SC level clearance?

[dreadnought]

Hi,

I've been lurking for a bit and considering a move from a permanent position to contracting (yes, I know the timing isn't great!)

It appears that quite a few of the roles I like the look of involve becoming SC cleared, which I have no issue with, but my question is how long does this process take?

Am I going to be overlooked by agencies despite having a good match skills wise because I don't have current clearance?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Dreadnought

[Mr.Whippy]

There is no definitive answer to the length of time it takes as it will depend on many different things. I know people who've had SC through in 4-5 weeks yet others have taken as long as 7 months.

HTH

[dreadnought]

Thanks for the info.

I doubt that a client would take someone on for a 3 month role knowing that half of that time could be without the correct clearance.

Oh well, back to combing jobserve......

[deckster]

Am I going to be overlooked by agencies despite having a good match skills wise because I don't have current clearance?

The simple answer is yes. Although it's against the SC recruitment rules, no agent will touch you for an SC role if you aren't cleared.

[moorfield]

The simple answer is yes. Although it's against the SC recruitment rules, no agent will touch you for an SC role if you aren't cleared.

+1

Pimps will drop you faster than a lacquered turd if you don't have SC.

Frustrating as I've seen a few SC gigs I know I could do in my sleep.

[s2budd]

The simple answer is yes. Although it's against the SC recruitment rules, no agent will touch you for an SC role if you aren't cleared.

It depends on the technical requirements and the number of contractors who are available who do have the experience.

[dreadnought]

+1

Frustrating as I've seen a few SC gigs I know I could do in my sleep.

I hear you on that one.

[CheeseSlice]

I've had SC before although is now lapsed.
Some agents are actually keen since they believe going through SC again may be fast-tracked or simplified somehow.
Other agents don't share the same thoughts and put the phone down on you fairly promptly.
Agents that fall into these two camps are about 50/50 I've found.

[dreadnought]

I take it that an individual cannot initiate the vetting procedure?

[TykeMerc]

+1

Pimps will drop you faster than a lacquered turd if you don't have SC.

Frustrating as I've seen a few SC gigs I know I could do in my sleep.

Well that's as true even if you have the SC clearance in the first place.

Believe me simply having the clearance doesn't provide a clear run at the roles, there are a LOT of cleared people out there already.

To answer the original question the typical timescales for SC clearance to come through are 6-13 weeks and in case you didn't know a clearance request must come from a ListX company or Government department, you can't apply to the DVA for clearance without a sponsor.