If you are considering applying for a security clearance in Australia, understanding and meeting the eligibility requirements is critical. Before your application can proceed, you must successfully complete a series of mandatory screening checks as outlined by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA). These checks are designed to ensure candidates are trustworthy, reliable, and suitable for access to classified information.
In most cases, you must be an Australian citizen to be eligible for a security clearance. However, exceptions may apply depending on the specific role and circumstances. If you are not an Australian citizen, consult with your sponsoring organisation or AGSVA to determine if you may qualify under an exemption.
Completing a 100-point ID check is a mandatory step in the screening process. This involves providing official documentation to verify your identity, such as a valid Australian passport (70 points), driver’s licence or photo ID card (40 points), birth certificate (70 points), Medicare card or utility bill (25 points each). The combination of documents must meet or exceed 100 points to confirm your identity. This step ensures the integrity of the process and protects against identity fraud.
You must pass a National Police Check to proceed with your security clearance application. This involves a detailed review of your criminal history to ensure you have no convictions or charges that could compromise your trustworthiness or suitability for clearance. A clean police check demonstrates that you have no record of serious offences and are not at risk of coercion due to past criminal behaviour. If any issues arise during this check, they may require further review and could result in disqualification.
You must prove that you have the legal right to work in Australia. This is typically demonstrated through one of the following: Australian citizenship certificate or birth certificate, permanent residency visa, or a valid work visa with no restrictions. Ensuring candidates are legally eligible to work aligns with AGSVA’s commitment to upholding national security standards.
Employment screening checks are mandatory as part of the AGSVA’s vetting process. These checks verify your employment history and assess your reliability and integrity. They typically include:
Trusted services like CVCheck or other AGSVA-approved providers can help facilitate these screenings efficiently and accurately.
As part of the employment screening process, character reference checks are essential. AGSVA requires references from people who know you professionally or personally and can attest to your integrity, reliability, and suitability for accessing classified information. References may be contacted directly to confirm your trustworthiness and reliability, your ability to handle sensitive or classified materials responsibly, and your overall character and suitability for a clearance. Ensure your references are prepared and can respond promptly if contacted during the screening process.
A checkable background includes all verifiable aspects of your history that AGSVA can review as part of the security clearance process. This includes the aforementioned screenings, which provide a comprehensive overview of your background and ensure compliance with AGSVA’s stringent standards. Having a checkable background means that all claims about your personal history, employment, and character can be substantiated through documented evidence or verification checks. Without passing these checks, your application will be delayed or disqualified.
Employment screening checks form the foundation of the vetting process and must be completed before your application can proceed to the next stage.