Obtaining a security clearance is a necessary requirement to work at ASIO. The security clearance vetting process is extensive and requires you to go into detail about all aspects of your life. This can feel intrusive, however is necessary to ensure ASIO officers meet the standard required to hold a clearance. 

Eligibility and suitability 

The TOP SECRET-Privileged Access (TS-PA) Vetting Authority will assess your suitability to hold a TS-PA security clearance by considering your trustworthiness and commitment to Australia, its values, and its democratic system of government.

To be eligible for an Australian Government security clearance, you must be an Australian citizen and have a checkable background.

You are still eligible for a security clearance if you hold dual citizenship. During the security clearance vetting process, a vetting analyst will discuss your citizenship with you to understand how it might impact your external loyalties, influences and associations. 

Each applicant is assessed on their suitability to hold a security clearance, consistent with the national interest. Suitability is based on the following: 

  • External loyalties, influences and associations. 
  • Personal relationships and conduct. 
  • Financial considerations. 
  • Alcohol and drug use. 
  • Criminal history and conduct. 
  • Security attitudes and violations. 
  • Mental health disorders.

For more information, read the Australian Government's Protective Security Framework (PSPF).

The process

As part of the security clearance process you will be required to:

  • Disclose all relevant and required information.
  • Cooperate in the collection of personal documentation and corroborating evidence.
  • Answer questions fully and honestly.
  • Provide accurate information and personal documentation.

Diversity

ASIO desires and requires diversity. 

Ethnicity is not considered as a security factor in the vetting process. The process will consider your loyalty and commitment to Australia, its values and its democratic system of government.  

Please note: Where you disclose any diversity related information, it is not used as part of the security clearance assessment process. Any diversity data that ASIO collects helps inform our diversity and inclusion objectives and ensures that our workforce reflects the community we protect.  

Drug use

Our staff are subject to a strict no drugs policy due to the impact of substance abuse and misuse on behaviour, judgement, physical and mental health. The policy prohibits the use of illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription or other medications. 

We realise some candidates will have used drugs in the past. It is important to be open and honest about your drug use. You will have the opportunity to disclose and discuss your drug use during the security clearance process. You will also be asked for your consent to participate in drug testing should your application proceed.

Ongoing suitability and obligations

The security clearance process does not end once your TS-PA security clearance is granted. As a clearance holder, you must meet obligations in order to retain your clearance. The TS-PA Vetting Authority will make you aware of your obligations when your clearance is granted.