Your Position Sensitivity Level
Each position at NIH is assigned a level of risk and sensitivity that determines the kind of background check that is required for that position. The Position Sensitivity Table summarizes personnel security/suitability requirements.
The majority of NIH employees and contractors are in non-sensitive "Level 1" positions and will undergo a ‘National Agency Check with Inquiries’ (NACI). This is the minimum investigation required for new Federal employees and contractors. All NIH personnel security investigations are processed through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
The NIH Personnel Security Subcommittee is developing worksheets to guide the Institutes and Centers (ICs) in determining job sensitivity levels. After final development and training, these worksheets will be rolled out as part of a NED enhancement. Currently all individuals are being processed at a non-sensitive level unless IC’s notify DPSAC that applicants need a higher level of clearance.
Non-Sensitive
Non-Sensitive positions are those which include mostly low risk, non-sensitive, and non-national security program responsibilities.
- Level 1 – (Non-sensitive)
National Security
National Security positions are those in which the incumbent needs a security clearance for access to classified, national security information.
- Level 2 – (Confidential or Secret access level)
- Level 3 – (Top Secret access level)
- Level 4 – (Special Compartmented Information)
Public Trust
Public Trust positions are those positions which require a high degree of integrity with public confidence in the individual occupying the position.
- Level 5 – (Moderate Risk level)
- Level 6 – (High Risk level)
