Security Clearance Glossary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.