<p>A security clearance processing time is dependent on many factors. If you are relatively young and have not moved around much, yes it can be quicker. If you were a military brat, it will take longer. If you have worked at many employers, that can also extend the processing time.</p>
<p>A Secret Clearance is not much more than a quick credit and criminal check. The Top Secret is when the Feds go back 10-15 years and ask your neighbors WHEN YOU WERE A TEEN about you. Add on the SCI to the TS and that is more investigation. After all of that TS + SCI, agencies like the one I contract for (No Such Agency) will require a polygraph.</p>
<p>Now companies can do what is called “Fast Track” you in which they will pay extra money to speed up your processing. The only thing is that for TS/SCI+Poly clearances is that it is “all or nothing”. If you fail the Poly, you get nothing…whereas with the longer route, you can fail the Poly and just settle for the TS/SCI or TS.</p>