a license issued by the head of a department, division, or agency of the federal government that provides the recipient with access to classified documents and/or secured facilities

a valuable commodity outside of the military

An administrative determination based on the result of an investigation that an individual is trustworthy and may be granted access to classified information as required in the performance of assigned duties.

(cote de sécurité) - the type of personnel screening that, with a need to know, is required for access to classified information and assets

See Access or Personnel (Security) Clearance.

( cote de sécurité) - indicates successful completion of a security assessment; with a need to know, allows access to classified information. There are three security clearance levels: Confidential,Secret and Top Secret.

A security clearance is a status granted to individuals, typically members of the military and employees of governments and their contractors, allowing them access to classified information, i.e. state secrets. The term "security clearance " is also sometimes used in private organizations that have a formal process to vet employees for access to sensitive information. A clearance by itself is normally not sufficient to gain access; the organization must determine that the cleared individual has a "need to know" the information.