Q clearance meaning

A Q clearance is a high-level security clearance granted by the U.S. Department of Energy, allowing access to top secret information.


Q clearance definitions

Word backwards Q ecnaraelc
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division Q clear-ance
Plural The plural of Q clearance is Q clearances.
Total letters 10
Vogais (2) e,a
Consonants (5) q,c,l,r,n

What is Q clearance?

Q clearance is a United States Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance level required to access classified information, specifically relating to nuclear weapons and materials. It is one of the highest levels of security clearance in the U.S. government, along with Top Secret, Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI), and others.

How to obtain a Q clearance?

To obtain a Q clearance, individuals must undergo a rigorous background check, including a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI). This investigation looks into an individual's personal, criminal, and financial history, as well as their loyalty to the United States. Additionally, individuals must demonstrate a need-to-know for the classified information they are requesting access to.

Responsibilities of Q clearance holders

Holders of a Q clearance are responsible for safeguarding classified information and ensuring that it is not disclosed to unauthorized individuals. They are also required to report any suspicious activities or security breaches to their superiors or security personnel promptly.

Importance of Q clearance

The Q clearance is crucial for national security as it controls access to sensitive information that, if compromised, could pose a significant threat to the safety and security of the United States. It is essential for individuals with access to nuclear weapons and materials to be thoroughly vetted and trusted to handle such sensitive information.

Renewal and maintenance of Q clearance

Q clearances are subject to periodic reinvestigations and must be renewed every five years to ensure that individuals continue to meet the necessary security requirements. Failure to maintain eligibility for a Q clearance can result in revocation and the loss of access to classified information.


Q clearance Examples

  1. John had to undergo a thorough background check in order to obtain a Q clearance for his new job.
  2. The scientist needed a Q clearance to access the top-secret research facility.
  3. Mary's Q clearance allowed her to view classified information related to national security.
  4. Only employees with a Q clearance are permitted to handle sensitive government documents.
  5. Obtaining a Q clearance required a lengthy application process and security screening.
  6. The diplomat was denied a Q clearance due to concerns about their foreign ties.
  7. Individuals with a Q clearance must adhere to strict confidentiality and security protocols.
  8. The IT specialist was granted a Q clearance to work on a classified government project.
  9. Access to the secure facility is restricted to personnel with a valid Q clearance badge.
  10. The Q clearance was revoked after it was discovered that the employee had leaked sensitive information.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 25/03/2024 - 08:24:24