How to List DOE Q Clearance on a Resume (Examples)
DOE Q Clearance is one of the clearance lines a GovCon recruiter screens for first. Here is how to write it, where to put it, and how long it stays current.
Updated Oct 21, 2026 · Data: GSA CALC+
On this pageShow
One line you can quote
List a DOE Q clearance at the top of your resume as: DOE Q Clearance (Active) | Investigation closed 2023. Spell out DOE Q and its Top Secret equivalence so a DoD recruiter understands it.
Hiring tip · Public-safe wording only: level, status, polygraph type, and investigation timing. No program names, sites, or investigation details.
Three correct ways to list it
DOE Q Clearance (Active) | Investigation closed 2023DOE Q (Top Secret equivalent) | Active | Adjudicated 2022DOE Q Clearance | Active | Enrolled in DOE Continuous EvaluationWhere to put it on the resume
- Directly under your name and contact info, as the first line a recruiter sees.
- On LinkedIn: the headline or the first line of the About section, level and status only.
- Never in the skills list, the footer, or the last line of the resume.
OPSEC: leave this off the resume
- Program names, codewords, or compartments (SAP/SCI caveats).
- Specific sites, facilities, or geographic details.
- Sponsoring agency, unit, or office designations.
- Anything copied from your SF-86 or investigation paperwork.
- Polygraph questions, topics, or results.
- Investigation case numbers, or reinvestigation dates beyond the adjudication year.
Hiring tip · If you are unsure whether a detail is public-safe, leave it off. A contractor recruiter only needs level, status, polygraph type, and investigation timing.
Currency after separation
A DOE Q clearance remains active while you are in a DOE-cleared position with no break in access; it does not automatically transfer to DoD. Reinstatement depends on the agency and how recent the investigation is. Confirm with your DOE FSO or security office.
Common mistakes for this clearance
- Listing it as 'Q' only with no context; a DoD recruiter may not recognize it.
- Treating DOE Q and DoD Top Secret as interchangeable; they are separate programs and do not transfer automatically.
- Adding nuclear program, facility, or sponsor detail.
Build your DOE Q Clearance line
Prefilled to DOE Q Clearance. Adjust the level, status, polygraph, and investigation details, then copy the result directly under your name.
Top Secret | Active | Enrolled in Continuous VettingTop Secret (Active)Hiring tip · Add Continuous Vetting only if you are enrolled. It tells a contractor your investigation is current without waiting on a periodic reinvestigation.
Share link encodes only level, status, polygraph, and year. No names or sensitive details.
Questions about this clearance line
Is a DOE Q clearance the same as a DoD Top Secret?
No. A DOE Q is the Department of Energy's Top Secret-equivalent clearance for nuclear access. It is a separate program and does not automatically transfer to DoD. Spell out 'DOE Q (Top Secret equivalent).'
Will a DoD contractor accept a DOE Q?
Not automatically. DoD may require a separate investigation or reciprocity. State DOE Q clearly so a recruiter can evaluate reciprocity with the sponsoring agency.
Can I list the nuclear program or facility?
No. Never list nuclear program, facility, or sponsor detail. The clearance level and status are all a recruiter needs.
Reviewed by the Good to Go team · Last updated 2026-10-21 · Sources: GSA CALC+, O*NET
More about this roleShow
DOE Q (Top Secret equivalent) for nuclear access.
Public-safe wording only: level, status, polygraph type, and investigation timing. Never list program names, sites, sponsors, or compartments. Confirm your current status with your FSO or security office before you write it.
Build your DOE Q Clearance line now
Free, no account. Copy a recruiter-readable clearance line in seconds.
Open the Clearance Formatter