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Help

Help

In which situations may I need a Personal Security Clearance?

A PSC is needed whenever classified information is being accessed or is likely to be accessed.

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How do I request a PSC?

The PSC request is responsibility of the Security Officer of the organization you work for. Additionally the Security Ofiicer has the responsibility of the briefing on security procedures, obligations, and for forwarding the PSC request to the Spanish National Security Authority (NSA).

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Can I request a PSC on my own?

No. To request a PSC, the organization must have a Security Oficer responsible for the Classified Information in the organization and must have officially implemented procedures to ensure the security of classified information. This is called structure of the protection of classified information. No PSC will be processed if this structure does not exist, since the security of the information cannot be guaranteed.

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Then, who requests the PSC and what role plays the individual concerned during the process?

The Security Oficer requests the PSC for the person, that would the, the individual concerned in the application form.

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Is it possible to request a PSC to access RESTRICTED information?

No. There are four levels of classified information depending on the damage its knowledge may cause; RESTRICTED, CONFIDENTIAL, SECRET AND TOP SECRET. To access RESTRICTED classified information, the requirements are the education in protecting classified information and authorization of the Head of the organization; therefore only PSCs to access classified information from CONFIDENTIAL level are granted.

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I am self-employed, can I request a PSC?

A self-employed is an individual company and as such, a Facility Security Clearance can be requested.

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How do I get help to fill out the PSC forms or to know the details of progress of my PSC request?

If required by the responsibilities attached to the job position, Security Officer will explain basic security aspects on the protection of classified information and will help with any doubt related to the DPS application form. He/She can also inform about the details of progress of any PSC request of staff members.

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Which documents must be attached in the PSC application?

The individual concerned must fill out the DPSform which includes the basic personal information necessary for the investigation about the reliability for handling classified information. The applicant must fill out the form completely, read carefully all responsibilities taken and answer with honesty all questions related to section 6 of the form.

Besides, if there are questions related to section 6 of the DPSform, a report must be sent either by e-mail, as explained in the said section, or online.

The head of security of the organization will send a cover letter along with the form DPS-101.

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How long does it take to process a PSC?

It, usually takes around 6 months, although it could take longer depending on personalcircumstances. This aspect is important in view of possible future renewals.

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What level of classified information can I access with the PSC?

The PSC is issued for a certain degree of classified information (TOP SECRET, SECRET and CONFIDENTIAL) and for any kind of classified information (NATIONAL, NATO, EU, ESA) needed. This does not imply access to any classified information, but to information exclusively on a need-to-know basis according to the job position.

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What kind of investigation is conducted on the individuals to grant a PSC?

The investigation needed for granting the PSC aims at concluding whether the applicant is able and willing to preserve classified information, and. determining the loyalty, trustworthiness and reliability of an individual in order for them to be granted and retain a PSC.

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What options do I have if my PSC has been revoked or denied?

The decision to deny or to revoke a PSC is sent to the individual concerned stating the facts or parts of regulations that contain the risks detected during the investigation. If such aspects are not fully detailed is because the means, procedures or sources used are classified as TOP SECRET. However, regarding the specifics included in the decision, the individual involved may send in writing any explanations that could be valid in order to reconsider the risk analysis performed. Also, an administrative appeal can be filed in a two-month period since the decision is received.

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If a PSC has been denied or revoked, can I reapply?

No. Depending on the level of the clearance denied or revoked, a period of three to five years must be completed before requesting a new PSC for the same individual. In exceptional cases, if the aspects that were taken into account for denying or revoking the PSC are no longer present, the head of security can inform about it and request a new PSC.

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What formalities related to PSC can be done online?

The Security Officer can submit PSC requests of staff members of the organization online.

Individuals may send information regarding section 6. Advanced Security Questionnaire as well as any additional document requested by the Spanish NSA.

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What are my duties as a person interested in relation with the PSC?

Regarding the investigation, all requested information must be submitted completely and honestly. Failure to provide the information may be interpreted as the concealment of information or be the reason for denying the request.

Any significant changes, such as country or residence, new partners or break-ups, during the validity period of the PSC must be directly reported to theSpanish NSA. This information may be sent online in the Advanced Security Questionnaire area.

To protect and preserve classified information at all times is also mandatory.

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Do I need to have the Spanish nationality to be granted a PSC?

Yes. The Spanish nationality during at least the last three years is mandatory to request a PSC. If the applicant does not have the Spanish nationality but the nationality of any NATO or EU country, the Spanish NSA will then request a PSC to the applicant’s country of origin using its forms and procedures. In IndustrialSecurity, if the foreigner has lived in Spain more than 5 years, the PSC can be requested in Spain.

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What happens to my PSC if I change my job position?

PSCs are granted for an specific organization. Changing the job position causes the cancelation of the PSC and a transfer to the new organization must be requested.

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What does it mean “Ongoing” under my application details on the website?

During the formalities in a PSC procedure, any document submitted is considered to be “ongoing”.

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What does it mean “Incorrect/Incomplete Documentation” under my application details on the website?

Incorrect/Incomplete documentation” under the application details means that the procedure is cancelled and the required documentation must be submitted again.

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What does it mean “Application denied” under my application details on the website?

It refers to documentation not required by the Spanish NSA or it means that the application for the PSC is not being processed by the Security Officer and therefore a PSC cannot be requested.

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How do I know if the PSC has been granted?

The Security Officer will inform you once the PSC is granted and of its validity period.

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