U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

Yes, you can use your personal computer - at home or at the office. e-QIP is designed to be accessible from any computer, anywhere in the world. The only requirement is that you use an internet browser capable of 128-bit encryption. Here are the browsers and versions you can use: (please note any special settings that must be enabled)

If using Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), you must have version 5.5 or later, with Service Pack 2.Internet Options for IE should be set as follows:

• Enable JavaScript
• Enable Cookies
• Enable TLS 1.0
• Enable Scripting

If using Mozilla Firefox, you must have version 0.9.4 or newer. Although security settings may already be defaulted to the proper values, you should verify by doing the following in this order:

• Select "TOOLS"
• Select "OPTIONS"
• Select "ADVANCED"
• Select the "ENCRYPTION" tab
• Under Protocols, check the boxes to enable "SSL 3.0" and "TLS 1.0"

Mozilla Firefox users must also verify that they are enabled to use cookies. To do so, go to your browser's toolbar and:

• Select "TOOLS"
• Select "OPTIONS"
• Select "PRIVACY"
• Under the "COOKIES" section, ensure that "COOKIES FROM SITES" is checked. e-QIP uses one session cookie.

e-QIP is also compatible with Netscape Navigator, 6.1 and newer. Settings for the latest version of Netscape Navigator can be made following the same instructions as Mozilla Firefox.

If using JAWS screen-reading software, please note that JAWS requires the use of Internet Explorer, version 5.5 or newer.

Both Applicant and Agency users must use these settings on their browsers to properly operate e-QIP.

Once you have been notified that you have access, login by entering your social security number and answering the three Golden questions. After logging in the first time, you will be prompted to change your golden questions to ensure the security of your data. After changing your Golden questions, e-QIP presents you with the Main Menu. Select the link entitled, "Enter Your Data" from the main menu screen. After reading all instructions, you can now begin entering your personal data. In order to ensure the completeness of your data, a validation routine will run after each page is submitted. The validation routine will point out any errors and provided detailed instructions on how to satisfy each incorrect or missing item. When you are satisfied that your form is complete, select the "Display" link from the main menu. After a final review of your data, select the "Certify Your Investigation Request" button to finish your form. On the last screen make sure to print a copy for your records and print and sign each form that has a blank for your signature. Only after you have printed and signed the appropriate signature pages, should you click on the final link entitled, "Release Request/Transmit to Agency."

Yes, all users are required to change the Golden Questions from the default questions to their own personal questions and answers. This is to protect your personal data from unauthorized disclosure. Your personal golden questions and answers should be unique and personally specific to you, but cannot be easily guessed by others.

After verifying all system requirements listed in the e-QIP brochure [81 KB], contact your sponsoring agency to verify that you currently have an active request in the e-QIP system.

If you are getting "bogus" Golden Questions that you do not recognize or do not know the answer to, please contact your sponsoring agency to verify that you currently have an active request in the system or to request that your Golden questions be re-set to the default values.

Click on the link entitled "Enter Your Data" to begin entering your personal data.

The "Submit" button saves any data that you have entered on the current screen.

The Reset button clears (removes) any new data recently entered on a screen that has not been previously saved

No. You may skip ahead or go back to any question number by selecting the desired section from the Navigation Bar located at the top right-hand side of the screen. This opens a drop down menu that contains all the sections of the form. Simply select the desired question and press the "Go" button to proceed to selected section.

Yes. At any time you can go to the Navigation Bar at the top of the screen and select the "Validate, Certify, and Release" link. The system will then display all remaining errors and warnings that must be satisfied before you can submit the form.

Click the "Help" link located upper left hand corner of each page for additional instructions on completing specific questions, or you may wish to contact the agency that sponsored you for assistance in completing your investigative form..

A "Warning" message alerts you to a potential problem with your data which may require additional explanation. An "Error" must be corrected prior to certifying your completed form.

You can validate your data at any time while you are entering/editing data; however every applicant is required to validate their data on the final screen before they are able to certify their form.

No, all "Error" and "Warning" messages must be sufficiently satisfied before you can certify and release your e-QIP request.

After your data has passed validation you should click on the "Display" link in the upper left hand corner of the screen to verify your data and to ensure that your answers are complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Then select "Validate, Certify, and Release" from the Navigation Bar in the top right-hand side of the screen and follow the additional instructions. After certifying your data, you will not be able to edit your form.

e-QIP can only retrieve data previously entered into the e-QIP system. Data from previously completed paper forms or data from other automated systems has not been loaded into this system.

Click the "SAVE" button at the bottom of the page to save your data. Then click the "Log-out" button at the top right-hand side of the screen to exit the system.

Please select the No First Name or No Middle Box selection in the drop-down menu on those questions. There is also an option for Initial Only, if that is applicable to you.

Check the NFN (no first name) or NMN (no middle name) box.

Estimate the date (month and year) to the best of your ability and check the "EST" checkbox, indicating that this is an estimated date.

Many questions involving dates are validated against the birth date entered in question 2. Most date fields pertaining to the applicant (not relatives) must be after the applicant's birth date

Select 0 (zero) for inches and submit

To correctly complete an e-QIP request you cannot have gaps between your dates. Validation is based on data entered and any time lapse between the end date of one record and the start date of the next record will prompt an error message. You must indicate all period of self-employment, unemployment, or vacation as appropriate. Please provide as complete a set of data as possible. Depending on the type of investigation you will receive, you may be required to provide 10 years of data for some questions. An error message will indicate if this is the case.

Question 9 requires one record to have an end date for which you have checked the Present box, indicating your current residence.

If there is a postal code associated with the foreign address, enter it in the comment field.

As a general rule, do not use your browser's Back button for navigation within the applicant section of e-QIP. Use the question navigation buttons or the buttons at the bottom of the screen instead.

Enter three, click Submit. The system will then display additional lines for you to add additional degrees.

No. It is not possible to "pre-apply" for a security clearance. Not all Federal employees/contractors have security clearances. Individuals who are tentatively selected for government jobs (or as Federal contractors) will be investigated as appropriate. If access to National Security Information is required, you will need to complete a security questionnaire and an investigation will be conducted. If the investigation results are favorable, a security clearance will be granted if appropriate.

Yes, e-QIP will accept APO and FPO addresses. The APO/FPO should be entered in the city field and the AE, AA or AP should be entered in the state. (These are available at the bottom of the drop-down menu). Lastly, enter the zip code for the APO/FPO location.