Common questions | National Intelligence Community

A career with a National Intelligence Community offers the chance to do something less ordinary. So we understand there are a range of questions people will have about working as a national intelligence professional.

Nearly every role in the National Intelligence Community will require some form of security clearance. But not all roles require the highest levels of clearances and there are many roles that can be undertaken at different clearance levels. You can read more about security clearances and the vetting process.
No, you don’t. But it all depends on the type of role. The NIC employs subject matter experts, people with TAFE or industry certifications, people learning on the job, and people who have demonstrated skill sets in a range of areas. Several agencies offer cadetship and apprenticeship entry pathways.
No. While many positions are based in Canberra, NIC agencies also operate in many Australian cities and there are employment opportunities throughout Australia. A National Intelligence Community career also offers the chance to work internationally for short or extended periods.

You can search by location for currently advertised roles on our Current Opportunities page.
There are some agencies where, because of the work they do, you have to keep things secret. But, in most of the NIC, you can say where you work and what you do. While you will be expected to be discreet about your work and maintain the highest levels of discretion about the information you access in your role, you can talk with people you trust about your employment. Like many businesses, people who work in the NIC need to be careful with sensitive information and protect the privacy of others.
No.

While a small number of jobs involve deployment to sometimes dangerous parts of the world, we train our people for this. Most roles are like any others in wider government or the private sector and are primarily office-based.

All National Intelligence Community agencies take protecting your health, safety and personal security very seriously. Agencies will offer a range of services to support your psychological well-being and to help you manage security clearance requirements.