Security Clearance Glossary
Comprehensive definitions and explanations of Australian Government security clearance terminology, AGSVA processes, and PSPF requirements.
A
Access to Information
The authorisation granted to an individual to view, handle, or work with classified or sensitive information based on their security clearance level and need-to-know basis.
Adverse Security Assessment
A determination made by AGSVA that an individual does not meet the requirements for a security clearance due to identified security concerns or risks that cannot be adequately mitigated.
Aftercare
The ongoing monitoring and review process that occurs after a security clearance has been granted. Clearance holders must report changes in circumstances that may affect their clearance status, including overseas travel, changes in financial situation, relationships, or employment.
AGSVA
Australian Government Security Vetting Agency The Commonwealth agency responsible for conducting security clearance assessments and vetting for Australian Government personnel and contractors requiring access to classified information and assets. AGSVA operates under the Attorney-General's Department.
Applicant
An individual undergoing the security clearance vetting process. The applicant must be sponsored by an Australian Government agency or approved entity and complete all required forms and assessments.
Assessment
The comprehensive evaluation process conducted by AGSVA to determine an individual's suitability for a security clearance, considering factors such as character, trustworthiness, loyalty to Australia, and potential security risks.
Australian Citizenship
A mandatory eligibility requirement for all Australian Government security clearances. For Baseline clearance, the applicant must be an Australian citizen at the time of application. For NV1 and NV2 clearances, the applicant must have been an Australian citizen for at least two years prior to application. The citizenship requirement can only be waived in exceptional circumstances through an eligibility waiver approved by the Accountable Authority after conducting a risk assessment.
B
Baseline Clearance
The entry-level security clearance in Australia, allowing access to resources up to and including PROTECTED classification. Required for most Australian Government positions and contractors. Processing typically takes 5-6 weeks and involves identity verification, criminal history checks, and referee checks. Must be revalidated every 15 years.
Briefing
The formal process of informing a cleared individual about their security obligations, responsibilities, and the requirements for handling classified information at their clearance level.
C
Cancellation
The termination of a security clearance due to non-compliance with aftercare requirements, failure to revalidate, adverse security assessment, or when no longer required by the sponsor. AGSVA will cancel the clearance and notify both the entity and the clearance holder. Cancellation fees may apply if a fully completed pack has been submitted and is cancelled before completion.
Checkable Background
A requirement that AGSVA can access sufficient history and information to properly assess an applicant's character, integrity, and suitability for clearance. This requires verifiable employment, residential, educational, and personal history within countries where AGSVA can conduct checks.
Character Assessment
An evaluation of an individual's personal qualities, integrity, reliability, and trustworthiness as part of the security clearance vetting process. This includes interviews with referees and review of personal conduct history.
Citizenship Requirements
For Baseline clearance, applicants must be Australian citizens. For NV1 and NV2 clearances, applicants must be Australian citizens who have been citizens for at least the previous two years, with additional requirements regarding overseas connections and loyalties.
Classified Information
Information that has been determined to require protection against unauthorised disclosure in the interests of national security. Classifications include PROTECTED, CONFIDENTIAL, SECRET, and TOP SECRET.
Clearance Holder
An individual who has been granted a security clearance by AGSVA and maintains their clearance through ongoing compliance with security requirements and aftercare obligations.
Clearance Subject
The individual undergoing security clearance vetting or who holds an active security clearance. Used in AGSVA documentation to refer to the person being assessed or monitored.
CONFIDENTIAL
A security classification indicating that unauthorised disclosure could be expected to cause damage to national security, the safety of individuals, or Australia's international relations. Requires NV1 clearance or higher.
Continuous Vetting
An ongoing monitoring approach where clearance holders are subject to periodic checks and must report significant changes in their circumstances that may affect their security clearance status.
Counterintelligence Assessment
An evaluation conducted as part of higher-level clearances (NV1 and NV2) to assess potential vulnerability to foreign intelligence services or other security threats, including examination of overseas contacts and travel history.
D
Debriefing
The formal process that occurs when a security clearance is relinquished, suspended, or cancelled, where the individual is reminded of their ongoing obligations regarding classified information they accessed during their cleared period.
Digital ID (myGovID)
The Australian Government's Digital ID credential (myGovID) used to securely access the myClearance portal. Provides a streamlined and secure method to complete security clearance applications. If myGovID is unavailable, AGSVA provides an alternate method which is less secure and takes longer to process.
DISP
Defence Industry Security Program A program that permits defence industry entities to sponsor security clearances for personnel requiring access to classified Defence resources. DISP membership allows security clearance requests to be managed via the myClearance portal by approved DISP security officers.
