What are the different security clearance levels?
Under the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), individuals who need access to security classified resources – including classified information, systems, or assets – must hold a security clearance.
You may also need a security clearance if you occupy a position of trust that requires additional assurance of integrity and reliability.
Clearances are not required to access information that is Official or Official: Sensitive, as these are not security-classified levels.
The four levels of Australian Government security clearances are:
- Baseline – permits ongoing access to classified resources up to and including Protected
- Negative Vetting 1 (NV1) – permits ongoing access to classified resources up to and including Secret, and temporary access to Top Secret in certain circumstances
- Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) – permits ongoing access to classified resources up to and including Top Secret
- Positive Vetting (PV) – permits ongoing access to Top Secret, including some caveated resources (Note: The Top Secret – Privileged Access (TS-PA) clearance will eventually replace PV and will be managed by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.)
WorkSec provides sponsorship of personnel security clearances at the Baseline, NV1, and NV2 levels. PV and TS-PA clearances are managed directly by government agencies and are not offered under the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).
Most Defence and Defence Industry roles require applicants to hold a Baseline or NV1 clearance, depending on the level of classified information they will access.
While you may apply directly for NV1 or NV2 without first holding a Baseline, many applicants choose to secure a Baseline clearance first to begin work sooner while progressing toward higher levels.
Contact WorkSec if you’re unsure which clearance level applies to your role or project – our Security Officers can guide you through the right sponsorship pathway.
Clearance levels
Clearance level | Access permitted |
|---|---|
Baseline | Permits ongoing access to classified resources up to and including Protected. |
Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) | Permits ongoing access to classified resources up to and including Secret. |
Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) | Permits ongoing access to classified resources up to and including Top Secret. |
Positive Vetting (PV) | Permits ongoing access to classified resources up to and including Top Secret, including some caveated resources. Top Secret-Privileged Access (TS-PA) will eventually replace the current Positive Vetting security clearance level and will be managed by ASIO. |
WorkSec provides sponsorship of personnel security clearances at the Baseline, Negative Vetting 1 (NV1) and Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) levels. PV clearances cannot be sponsored under the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) and are not offered by WorkSec. Most Defence and Defence Industry jobs advertised today require applicants to hold a Baseline or NV1 clearance, depending on what classified resources will be accessed.
When applying for a clearance you may apply directly for an NV1 or NV2 clearance without first progressing through a Baseline clearance. Due to the longer processing times for NV1 and NV2, it may be advantageous to secure a Baseline clearance before applying for NV1 or NV2.
FAQs
Common Questions
A security clearance is an official authorisation that allows individuals to access classified or sensitive information within government operations. It ensures that only vetted and trustworthy individuals can handle information designated as Protected, Secret, or Top Secret, following the guidelines set out by the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
You need a security clearance if your role involves accessing sensitive information or engaging in functions that require a high level of trust, such as those found in government, Defence, or Defence Industry positions. The clearance process is crucial for safeguarding national security and maintaining the integrity of sensitive information.
Learn more about Security Clearance Sponsorship.
In order to be eligible for an Australian Government security clearance, you must have:
- Australian Citizenship
- Checkable Background
AGSVA will also determine if an individual is suitable to hold a security clearance, by making an assessment of overall integrity using the following character traits:
- Honesty
- Trustworthiness
- Maturity
- Tolerance
- Resilience
- Loyalty
Visit the AGSVA website to learn more: Eligibility and suitability | Australian Government Security Vetting Agency
Yes. Although there are exceptional circumstances where the AGSVA may waive the Australian citizenship requirement, these are generally unavailable to Defence Industry as they require a specific set of conditions:
- The foreign national is necessary to meeting a critical objective.
- The role cannot be redesigned so that access to classified information or resources is restricted.
- The role cannot be performed by an Australian citizen.
- There is no conflict of interest in relation to the foreign national’s country of allegiance and the role being undertaken.
- The foreign national is a permanent resident, is actively seeking citizenship and the process will be concluded in a reasonable period.
Further information on what documentation you will need can be found at AGSVA | Security Officers | Sponsoring a New Clearance under the section Foreign nationals and citizenship waivers.
The expected time-frame for obtaining a security clearance varies depending on the level of clearance you are applying for. Below are the typical processing times for each type of clearance:
- Baseline Clearance: Approximately 1 month.
- Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1): Approximately 3 months.
- Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2): Approximately 5 months.
