If you have been looking at cleared roles for any amount of time, you have probably noticed how often FS and CI show up in job descriptions. It is easy to skim past them, but the difference between the two can shape your entire career. Most people never get a straight explanation, so here is the version I give coworkers when they are trying to figure out their next move.

FS stands for Full Scope Polygraph. It is the highest trust requirement you will run into in the community. When a role asks for FS, it usually means you will be working on sensitive programs with very controlled access. People who hold FS often enjoy strong job stability because these positions do not open up often and the work tends to stay within a small set of mission areas. The tradeoff is flexibility. Moving between companies or contracts can take longer, and you may feel like your options narrow over time. FS creates a career path where patience, consistency, and long term program knowledge matter. Some people thrive in that environment, especially if they like stability and deep focus.

CI stands for Counterintelligence Polygraph. It still requires trust, but the scope is narrower and the hiring landscape is wider. With CI, you will usually find more opportunities across different companies, projects, and mission sets. It is easier to pick up new experience and move around the community. The competition can be higher because many more professionals meet CI requirements, but the upside is that your path has far more flexibility. If you enjoy variety and want space to grow into different technical or mission areas, CI roles usually give you more room to shape your career.

Neither pathway is better. They simply set different expectations. FS leans toward stability and depth. CI leans toward mobility and breadth. What matters is choosing the environment that matches the way you like to work. If you are early in your career, take time before committing to FS so you understand how it might shape your options. If you are already CI, pay attention to which roles actually help you build the experience you want instead of just checking a requirement.

The cleared world can feel complicated, but understanding FS versus CI makes it much easier to make confident decisions. Once you know how each one guides your career, your job search becomes intentional instead of overwhelming. And that clarity alone can put you in a much stronger position for whatever move you choose next.