Downgrade
The reduction of a security clearance level (e.g., from NV2 to NV1, or NV1 to Baseline) based on either role requirements changing or security concerns identified during aftercare or review processes. AGSVA will automatically downgrade a clearance if no business case justification is provided during revalidation.
DSPF
Defence Security Principles Framework Framework requiring defence industry entities, as clearance sponsors, to actively monitor and manage the ongoing suitability of clearance holders they manage, including prompt reporting to AGSVA of changes in attitude, behaviour, or security incidents.
E
Eligibility
The basic requirements an individual must meet to apply for a security clearance, including citizenship status, age (18 or over), and sponsorship by an approved Commonwealth entity.
Eligibility Waiver
An Accountable Authority's decision to waive the citizenship or checkable background eligibility requirement for a person's security clearance where there is an exceptional business requirement and after conducting a risk assessment. Must be approved by the sponsoring Defence Group or service.
Employment Screening Check (ESC)
ESC The mandatory pre-vetting employment screening process that must be completed BEFORE an application is submitted to AGSVA for security clearance. Conducted by third-party screening providers, the ESC typically includes identity verification (100-point check), criminal history checks, employment history verification, referee checks, qualification verification, and basic financial checks. The ESC must be satisfactorily completed before AGSVA will commence formal security clearance vetting. Guided by Australian Standard AS 4811:2022 – Workforce Screening.
F
Financial Assessment
An examination of an applicant's financial situation, including debts, bankruptcy history, and financial management practices, to identify potential vulnerabilities to coercion or compromise. More detailed for NV1 and NV2 clearances.
Foreign Contacts
Relationships, associations, or regular communication with individuals who are not Australian citizens or who reside overseas. These must be declared during the vetting process and may be subject to assessment, particularly for NV1 and NV2 clearances.
G
Governance
The first outcome of the PSPF framework - ensuring entities are effective in managing security risks and support a positive security culture through clear lines of accountability, sound security planning, and proportionate reporting mechanisms.
H
Honesty
One of the six PSPF character traits assessed during security clearance vetting. Honesty refers to truthfulness, transparency in disclosing information, and integrity in dealings. Complete honesty during the vetting process is critical - withholding information can result in clearance denial.
I
Identity Verification
The process of confirming an applicant's identity through documentary evidence such as birth certificates, passports, and other official identification documents. Required for all security clearance levels and typically involves a 100-point identification check.
Integrity
In the security context, integrity is defined as a range of character traits that indicate an individual is able to protect Australian Government classified resources. These character traits are: honesty, trustworthiness, maturity, tolerance, resilience, and loyalty.
Interview
A formal discussion between AGSVA assessors and the applicant (and potentially referees) to clarify information provided in clearance applications, explore potential security concerns, and assess suitability for clearance.
L
Loyalty
One of the six PSPF character traits assessed during security clearance vetting. Loyalty refers to an individual's allegiance to Australia, commitment to Australian interests, and absence of conflicting loyalties that could compromise their duty to protect classified information.
M
Maturity
One of the six PSPF character traits assessed during security clearance vetting. Maturity relates to sound judgement, emotional stability, responsibility in decision-making, and the ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.
myClearance Portal
AGSVA's secure online portal where applicants complete their vetting questionnaire, upload required documents, and track the progress of their security clearance application. Applicants typically have 20 business days to complete and submit their vetting pack.
N
National Security
The protection and defence of Australia, its people, interests, and way of life. Security clearances exist to protect national security by ensuring only trustworthy individuals access classified information and sensitive locations.
Need-to-Know Principle
The security principle that access to classified information should only be granted to individuals who require that specific information to perform their duties, even if they hold an appropriate clearance level.
Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1)
NV1 A security clearance allowing access to SECRET classified information. Processing takes 3-6 months and includes comprehensive background checks, financial assessments, referee interviews, and security interviews. Requires Australian citizenship for at least two years. Must be revalidated every 10 years.
Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2)
NV2 The highest standard security clearance, allowing access to TOP SECRET classified information. Processing takes 6-12 months and involves extensive background investigations, detailed financial assessments, comprehensive referee checks, security interviews, and counterintelligence assessments. Must be revalidated every 7 years.
O
Overseas Travel Reporting
The requirement for NV1 and NV2 clearance holders to report international travel to their security officer or sponsor, typically both before departure and after return. This helps monitor potential security risks and foreign contacts.
P
Personal Security File
A record of the checks, decisions, risk assessments, mitigations, conditions and all other information relating to a security clearance. Maintained by AGSVA and stored in accordance with the Archives Act 1983.
