How to Get DV Security Clearance for IT Jobs

What Is DV Clearance?

For those of you who aren’t already in the know and might be thinking what is DV clearance? Well, DV clearance (formally known by its full moniker, Developed Vetting) is the highest classification of security clearance you can obtain in the UK. It’s a process that determines a person’s suitability to have access to extremely sensitive government information and other assets. Gaining this level of security clearance can be a long and sometimes tricky process, therefore if you’re one of those who make the cut you can be sure to land a promising career with some rewarding challenges.

How Do I Get DV Security Clearance?

It’s likely if you’re searching for IT jobs in sectors that require you to have unsupervised access to confidential data and information such as aerospace and defence you will need DV clearance. However, unlike other accreditations or certifications, you must be in a job role that will specifically add value to DV projects in order to apply for clearance. If you are lucky enough to be in a job role that allows you to apply for DV clearance, there is a chance an employer who works within the national security and defence industry will offer to sponsor you to go through the clearance process.

1. Firstly, you need a sponsor, bear in mind you can only be sponsored if you or your employer is contracted to work on MoD (Ministry of Defence) classified projects.

2. You will need to the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) before your sponsor can request clearance by applying to the Government’s vetting provider (UKSV). Your sponsor will be required to detail exactly why you need clearance and will also need to notify them when you no longer require it.

3. If all of your personal information is deemed acceptable you will be invited to an interview.

The Process

The UKSV will investigate a wide range of personal aspects of your life. As well as ensuring you hold British Nationality and have lived consistently in the UK for the last 10 years, you will also need to pass multiple rather intrusive confidential pre-employee checks such as credit and criminal record checks. The UKSV website describes DV as ‘the most thorough method of security clearance’, so it’s no surprise that the process is intense and can last up to three hours in some cases. Should you be successful or unsuccessful your sponsor will likely advise you on the decision.

If you are successful, your DV clearance will last for as long as you require access to sensitive information. Generally, it will last 5-10 years but this can be assessed at any time the government deem necessary.

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Many professions will require different levels of security clearance. If you’re currently searching for security cleared jobs, check out our vacancies here.