How to Source Qualified and Security-Cleared Tech Talent in the 2026 Market

In any organisation or department, having trustworthy employees is crucial to the success of your operations. To ensure this, prioritising security-cleared and qualified tech recruitment should be top of mind when you hire new talent.

Although security clearances are common requirements for government jobs, and increasingly for private-sector roles, sourcing security-cleared tech talent can be challenging. With lengthy approval periods and sponsorship requirements, many of our clients need candidates already cleared and ready for work.

With years of experience in tech and IT recruiting, Emanate Technology understands the nuances of security clearances and has a network of professionals who hold them. In this article, we speak to ACT Consultant Paul Michelin about the market today and how to source cleared staff who are ready to hit the ground running.

How important is a security clearance in today’s job market? 

Under the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), the security clearance and vetting process ensures that anyone with access to the government’s classified resources or information is deemed trustworthy enough to hold that access. In the private sector, IT and tech professionals who handle highly classified information, protect security assets, or work with sensitive data might also need clearance. 

According to a recent report by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA), the 2023–24 financial year saw a record 82,331 security clearances completed. Compared to the previous financial year, this was a 29% increase—the largest since 2010, when the AGSVA launched. 

“There’s certainly been a marked shift in the number of agencies that require an NV1 or above security clearance, and in many ways, the NV1 has become the new norm for most agencies, with Baseline clearance roles becoming rarer,” Paul says. “The demand for higher clearances has also become stronger with a shortage of suitable candidates at the NV2 and TSPV levels.”

In defence and government IT recruitment, more requests are coming through for vetted candidates, with this demand sometimes extending to the private sector. For our clients, it means immediate access to cleared, qualified people is imperative.

Where to find qualified tech professionals with security clearances

In Australia, candidates can only obtain a security clearance through the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA). Additionally, all security clearances must be sponsored by a government or business entity, such as a private company that is a listed member of the Defence Industry Security Panel (DISP), so an individual can’t request one on their own.

Even with sponsorship, the approval process can take up to 18 months. So, being able to access qualified, cleared IT professionals is essential to an efficient recruitment process. 

“Since there’s no publicly available source of information when it comes to cleared talent, it can be hard to find the people you’re looking for,” Paul says. As experts in the tech and IT markets, Emanate has a network of qualified, vetted, and cleared professionals available whenever you need them.

What else is important for security-cleared tech recruitment?

As a prerequisite for many jobs that handle sensitive, secure or confidential data, candidates with a security clearance is a top priority for our clients. And although important, it’s not the only requirement when hiring someone. Keep these in mind when you’re searching for new tech talent in 2026.

Additional technical certifications

“More and more Agencies are looking for candidates who have the required technical certifications, on top of the experience”, Paul says. “For example, an AWS Cloud Engineer would be expected to have the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification.” When you envision the role they’ll cover, get specific about what’s required now and in the future. 

Security framework knowledge 

In addition to certifications, Paul suggests that some basic knowledge of security frameworks is required. “Many of our clients expect that most candidates will know Essential 8, PSPF and ISM, the Australian Government security frameworks.” Think about the knowledge base you want a candidate to bring to the table.

Specialists vs. generalist roles

As government budgets tighten, there’s less to spend on skilled and cleared people. “We’re seeing more merging of multiple roles into one person, and fewer specialist roles than we did in the past,” Paul says. Whether you choose to hire a generalist or specialist, you need to make sure your budget aligns with their desired salary. Unsure where to start? Emanate’s Salary Guide can help.

Although an official clearance is mandatory for many roles, taking a holistic approach to hiring tech talent ensures you get it right. As experts in IT and tech recruitment with a thorough understanding of security clearances, Emanate knows how to source qualified talent that ticks all your boxes. 

How to hire security-cleared IT professionals

Wondering where to find qualified tech professionals who are already vetted and cleared? Emanate can connect you with a network of candidates that can hit the ground running. In the meantime, these strategies ensure you’re ready for the right candidate when they come along.

Get to know the market

“Understanding the Government market and which departments or businesses usually require a clearance and at what level is a great start”, Paul says. In IT and tech, roles span many departments, and include Solution Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Senior Solution Architect, Change Manager, and Infrastructure Consultant.

Act quickly on qualified people

“There’s a lot of competition at the moment for good, cleared talent, and most candidates have two or three job opportunities on the go at once”, Paul says. “Having a quick and defined recruitment process will deliver the best results and make sure you don’t miss out on the perfect hire.” 

Consider other skills and attributes the role requires

A candidate should fit culturally, align with your organisation’s values and goals, and share similar growth plans. Take a holistic approach to hiring new team members, including their clearance level. 

Emanate Technology knows security-cleared tech recruitment, and we’re a trusted partner of various government agencies. We can shortlist qualified candidates, manage the interview and offer process, and support you and your new team member once the role begins.

Your link to role-ready and cleared talent

Emanate has a network of cleared and qualified professionals ready to add value to your department or agency. Whether in the private or public sector, our team of tech recruitment specialists simplify the hiring process. Learn what it’s like to work with Emanate or chat to our consultants today.