and credit history.; Pass a background check investigating citizenship, residence, education, employment, finances, military service, criminal record, drug use, and previous checks.; Obtain a security clearance for sensitive information access.; Complete SF-85 for non-sensitive positions or SF-86 for national security positions.

Application materials

SF-85 – Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions; SF-86 – Questionnaire for National Security

Contact

(202) 775-9111

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