Security Clearance Levels in the United Kingdom

There are different levels of clearance that individuals are subject to depending on the nature, sensitivity, and duration of access to information, assets and personnel.

Basic Check
These are not formal security clearances. A basic check (BC) provides only a basic level of assurance about the trustworthiness and integrity of individuals whose work may involve access to CONFIDENTIAL assets or information. For individuals who will definitely be working with protectively marked data, a higher clearance is usually sought. The check is carried out by reviewing official identity documents and sometimes references. The goal of a BC is to verify the following:
- Identity
- Signature
- Address
- Employment history
- Education.

Counter-Terrorism Check
A counter-terrorism check (CTC) is required for personnel whose work involves regular close proximity to public or sensitive figures, gives access to information or material vulnerable to terrorist attack or involves unrestricted access to certain government or commercial establishments. A CTC does not in itself permit access to protectively marked assets and information. The CTC always includes a basic check and a check against national security records. To gain CTC clearance, you have to have been resident in the United Kingdom for a minimum of three years, although you are not required to be a British citizen.

Security Check
A security check (SC) is for personnel who will have regular and uncontrolled access to SECRET, or occasional controlled access to TOP SECRET, assets and information. This level of clearance involves a basic check, UK criminal and security checks, and a credit check. To gain SC clearance, you normally have to have been resident in the United Kingdom for a minimum of five years. Usually this clearance is issued only to British citizens or citizens of a closely allied state such as the United States or Australia. The reason for the credit check is not to see if you owe money. Everybody owes money. It’s to ensure that you are managing your debt and therefore are not vulnerable to financial inducements. SC clearance must be renewed every time you change employment or every 10 years.

Developed Vetting
Developed vetting (DV) is the highest (official) level of security clearance and is required for people with regular uncontrolled access to TOP SECRET assets, or for working in the intelligence or security communities. This level of clearance involves all the investigation required for an SC level clearance and the following checks:
- Completion of a DV questionnaire;
- A detailed financial check;
- Checking of references;
- A detailed interview with a vetting officer.