What Is a Public Trust Clearance? Public trust clearance process in background check?

A Public Trust Clearance is a type of background investigation conducted in the United States for certain positions that require a higher level of trust. This clearance is typically necessary for government employees or contractors who will have access to sensitive information but not classified information that would require a National Security Clearance. The need for a Public Trust Clearance arises from positions that can significantly impact public safety, public health, or national security, albeit in a non-classified context.

The Public Trust Clearance Process

The process for obtaining a Public Trust Clearance involves several steps and can vary depending on the specific requirements of the employing agency. Here is a general overview of the process involved in a Public Trust Clearance as part of an employment background check:

1. Position Designation: The process begins with the designation of the position as a Public Trust position. This is determined based on the role’s potential impact on the integrity and efficiency of the service.
2. Completion of Background Investigation Forms: Candidates are required to fill out specific forms that collect personal information, employment history, educational background, and other relevant data. The Standard Form 85P (SF-85P), “Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions,” is commonly used for this purpose.
3. Fingerprinting: Applicants are usually fingerprinted to facilitate a check against criminal databases to ensure there are no significant criminal activities that could impact their suitability for the position.
4. Review of Personal and Professional History: The investigation includes checks of the applicant’s employment history, personal references, education verification, and, in some cases, interviews with acquaintances and former employers to vouch for the applicant’s character and trustworthiness.
5. Credit and Financial Checks: Since financial stability can reflect on an individual’s reliability, a review of the applicant’s financial records, including credit history, may be conducted.
6. Adjudication: Once the investigation is complete, the findings are reviewed, and a determination is made as to whether granting the Public Trust Clearance is appropriate based on the information gathered. Key Points to Note

Duration: The time frame for obtaining a Public Trust Clearance can vary significantly, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the depth of the investigation required and the backlog of the investigating agency.

Reinvestigation: Holders of Public Trust Clearances may be subject to periodic reinvestigations to ensure they continue to meet the criteria for holding the clearance.

No “Clearance”: Unlike National Security Clearances (e.g., Confidential, Secret, Top Secret), Public Trust positions are not considered “clearances” per se but rather are designations that require a background investigation due to the nature of the job.

Levels: Public Trust positions can be categorized into different risk levels (e.g., moderate, high) based on the potential impact of the position. The level of investigation is commensurate with the level of risk associated with the position.

Understanding the Public Trust Clearance process is crucial for individuals seeking employment in positions that require a high degree of integrity and trustworthiness, especially within the federal government. Ensuring transparency and thoroughness in this process is key to maintaining the public’s trust in the institutions that serve them.

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