Many government roles, especially those involving government departments, defence, critical infrastructure, and high-risk sites, require contractors to hold a valid security clearance before starting work.
Such clearance is required as contractors may have access to sensitive or classified information.
The more sensitive a role is deemed to be, the more rigorous the initial checking process will be before clearance is given.
The updated guide outlines why clearance is needed, how to obtain it, the different levels, typical timeframes, and practical considerations for contractors.
Why is security clearance required?
Security clearance ensures that individuals handling classified data or accessing secure facilities can be trusted.
UKSV processes hundreds of thousands of checks annually and is rolling out tools such as eApp and the Trusted Workforce 2.0 programme to streamline the vetting process.
Clearance levels and what they mean
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) – Confirms identity, right-to-work, employment history, and unspent criminal convictions. Provides access to “UK OFFICIAL” and occasionally “SECRET” data.
Accreditation Check (AC) – Grants unescorted access to secure airport zones and aviation security roles.
Security Check (SC) – Required for regular access to SECRET information. Includes BPSS, credit, criminal, MI5, and travel checks.
Enhanced Security Check (eSC) – Builds on SC with additional financial scrutiny and possible interviews.
Developed Vetting (DV) – The highest clearance level, needed for frequent access to TOP SECRET material. Includes interviews, finance, references, and travel history.
Enhanced Developed Vetting (eDV) – Adds foreign travel interview and extra scrutiny; used for extremely sensitive roles.
Typical processing times
Clearance
Typical Wait Time
BPSS
A few days to 2 weeks
CTC
6–10 weeks
SC
4–12 weeks
DV
3–9 months (UKSV aims for 85% within 95 days)
Sources: GOV.UK guidance, and anecdotal evidence from contractors.
Interesting quotes and insights
“All Vetting Clearance Officers are highly trained and treat all applicants with respect … Interviews usually last for about three hours.” – UKSV
“UKSV aims to process 85% of DV clearances within 95 days.” – Cabinet Office FOI response
“SC is around 4–6 weeks. DV clearance takes longer (minimum 12 weeks…)” – Reddit IT contracting forum
Do contractors need clearance before applying?
Officially, no. According to MOD procurement policy, holding prior clearance should not give a competitive advantage.
In practice, however, many hiring managers still prefer applicants with active clearance to reduce delays and risk.
This is the classic Catch-22 situation contractors face.
Catch-22 situation with security clearance
For many years, many contractors have viewed security cleared contracts as a ‘closed shop’, where you cannot get security clearance unless you are offered a classified Government contract, but you cannot gain the contract in the first place unless you have been security cleared.
Obviously, many non-cleared contractors are hired for security cleared roles, but all the evidence suggests that you shouldn’t be surprised if you encounter bias in favour of contractors who are currently cleared – especially for ‘urgent’, or short-term contracts.
How to obtain security clearance
Find a sponsor – usually your client or recruitment agency.
