Security Check (SC)

Vokes

'The Security Check (SC) is the most widely held security clearance for posts involving long-term, frequent and uncontrolled access to secret assets and occasional and controlled access to top-secret material.'

So im looking at moving job and have seen some really interesting positions with various multinationals (lots of them are American) who are working on UK goverment security contracts.

That 'SC Required' thing comes up on most of these job specs but I can't see anything about nationality. Can a non-British citizen pass an SC? Or am I wasting my time? Anyone with experience of this?

philtaylor

It depends from by experience US SC clearence means you have to be of US nationality. Usually for these jobs your working with defence or space contractors in the UK.

I have heard stories of US SC operators earning 100k a year because they load on and off one of the us warheads on uk fighters.

You will also find that in order to get the sc you will have to jump through a number of hoops which 90% of the time always seems to produce a white male of Christan background.

leeroybrown

If it required a DV then I'd say no chance but with only an SC I'd suggest that it may be worth contacting the recruiter. The recruiters will have plenty of experience in dealing with roles involving DV/SC requirements and should be able to tell you if you'll be likely to get the clearance or not and also if this is likely to affect your chances at interview. If you've been living and working in the UK for a decent length of time it would improve your chances.

I always come across lots of suitable UK based jobs with great salaries but due to my specific area of work they always require a DV check.

EDIT: For an SC you'll probably need five years unbroken residency in the UK.