General FAQs on the Background Investigations Process

The investigation is a job requirement. Providing the information is voluntary, but if you choose not to provide the required information, you will not meet the requirements of the job and will therefore not be considered further. If you are already employed by the Federal government, your appointment will be terminated. The courts have upheld this principle.

Immediately notify the security officials (your sponsoring agency) to whom you submitted the questionnaire.

Individuals can verify the status of an NBIB investigator by contacting NBIB Security and Safety Team at 888-795-5673 or fissst@opm.gov.  

The identity of NBIB investigators can be confirmed through NBIB’s Security and Safety Team.  There are two ways to confirm the identity of an investigator; by phone at 888-795-5673 option 1, or by e-mail to FISSST@opm.gov.  

So that we can verify your claim that you're not a criminal by checking the FBI's fingerprint files. Executive Order 13467, as amended, requires that all Federal employees (and covered individuals as defined in EO 13467) be fingerprinted.

Security clearances are granted on a need-to-have basis when a person's position requires access to classified information.  When the need to access classified information ceases (such as when the person leaves the position), the clearance is administratively withdrawn.  A withdrawn clearance may be reinstated if the same level or lower access is required within two years, a reinvestigation is not due and no additional factors apply.   There is currently no mechanism for an agency to continue to sponsor a person's clearance when the person no longer requires the access.  Your agency security office can advise you further on your specific situation.

Educational history is necessary for jobs that require specific education and expertise. Any information supplied by the applicant must be verified.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment.  The hiring process we use is merit based, and relies on open competition following public notice of the positions we are filling.  Should you apply for a job on USAJobs.gov, your qualifications and application materials will be evaluated.  Qualified candidates will be compiled on a list and forwarded to a hiring manager for further review.  Your financial situation would not come into play at this stage of hiring. Some positions will require a background investigation to determine your suitability for Federal employment or your eligibility for a security clearance.  The scope of the investigation will vary, depending on the nature of the position and the degree of harm that an individual in that position could cause.  This is determined by the hiring Federal agency.  In some instances, your hiring will be contingent upon completion and favorable adjudication of a background investigation.  It is at the background investigation stage that your financial situation would be considered. Adjudicators use what is called the “whole person” concept to evaluate a person.  Any potentially negative information is evaluated regarding its recency, seriousness, relevance to the position and duties, and in light of and in relationship to all other information about a person. Financial situations in your life will not necessarily impact your ability to obtain a Federal job.  We encourage you to apply for any positions in which you are interested.

Continuous Evaluation (CE) is an ongoing screening process to review the background of an individual who is assigned to a sensitive position or has access to classified information or material. It exists to ensure that the individual should continue to retain a security clearance or the assignment to sensitive duties. CE leverages a set of automated record checks and business rules to assist in the ongoing assessment of an individual's continued eligibility. For more information on CE, see Executive Order (EO) 13467, as amended by EO 13741 and EO 13764. For more information on CE as implemented by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), see the ODNI's CE webpage and FAQs.