A level 6C security clearance is a Public Trust Position clearance required for federal employees and contractors who will have access to classified information, computer systems or restricted areas where the risk and magnitude of damage that could be done by the employee is high.

Definition

Security clearance level 6C is "high risk," meaning the individual has the "potential for exceptionally serious impact involving duties especially critical to the agency mission, with broad scope of authority, with major program responsibilities, which affect a major IT system," according to the U.S. Department of Education. IT security administrators, web server administrators and project managers are examples of positions requiring a level 6C security clearance.

Preliminary Screening

Before an employee can be assigned to a high-risk IT position, he will need to undergo a preliminary screening. The preliminary screening may include a review of the completed security forms, a credit check, a records check and a file check.

Background Investigation

A background investigation is required for a level 6C security clearance. The government will initiate the background investigation after a successful preliminary screening.

Reinvestigations

Employees with a level 6C security clearance must undergo periodic reinvestigations, at least once every five years.