[2] It involves investigators or agents interviewing past employers, coworkers and other individuals associated with the subject of the SSBI.
The Tier 5 investigation is required in order to receive a Top Secret or Q clearance.
[1] Standard elements include background checks of employment, education, organization affiliations and any local agency where the subject has lived, worked, traveled or attended school.
Previous background investigations conducted on the subject may also be reviewed to corroborate the information obtained or disclosed within the new SSBI.
[5] The Standard Form 86 (SF86) is required to begin the background check process.