Baseline Security Clearance: Fees & Process
A Baseline security clearance is the entry-level clearance. You need one to access government information classified as PROTECTED.
What is Baseline Security Clearance?
A Baseline clearance gives you access to information and resources classified as PROTECTED. It is needed for many roles in the Australian Government and in approved organisations that handle sensitive information. Clearances are managed by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA).
It is necessary for positions where:
- It is needed when your role gives you access to material that could harm national security if it were released.
- Federal government agencies, and approved organisations that handle PROTECTED information, require it for those roles.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Baseline clearance, you must:
Australian Citizenship
You must be an Australian citizen. This is verified by your employer or sponsoring entity.
Checkable Background
AGSVA must check your background, including your identity, work history and past addresses, to confirm you are suitable.
Sponsorship
You must be sponsored by a government department or an approved organisation. You cannot apply on your own.
Pre-Application Employment Screening
Before you start your application, you must complete an Employment Screening Check, which includes:
100-Point ID Check
Verification of your identity using official Australian documents.
National Police Clearance
Confirmation of your criminal record (or lack thereof).
Right to Work Verification
Proof that you have the legal right to work in Australia.
Your employer or sponsoring entity will ensure that all checks are completed before your clearance request is submitted.
Documents Required for Baseline Clearance
When you apply, you need to provide documents that confirm your identity and background. These include:
Birth Certificate
Official birth certificate as proof of identity.
Proof of Australian Citizenship
If born overseas, an Australian citizenship certificate is required.
Current Photo Identification
Such as a government-issued ID (driving licence or passport).
Employment History
Your recent work history, including job titles, dates and employer details.
Residential Address History
A record of your residential addresses for the relevant vetting period.
Character References
Contact details for referees who can attest to your character and background.
The Application Process
Sponsorship Request
Your employer or sponsor asks AGSVA to start your clearance. You cannot apply on your own.
Access to the myClearance Portal
After the request is submitted, you gain access to the portal where you fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
Application Submission
You have 20 business days to complete and submit your application.
Vetting Assessment
AGSVA checks your background. This may include contacting your referees and confirming your work and address history.
Decision
An AGSVA decision-maker then approves or refuses the clearance. Your employer or sponsor will let you know the outcome.
Fees for Baseline Clearance
AGSVA sets the fee for a Baseline clearance. The fee includes GST and is reviewed from time to time.
The payment structure is as follows:
DISP-Accredited Organisations
Organisations with Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) accreditation that sponsor their own staff pay the AGSVA fee. There are no extra sponsor fees, because they manage the clearance themselves.
Organisations Using a Sponsoring Organisation
Organisations without DISP accreditation that use an outside sponsor pay the AGSVA fee plus any fees the sponsor charges.
Individuals (Sponsored by an Employer)
If you need the clearance for a job, your employer usually pays, including the AGSVA fee.
Individuals (Using a Sponsoring Organisation)
If you go through an outside sponsor yourself, you pay the full cost: the AGSVA fee and any sponsor fees.
Key considerations:
Sponsoring Organisation Fees
Sponsors are independent businesses that set their own fees. These are separate from AGSVA's fee and can vary a lot, so ask for a full breakdown before you sign up. DISP-accredited organisations that manage their own clearances do not pay sponsor fees.
Background Checks
The costs associated with background checks are typically covered by the party responsible for the AGSVA fee.
Applicant Time
Whoever pays, you should expect to put some time and effort into the process.
For questions about cost: DISP-accredited organisations should ask their security or HR team; people using a sponsor should ask that sponsor; and people who need a clearance for a job should ask their employer.
Waiting Times
Typical waiting times for Baseline Security Clearance include:
Application Issuance
5–10 business days for AGSVA to issue the clearance application.
Application Completion
20 business days for the applicant to complete and submit the application.
Vetting Process
AGSVA aims to finish a Baseline assessment within 20 business days of receiving a complete application.
On average, the entire process takes around 1–2 months from start to final decision, though this can vary based on individual circumstances.
What Happens if Your Clearance is Delayed or Denied?
Missing documents, problems found in your background check, or slow replies from referees can delay or stop a clearance.
If your clearance is denied, you have the right to request a review of the decision, with guidance from your employer or sponsoring entity.
Maintaining Your Baseline Security Clearance
Once granted, a Baseline clearance lasts 15 years unless it is cancelled. During that time you must report big changes in your life, such as changes to your finances, your relationships, or overseas travel.
AGSVA may review your clearance from time to time to make sure you still meet the requirements.
Your AusClear Connect™
Every AusClear-sponsored client gets AusClear Connect™, Australia's first dedicated security clearance platform. It is your secure home for your clearance, from application through to ongoing sponsorship and aftercare.
Real-Time Status Tracking
Follow your clearance through every stage, from sponsorship request to AGSVA decision, with live progress and an estimated finish date in business days.
Milestone Alerts
Get a notification as soon as your clearance moves to a new stage, such as application issued, vetting started or decision pending, so you always know where things stand.
Biometric Authentication
Sign in with Face ID, Touch ID or your fingerprint, plus multi-factor authentication, so your clearance details stay protected.
Overseas Travel Reporting
Tell us about overseas travel through the portal. Each notice is logged against your clearance record, which helps you meet your aftercare obligations.
Secure Messaging
Direct two-way encrypted messaging with the AusClear sponsorship team. No more chasing emails — every conversation is captured in one place, against your clearance record.
Document Management
See key dates, alerts and your clearance history in one secure place, from any device.
AusClear Connect™ is separate from AGSVA's myClearance portal. myClearance is where you complete your vetting questionnaire. AusClear Connect™ is where you deal with us, your accredited sponsor, for as long as you hold your clearance.
Conclusion
You need a Baseline clearance to access PROTECTED government information. Knowing the eligibility rules, documents, steps, fees, timeframes and ongoing obligations will help you get your clearance and keep it.
This comprehensive guide is designed to simplify the process and keep you well-informed every step of the way.