Reply to: How is this still going on?

[Mailman_1]

The two are not the same. If my CCNP lapsed, I'd simply re-certify at my own pace. SC clearance cannot be obtained at your own request.

If you worked in the cleared sector previously, you would be aware of the rules associated with maintaining your clearance. You did not maintain it so obviously had no requirement for it at the time and have only yourself to complain about for letting it lapse.

[Mailman_1]

Not looking for sympathy.
You really are a bit of a plank if you take roles solely to maintain clearance. I prefer to take roles that enhance my skillset and provide a sense of satisfaction. Which both ultimately lead to higher rates.

I enhance my skillset myself through training and forgive me but i don't get any level of satisfaction from working in IT apart from the lifestyle i achieve. It pays well and being in a niche market with a level of security clearance which adds £200 - £300 per day to what i could get doing the same role in the private sector, i am happy to continue to maintain my clearance, be a well paid "plank" who is in work and have the reassurance that i will be on this and other related projects for a long long time.

[pzz76077]

If you take this course: http://www.cesg.gov.uk/products_serv...clas/why.shtml You automatically get SC clearance.

But as you may have guessed, there is a catch - the course is over subscribed: http://www.cesg.gov.uk/products_serv...gforclas.shtml and you cant get on the list 'till next year.

AFAIK, this is the ONLY way to get SC clearance without getting a job first.


(Note to Self: Im a contractor, did I actually say 'free'??)

PZZ

I forgot to mention that qualified consultants are on 500-1200 a day and there is a shortage of 'em.

PZZ

[pzz76077]

A free tip for everyone wanting SC clearance

If you take this course: http://www.cesg.gov.uk/products_serv...clas/why.shtml You automatically get SC clearance.

But as you may have guessed, there is a catch - the course is over subscribed: http://www.cesg.gov.uk/products_serv...gforclas.shtml and you cant get on the list 'till next year.

AFAIK, this is the ONLY way to get SC clearance without getting a job first.


(Note to Self: Im a contractor, did I actually say 'free'??)

PZZ

[Monster Munch]

Then don't complain when it lapses, if you were a CCNP and didn't bother maintaining the cert would you call foul if a client insisted on it within the job spec?

The two are not the same. If my CCNP lapsed, I'd simply re-certify at my own pace. SC clearance cannot be obtained at your own request.

[malvolio]

what's an EB?

An oxymoron...

[DodgyAgent]

Just saw two roles advertised on Jobswerve. Two different EBs. the same client I guess.

Quote from EB1:
"This role requires candidates to have current SC Clearance"

Quote from EB2:
"CURRENTLY SECURITY CLEARED TO SC LEVEL ONLY!"

I thought this was against the rules.

what's an EB?

[malvolio]

Lucky for cleared people at the momentbut people specialsing in other sectors will have their day again. HMG have cut contractors also and might face huge cutbacks soon, leaving those specialisting in the private sector better situatated when recovery starts and the the SC cleared people getting frustrated with "must have banking experience" requirements. It`s all swings and roudabouts.

The difference is that SC people can apply for commercial roles, but commercial people can't apply for SC ones...

I admit a bias here - not that long ago I set up a programme of work for the MOd, including a description of what would be needed when it went live to avoid the obvious pitfalls. when it did go live and they needed someone to apply my plan, I wasn't allowed to apply for it.

[SuperZ]

Also, if you actually do some proer researach, around 50% of roles advertised right now are asking for clearance... It's only HMG that's got any money, remember.

Lucky for cleared people at the momentbut people specialsing in other sectors will have their day again. HMG have cut contractors also and might face huge cutbacks soon, leaving those specialisting in the private sector better situatated when recovery starts and the the SC cleared people getting frustrated with "must have banking experience" requirements. It`s all swings and roudabouts.

[gingerjedi]

Not looking for sympathy.
You really are a bit of a plank if you take roles solely to maintain clearance. I prefer to take roles that enhance my skillset and provide a sense of satisfaction. Which both ultimately lead to higher rates.

Then don't complain when it lapses, if you were a CCNP and didn't bother maintaining the cert would you call foul if a client insisted on it within the job spec?

[SuperZ]

I have no sympathy for people who used to have clearance and let it lapse. You did not take the opportunity to maintain it properly so it's your own fault.

It can lapse unexpectedly also.

[malvolio]

Also, if you actually do some proer researach, around 50% of roles advertised right now are asking for clearance... It's only HMG that's got any money, remember.

[Monster Munch]

I have no sympathy for people who used to have clearance and let it lapse. You did not take the opportunity to maintain it properly so it's your own fault.

Not looking for sympathy.
You really are a bit of a plank if you take roles solely to maintain clearance. I prefer to take roles that enhance my skillset and provide a sense of satisfaction. Which both ultimately lead to higher rates.

[Mailman_1]

Clearance is good to have in these times when the market is bad but is a nightmare to aquire and maintain. If you have the clearance and want to maintain it, you have to limit yourself to the very limited pool of cleared positions available at the time you are looking for a role. If there isnt a position going that fits your current skillset, you have to retrain or take a role that you can (but dont really want to) do so you dont have any bench time or lapse the clearance. Different vetting agencies have different standards of vetting for the same level of clearance so every time you change role to a different government agency, you effectively have to go through the clearance process again. Transfers can take months, if you dont pass the new agencies process, you lose the contract and maybe your clearance. You are constantly monitored, reviewed and have to adhere to a long list of rules and conditions or you will lose your clearance.

I have no sympathy for people who used to have clearance and let it lapse. You did not take the opportunity to maintain it properly so it's your own fault.

There are ways of aquiring clearance but most people on the board want it now and are not prepared to take the measures required.

[RichardCranium]

Its just so frustrating that these numpties insist on SC. I bet half of them would get clearance themselves

I meant [half] WOULDN'T get clearance themselves

Same thing!