I have been offered a contract with a basic level of security clearance (either BC, CTC or SC). These levels are of little value to a contractor because they only last for 12 months. How easy is it to "upgrade" the clearance level to DV which would last for ten years?
- Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
- Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!
Security Clearance
Collapse
X
-
-
I have SC which lasts 10 years. But you have to do govt work or not be out of it for longer than 6 mths within that time to keep it (or something like that). Check the DVA rules...
Older and ...well, just older!! -
Thanks for the response. I would prefer to not stick to Government contracts though and to have some flexability. I know that DV clearance lasts for 10 years even for contractors due to the continual (or so they say) checks that are carried out during the 10 year span of the clearance.Comment
-
DV doesn't last ten years.Insanity: repeating the same actions, but expecting different results.
threadeds website, and here's my blog.
Comment
-
-
SC last for 5 yrs, but you can only spend a year between positions that does not require it.
The SC has to be sponsored by the future employer, so fro example if you do a contract for 6 months which requires SC, then leave, you have 12 months. If you do not work for an organisation that requires clearance then you have to start from scratch.
DV probably isn't necessary unless you are exposed to extreme sensitive information.Comment
- Home
- News & Features
- First Timers
- IR35 / S660 / BN66
- Employee Benefit Trusts
- Agency Workers Regulations
- MSC Legislation
- Limited Companies
- Dividends
- Umbrella Company
- VAT / Flat Rate VAT
- Job News & Guides
- Money News & Guides
- Guide to Contracts
- Successful Contracting
- Contracting Overseas
- Contractor Calculators
- MVL
- Contractor Expenses
Advertisers
Contractor Services
CUK News
- Contractors, are you making any of the five big limited company bank account mistakes of 2026? Today 05:51
- ‘Welcome’ increase in HMRC mileage rates for contractors using their own cars for work Yesterday 05:18
- King’s Speech 2026 including a welcome Late Payments Bill still leaves contractors short May 26 04:42
- Getting a mortgage when you're a contractor. The system wasn't built for you. Is that finally changing? May 22 06:11
- How deepfake AI contractors threaten umbrella company supply chains under JSL May 20 06:31
- Mileage rates review: Will the first AMAP rethink in 15 years benefit contractors? May 19 05:57
- What is a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE), and are FDE jobs for IT contractors ripe? May 18 04:43
- IT contractor demand lunged towards growth in April 2026 May 13 04:48
- What does PGMOL’s win over HMRC mean for contractors? May 12 07:25
- Contractors eyeing mortgages ‘unrealistic about BoE’s 3.75% hold decision’ May 11 07:50

Comment