Working on classified defence contracts requires appropriate security clearance from United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV). Clearance levels depend on the sensitivity of information you'll access.

Clearance levels

BPSS (Baseline): Basic employment checks for unclassified government work
CTC (Counter-Terrorist Check): For roles with proximity to public figures or key infrastructure
SC (Security Check): For SECRET level access - most common for MOD contractors
DV (Developed Vetting): For TOP SECRET access - most stringent vetting

Defence Security Clearances (SC and DV)

Security clearance levels, requirements, costs, and processing times for UK defence contractors

Administering body: United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) - Cabinet Office
Clearance levels: BPSS (Baseline), CTC (Counter-Terrorist Check), SC (Security Check), DV (Developed Vetting)
SC processing time: 6-18 weeks (typically 8-12 weeks)
DV processing time: 6-12 months (average 18-26 weeks)
SC validity period: 10 years (subject to aftercare reviews)
DV validity period: 7 years (subject to annual aftercare reviews)
SC cost to employer: Approximately £60-100 per person (UKSV charges to sponsor)
DV cost to employer: Approximately £2,850 per person (UKSV charges to sponsor)
SC residency requirement: UK resident for 3 of last 5 years
DV residency requirement: UK resident for 9 of last 10 years
DV prerequisite: Must hold valid SC clearance before applying for DV
Foreign national restrictions: Non-UK nationals rarely granted SC/DV unless exceptional circumstances

Obtaining Security Check (SC) clearance

SC clearance is the most common level required for MOD contractors working with SECRET information. Your employer must sponsor your application.

Obtain Security Check (SC) Clearance

Step-by-step process for obtaining SC security clearance for defence contractors

Step 1 - Employer sponsors application: Your employer must have a MOD contract requiring SC clearance and initiate the application via NSVS portal.
Step 2 - Complete SC security questionnaire: Fill out online SC form provided by your sponsor. Be thorough and accurate - omissions delay processing.
Step 3 - Provide 3-year history: Supply full details of employment, education, addresses, and referees covering the last 3 years.
Step 4 - Disclosure and Barring Service check: UKSV conducts enhanced DBS check. Spent convictions under Rehabilitation of Offenders Act may still be considered.
Step 5 - Credit and financial checks: Financial history reviewed for probity and vulnerability. Significant debt may be flagged.
Step 6 - Clearance decision: UKSV grants, refuses, or conditionally grants SC clearance. Typically takes 6-18 weeks.
Step 7 - Validity and aftercare: SC valid for 10 years. Report significant changes (foreign travel, financial issues, foreign relationships) to security officer.

Obtaining Developed Vetting (DV) clearance

DV clearance is required for TOP SECRET access. The process is far more rigorous than SC and takes considerably longer.

How to Obtain Developed Vetting (DV) Clearance

Step-by-step process for obtaining DV clearance for TOP SECRET defence contracts.

Step 1 - Obtain SC clearance first: You must hold a valid Security Check (SC) clearance before applying for DV. DV is only granted for roles requiring TOP SECRET access.
Step 2 - Employer sponsors DV application: Your employer must have a MOD contract requiring DV clearance and sponsor your application via NSVS portal.
Step 3 - Complete DV questionnaire: Fill out the extensive DV questionnaire covering 10 years of personal, financial, and employment history. This is far more detailed than SC.
Step 4 - Provide referee details: Supply at least 4 referees covering the 10-year period. Referees should know you well and cover different periods of your life (work, personal, education).
Step 5 - Field interviews conducted: UKSV officers will conduct in-person interviews with you, your referees, and potentially family members or close associates. These interviews are searching and detailed.
Step 6 - In-depth security assessments: UKSV will conduct comprehensive checks including financial records, employment verification, criminal records, foreign connections, and lifestyle factors.
Step 7 - Review and decision: The entire DV process typically takes 6-12 months. You will be informed of the decision via your employer. DV can be granted, refused, or granted with conditions.
Step 8 - Annual aftercare and reporting: DV clearance is valid for 7 years but requires annual aftercare reviews. You must complete annual declarations and report any significant changes (foreign travel, financial issues, relationships, security incidents) immediately to your security officer.

Vetting body: United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) — Cabinet Office
BPSS processing time: 1 to 2 weeks
SC processing time: Typically 4 to 6 weeks
DV processing time: Up to 9 months (UKSV targets 85% within 95 days)
SC cost to employer: Approximately £60 to £100 per person
DV cost to employer: Approximately £2,850 per person
SC validity: 10 years (subject to aftercare reviews)
DV validity: 7 years (subject to annual aftercare reviews)
SC residency requirement: UK resident for 3 of the last 5 years
DV residency requirement: UK resident for 9 of the last 10 years

Determine which clearance level you need

Check your contract requirements. BPSS is for unclassified government work, CTC for roles near public figures or critical infrastructure, SC for SECRET access, DV for TOP SECRET access.
Confirm your employer will sponsor the application

Only your employer can sponsor a clearance application. They must have a contract requiring that clearance level and submit the application via the National Security Vetting Solution (NSVS) portal.
Check you meet the residency requirement

SC requires UK residency for 3 of the last 5 years. DV requires 9 of the last 10 years. Non-UK nationals are rarely granted SC or DV clearance.
Complete the security questionnaire

Fill in the online questionnaire thoroughly and accurately. Omissions or inconsistencies cause delays. DV questionnaires cover 10 years of personal, financial, and employment history.
Report changes during and after vetting

Tell your security officer immediately about significant changes — foreign travel, new relationships with foreign nationals, financial difficulties, or any security incidents.

Security vetting resources

Use these resources to understand clearance requirements and the vetting process.

National security vetting clearance levels
Official guide to BPSS, CTC, SC, and DV clearance levels and what each requires.
GOV.UK
Security vetting and clearance
How to apply for security clearance and what to expect during the vetting process.
GOV.UK
UKSV Helpdesk
Contact UKSV for queries about vetting applications and processing times.
Cabinet Office

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Defence Security Clearances

Clearance levels

Obtaining Security Check (SC) clearance

Obtaining Developed Vetting (DV) clearance

Determine which clearance level you need

Confirm your employer will sponsor the application

Check you meet the residency requirement

Complete the security questionnaire

Report changes during and after vetting

Compliance Assistant

🧪 Business Context Testing

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Clearance levels

Obtaining Security Check (SC) clearance

Obtaining Developed Vetting (DV) clearance

Determine which clearance level you need

Confirm your employer will sponsor the application

Check you meet the residency requirement

Complete the security questionnaire

Report changes during and after vetting

Related guides in Export Licences

UK Export Controls for Defence Products

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