posted on Jul, 31 2012 @ 04:59 PM
Originally posted by BASSPLYR
reply to post by Mattodlum
What's a L or Q clearance?
Just curious. I'm not up to par with all the top secret clearance levels etc...
Q clearance
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Q clearance is a United States Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance equivalent to a United States Department of Defense Top Secret (TS)
clearance and Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information (CNWDI).[1] DOE clearances apply for access specifically relating to atomic or nuclear
related materials ("Restricted Data" under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954). The clearance is issued to non-military personnel only. In 1946 U.S. Army
Counter Intelligence Corps Major Bud Uanna, in his capacity as the first Chief of the Central Personnel Clearance Office at the newly formed Atomic
Energy Commission named and established the criteria for the Q Clearance.
As of 1993, Q clearances required a single-scope background investigation of the previous ten years of the applicant's life by both the Office of
Personnel Management and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and as of 1998 cost $3,225.[2]
L clearance
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An L clearance is a security clearance used by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission for civilian access
relating to nuclear materials and information under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. It is equivalent to a United States Department of Defense (DOD)
Secret clearance.[citation needed]
The DOE L clearance provides less access than the agency's Q clearance. L-cleared persons are allowed unescorted access to "limited" and "protected"
areas, as well as access to Confidential Restricted Data, Confidential and Secret Formerly Restricted Data, Confidential and Secret National Security
Information, and Category III special nuclear material.[1]
As of 1989, the NRC required the Q clearance for employees in the most important and sensitive positions, while most employees in positions deemed
"noncritical-sensitive" held L clearances.[2]
edit on 31-7-2012 by Destinyone because: (no reason given)