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    Security Clearance in Consulting Deliveries

    Many assignments in public sector and defense industry require security clearance. Here's what you need to know about levels, processes, and practical implications.

    Clearance levels and processing timeFour security clearance levels with estimated processing times shown as horizontal barsClearance levels and processing timeRestrictedLowest level2–4 weeksConfidentialMedium level1–3 monthsSecretHigh level3–6 monthsTop secretHighest level6+ monthsLonger bar = longer processing time. Estimates from NSM — actual time varies.

    TL;DR

    • Security clearance is issued by the National Security Authority (NSM) in Norway.
    • Levels: Restricted, Confidential, Secret, Top Secret.
    • The process takes anywhere from a few weeks to over 6 months, depending on the clearance level.
    • Clearance is personal and follows the consultant, not the employer.
    • When needed, we can match profiles with active clearance (level/availability varies).

    What is Security Clearance?

    Security clearance is an authorization that grants access to classified information. In Norway, this is administered by the National Security Authority (NSM). Clearance is typically required for work with the military, police, government ministries, and organizations handling sensitive infrastructure or information.

    Clearance Levels

    Norway uses four main levels: • Restricted (Begrenset): Lowest level. Relatively quick process. • Confidential (Konfidensielt): Medium level. More thorough background check. • Secret (Hemmelig): High level. Extensive investigations. • Top Secret (Strengt hemmelig): Highest level. Very thorough process. Higher levels require more time and more extensive documentation.

    Process and Timeline

    The clearance process includes: • Submission of security declaration (personal information, travel history, connections). • Background investigation by NSM. • Possible interview for higher levels. Timeline varies: • Restricted: 2–4 weeks (sometimes faster). • Confidential: 1–3 months. • Secret: 3–6 months. • Top Secret: 6+ months. These are estimates – actual time depends on capacity and complexity.

    Practical Implications for Deliveries

    If the assignment requires clearance: • Clarify level and type early in the process. • Check if the candidate already has valid clearance at the right level. • Plan for potential waiting time if new clearance is needed. • Consider whether work can start on unclassified parts while clearance is processed. Digital Thinking can match profiles with active clearance when necessary. Level and availability vary.

    Practical Checklist

    • 1Clarify whether the assignment requires security clearance.
    • 2Identify which level is necessary.
    • 3Check if the candidate already has valid clearance.
    • 4Plan for processing time if new clearance is needed.
    • 5Consider whether parts of the work can start before clearance is in place.
    • 6Document clearance requirements clearly in the assignment description.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Sources & methodology:Sources
    Based on public information from NSM and experiences from Norwegian consulting deliveries.

    Sources used in this guide:

    Need consultants with active clearance?

    We can match on profiles with valid security clearance. Specify the level and requirements in your assignment description.

    Start with an assignment description