Issuing Security Clearances

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security, through its Office of Personnel Security and Suitability, manages the State Department's personnel security clearance program. The Office of Personnel Security and Suitability reviews and analyzes investigations of employment candidates, employees, and others seeking access to the Department of State to assure that granting an individual access to classified information is clearly consistent with the interests of national security.

Personnel security background investigations play an integral role in the hiring process and retention of employees by providing information to the State Department's Bureau of Human Resources (HR). HR may use the results of investigations to assist in determining a job candidate's or an existing employee's continued suitability for employment.

The Office of Personnel Security and Suitability conducts about 25,000 personnel security clearances each year for the State Department and other federal agencies.

To learn more about the security clearance process, please review All About Security Clearances.