Clearance Level

"Trust the system."

- Phil Coulson

Clearance levels are used by S.H.I.E.L.D. to keep order in their system and protect information that is protected by S.H.I.E.L.D.. An agents clearance level is not based on how long they have been apart of the agency. If an agent dislikes their current position, they usually have the option to demote themselves in rank. There are 10 levels of clearance.

Level 1
Clearance level 1 has the least access in S.H.I.E.L.D. and agents assigned to this level usually get job technical, maintenance, or secretarial jobs. If an agent has lost the trust of multiple agents for a serious matter, they can be reduced back to level 1.

Level 2
Current information unknown

Level 3
Agents with level 3 access usually get jobs in administration to sort files for S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Melinda May temporarily reduced herself back to this position temporarily because of a traumatic experience from her past.

Level 4
For clearance level 4 and above, agents must be in good physical condition for hand to hand combat.

Notable agents

 * Katherine Shane

Notable agents

 * Leo Fitz
 * Jemma Simmons

Level 6
Level 6 agents mainly do espionage and combat. This level usually requires going into battles without full information on the mission. Steve Rogers was given quick access to this level after his endeavors in World War II.

Notable agents

 * Mack
 * Cale
 * Garrett

Level 7
Clearance level 7 agents also specialize in espionage and combat, getting much more of information than most level 6 agents, including details on the Battle of New York.

Notable agents

 * Steve Rogers/Captain America
 * Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow
 * Clint Barton/Hawkeye
 * Jasper Sitwell
 * Melinda May
 * Grant Ward
 * Blake
 * John Garrett

Level 8
Clearance level 8 gives agents more access to information that could risk the lives of agents in lower clearance levels.

Notable agents

 * Phil Coulson
 * Victoria Hand

Level 9
Current information unknown

Levels 10
S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives in level 10 have the most access to the worlds most important files and secrets. These operatives hold the highest rank in the agency.

Notable agents

 * Director Nick Fury

World Security Council
The World Security Council are the international group that makes sure that the world is safe through the help of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s operatives.

Notable members

 * Alexander Pierce