These time-frames can be affected by various factors, including the completeness of your application, the speed of background checks, and the workload of the AGSVA at the time of your application. It’s important to ensure that all documentation is accurately filled out and submitted promptly to help expedite the process.
The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) tracks performance to ensure key performance indicators (KPI) are met. Their current performance can be viewed here:
Key performance indicators | Australian Government Security Vetting Agency.
Please note that the AGVSA KPIs advertised begin once your application has been submitted and verified as complete (ie progressed to the ‘Assessment in Progress’ stage).
Yes. AGSVA charges fees to government agencies and defence industry sponsors for security clearance assessments. This ensures adequate resourcing and recovery of security vetting service costs in an environment of growing demand for clearances.
WorkSec passes through AGSVA’s vetting fees, and also charges a once off fee for the employment suitability check, as well as an annual sponsorship fee to cover the Security Officer and governance duties required for you to maintain your clearance in line with DISP and PSPF obligations.
Often, employers will cover these fees where security clearances are required for Defence or Government engagement. In some cases, costs may also be tax-deductible, so it’s worth checking with your accountant.
Contact WorkSec today for a quick quote or to confirm your eligibility and sponsorship options — our team can help you understand exactly what applies in your situation.
Testimonials
Why we do what we do
I had a fantastic experience with WorkSec. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail made the entire process smooth and stress-free. They went above and beyond to ensure everything was handled efficiently and with genuine care.
I am very happy with the service provided by WorkSec to help me get my clearance. Renee was very supportive and kept me updated throughout the process. Thank you.
WorkSec made the process very easy, and the staff are very helpful!
The team at WorkSec is amazing and provided all the information upfront. I just had to follow their advice for a smooth process.
WorkSec is amazing organisation with awesome people. Due to a contract change I couldn’t go ahead, but they refunded my sponsorship even though they worked on it. Amazing work ethics. Thanks again!
Very helpful team!
WorkSec were fantastic in their services and very easy to deal with. They were always available for any questions and help throughout the clearance process. Highly recommended!
Very happy with their service!
The clearance process was smooth, transparent, and highly professional. All requirements were clearly explained, communication was timely, and the overall experience gave me confidence in the system’s reliability and integrity.
I highly recommend the team at WorkSec with providing excellent service to anyone seeking to secure their security clearance hassle-free. WorkSec are very responsive, informative and addressed any queries I had without delay.
I am extremely impressed with their customer service and professionalism. From start to finish, the entire team demonstrated a commitment to excellence.
Why Choose WorkSec
Driving Security, Compliance, and Confidence
Experienced Team
Having conducted thousands of Employment Suitability Checks, Security Clearance Sponsorships and Changes in Circumstances, our team of Security Officers have the requisite knowledge and depth of experience to deliver high quality guidance and robust through life governance to our varied clientele.
Extended Support Hours
Providing advice at convenient times and expediting the security clearance process, WorkSec operates according to our ‘no-gap-in-service’ model. Available outside of business hours, 7 days a week, security clearance applicants and sponsored clients get the assistance they need when they need it.
High Tech, High Touch
Our systematised and automated workflows offer an optimal and seamless client experience, minimising manual errors and delays, freeing our experienced human capital to provide personnel security advisory where it is most needed.
Continuous Improvement
We are continuously and iteratively improving our operational and governance systems to meet and exceed compliance with regulatory frameworks including the PSPF and DSPF, as well as predicting future controls.
Security & Privacy
We maintain physical & information security systems to an exceptionally high standard, emphasising strong policies and processes around privacy, data security and handing of official sensitive information and your personal information.
Comprehensive Service Offering
Passionate about safeguarding Australia’s national security and building sovereign capability, we deliver our high-touch service to a diverse range of clients, including SMEs, Primes, Specialist Recruiters, Contractors and Individuals. This broad service offering is a testament to our capability to handle personnel security and governance needs at any scale.
Services
WorkSec offers tailored security services, including security clearance sponsorship, personnel screening, and outsourced governance. Our solutions help clients stay compliant and protected while meeting the demands of critical industries.
Tailored Solutions
WorkSec services clients Australia-wide, as well as international organisations employing Australian citizens. Our diverse clientele ranges from individuals seeking security clearance to recruitment agencies and enterprises requiring personnel security and compliance solutions.
Ready to secure your pathway into Defence and Government?
Whether you’re applying for a new clearance, reactivating an existing one, or upgrading to a higher level, WorkSec provides the sponsorship and governance you need to move through AGSVA vetting with confidence.