PROTECTED
The lowest level of classified information in Australia. Unauthorised disclosure could be expected to cause limited damage to an individual, organisation or government generally. Accessible with Baseline clearance or higher.
PSPF
Protective Security Policy Framework The Australian Government's unified framework for protective security, encompassing governance, information security, personnel security, and physical security. The PSPF sets the mandatory requirements for all non-corporate Commonwealth entities and provides guidance for all Australian Government agencies on protecting their people, information, and assets.
R
Referee Check
Interviews conducted with nominated referees to verify an applicant's character, work history, and suitability for security clearance. Referees must have known the applicant for a specified period and in a relevant capacity. Referees should be from Australia, UK, USA, Canada, or New Zealand, and must be available and responsive throughout the process.
Resilience
One of the six PSPF character traits assessed during security clearance vetting. Resilience refers to an individual's capacity to recover from setbacks, cope with stress, maintain composure under pressure, and resist coercion or manipulation.
Revalidation
The periodic renewal process for security clearances initiated by AGSVA. Baseline clearances must be revalidated every 15 years, NV1 every 10 years, and NV2 every 7 years. Revalidation involves reassessment to ensure ongoing suitability. If no response is received, AGSVA will automatically downgrade the security clearance and remove sponsorship on the clearance expiry date.
Revocation
The permanent withdrawal of a security clearance due to serious security concerns, breach of security obligations, or failure to maintain eligibility requirements such as an annual eligibility waiver.
S
SECRET
A security classification indicating that unauthorised disclosure could be expected to cause serious damage to national security, the safety of individuals, or Australia's international relations. Requires NV1 clearance or higher.
Security Assessment
The final determination made by AGSVA regarding an individual's suitability for a security clearance. Can be favourable, adverse, or conditionally favourable pending resolution of specific concerns.
Security Clearance
An administrative determination that an individual is eligible for access to classified information or restricted areas at a specific level. In Australia, clearance levels include Baseline, NV1, NV2, and Positive Vetting (PV).
Security Interview
A detailed interview conducted by AGSVA assessors during the NV1 or NV2 vetting process to discuss the applicant's background, circumstances, and any areas requiring clarification or further investigation.
Security Officer
The designated person within a sponsoring entity responsible for managing security clearance applications, maintaining contact with AGSVA, and overseeing clearance holders' ongoing security obligations. The first point of contact for clearance subjects.
Sponsor
The Australian Government agency or approved entity that nominates an individual for security clearance and takes responsibility for their vetting and ongoing security management. Only approved sponsors can request AGSVA clearances. Individuals cannot sponsor their own clearance applications.
Statutory Declaration
A formal written statement declared to be true in the presence of an authorised witness. Must be submitted to AGSVA if a required document cannot be provided during the clearance application process.
Suspension
The temporary withdrawal of a security clearance pending investigation of security concerns or changes in circumstances. During suspension, the individual cannot access classified information or perform duties requiring clearance.
T
TOP SECRET
The highest security classification in Australia, indicating that unauthorised disclosure could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to national security. Requires NV2 clearance.
Tolerance
One of the six PSPF character traits assessed during security clearance vetting. Tolerance refers to an individual's ability to respect diverse perspectives, work effectively with others from different backgrounds, and demonstrate emotional stability in challenging situations.
Transfer of Clearance
The process of moving an existing security clearance from one sponsor to another. While the clearance itself transfers, the new sponsor must accept responsibility for the individual's ongoing security management and aftercare.
Trustworthiness
One of the six PSPF character traits assessed during security clearance vetting. Trustworthiness relates to an individual's reliability, dependability, and demonstrated ability to fulfil obligations and maintain confidences.
U
Uncheckable Background
A circumstance where an applicant's background cannot be adequately verified due to lack of available records, such as extended periods living overseas in countries where AGSVA cannot conduct checks. An eligibility waiver may be required, approved by the sponsoring Defence Group or service.
Upgrade
The process of elevating a security clearance to a higher level (e.g., from Baseline to NV1, NV1 to NV2, or Baseline directly to NV2) based on new role requirements or access needs. An upgrade requires a new vetting process appropriate to the higher clearance level, including additional checks, interviews, and assessments. The sponsor must submit a business case justifying the need for the higher-level clearance.
V
Vetting
The comprehensive background investigation and assessment process conducted by AGSVA to determine an individual's suitability for a security clearance. The depth and scope of vetting increases with clearance level.
Vetting Form
The official AGSVA forms (such as Form 87 for Baseline, Form 86 for NV1/NV2) that applicants must complete to provide detailed personal, professional, and background information for security clearance assessment.