Clearance Level

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 agent's 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 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.
 * Skye

Level 2
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 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 if they work in the field. This is not as much of a requirement for scientists and researchers.

Level 5
Most level 5 agents are scientists, researchers and mechanics. This is usually the highest a rank a S.H.I.E.L.D. scientist can get.
 * Jemma Simmons
 * Leo Fitz

Level 6
Level 6 agents mainly do espionage and combat. This level usually requires going into battles without full information on the mission.
 * Antoine Triplett
 * Eric Koenig
 * Billy Koenig

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.
 * Natasha Romanoff (Off the Grid)
 * Clint Barton
 * Jasper Sitwell (HYDRA) †
 * Felix Blake
 * Grant Ward (HYDRA)
 * John Garrett (HYDRA) †
 * Melinda May

Level 8
Clearance level 8 gives agents more access to information that could risk the lives of agents in lower clearance levels. Captain Rogers was given quick access to this level after his endeavors in World War II and the Battle of New York.
 * Victoria Hand  †
 * Steve Rogers (Off the Grid)

Level 9
Level 9 Agents have access to most of the agency's files and generally hold a high rank.

Levels 10
S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives in level 10 have the most access to the world's most important files and secrets. These operatives hold the highest rank in the agency.
 * Director Phil Coulsonundefined

Alpha Level
There is another level of clearance that is needed to access S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most secret and highly encrypted files.
 * Nick Fury (Off the Grid)
 * Alexander Pierce (HYDRA) †