Introduction to Personnel Security (PS113.16)
Which of the following examples best represents a key aspect of the Personnel Security Program (PSP)?
A covered individual is provided access to classified information at the Top-Secret level.
The requirements of Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 4 best apply to which of the following situations?
An individual's background investigation is adjudicated based on specific adjudicative criteria.
Felix was offered a position at a DOD agency. The position designation system determined that the position is a non-critical sensitive position. Regarding the general investigative process, what action must Felix take to begin the investigation process?
Felix must submit the Standard Form before the investigation can begin.
Adam is a new hire at a DOD agency. During Adam's background investigation, several security concerns are identified regarding personal conduct and financial considerations. As a result, Adam is denied a national security eligibility. Adam is really upset about the decision as he wished to receive eligibility as part of his career goals. Can Adam be reconsidered? Why or why not?
NOT: Yes, as long as Adam waits at least 30 days he can request reconsideration.
Angela was upgraded to a new position at a DOD agency. The upgrade required an investigation at a higher tier. New security issues related to handling protected information were identified in this investigation, which resulted in Angela receiving an unfavorable national security trust determination. Can Angela request reconsideration? Why or Why not?
NOT: Yes, reconsideration applies to civilian employees or military members.
Kyle was a new hire for a DOD agency. After a background investigation and national security adjudication, Kyle was rendered an unfavorable national security trust determination. The DOD agency was made aware that Kyle received an unfavorable trust determination after seeing the system of record updated 30 days after the adjudication. Was the final determination recorded properly? Why or why not?
NOT: Yes, the adjudication facility updates the system of record within 60 calendar days to reflect current eligibility
Levi was hired at a DOD agency as a Quality Assurance Specialist but later left to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. Levi worked in their private sector role for over 10 years before deciding to return to the DOD for a Quality Assurance Lead position. Based on the information provided, does Levi need to go through initial vetting? Why or why not?
NOT: Yes. All individuals returning to government service are required to go through initial vetting.
Olivia is a head of a DOD agency. An employee reports a serious security concern to Olivia regarding a Supervisor at a different DOD agency. Based on agency head responsibilities, can Olivia dismiss this information? Why or why not?
No, it is the agency head's responsibility to share reported information that may result in an adverse determination of a covered individual's continued national security eligibility.
During a Subject interview, a candidate discusses some physical health issues they have been having due to complications with diabetes. Can the candidate's physical health issues be evaluated under the national security adjudicative guidelines in Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 4? Why or why not?
No, the guidelines for health considerations include guidelines G. Alcohol Consumption, H. Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse, and I. Psychological Conditions.
Which of the following examples best represents a key aspect of the Personnel Security Program (PSP)?
An agency follows standards and procedures to mitigate the risk of insider threats
Ash is a member of the Air Force. After an event-driven record check uncovered serious security concerns, Ash's national security eligibility was revoked. As part of due process, which of the following must Ash be provided?
A statement of reasons (SOR) that explains each security concern.
Which of the following is a requirement of Executive Order (E.O.) 10865, Safeguarding Classified Information within Industry?
Agency policies ensure that all covered individuals are reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and of complete and unswerving loyalty to the United States.
Denise is a Financial Manager at a DOD agency. Due to an increase in projects, Denise needs to hire a Financial Analyst to research and maintain project budgets. What will Denise need for the Position Designation System (PDS) to determine the proper position designation for the Financial Analyst position?
Denise will need the position description as well as any other necessary supplemental information.
Diamond is a Security Professional at DOD agency. Diamond is preparing to conduct an insider threat awareness briefing. With which policies must Diamond's insider threat awareness briefing align?
Department of Defense Directive (DODD) 5240.06 and Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 5240.26.
Isaac is a Program Manager at a DOD agency. In this role, Isaac oversees the development and implementation of various trainings. Due to the subject matter of the trainings, Isaac is required to obtain a moderate-risk public trust. Based on the information provided, what is the most appropriate investigative tier for Isaac's position?
Moderate Tier (MT).
Jeff is a Director at a DOD agency. In this role, Jeff is responsible for strategic development and implementing mission critical policies. His role requires a special sensitive security eligibility. Based on the information provided, what is the most appropriate investigative tier for Jeff's position?
High Tier (HT)
Quinn is Senior Intelligence Analyst at a DOD agency. In this role, Quinn develops strategies to support military capabilities. The position is considered special sensitive and requires access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). Based on the information provided, what is the most appropriate investigative tier for Quinn's position?
High Tier (HT).
Soley is a Security Professional at a DOD agency. The agency just hired three new employees with national security eligibility. What briefing must Soley provide to the employees before they can gain access to classified information and with which Executive Order (E.O.) must the briefing comply?
Initial Briefing, in compliance with E.O. 12968
Lara is a Senior Intelligence Analyst at a DOD agency. As part of her duties, she accesses information classified at the Secret Level. How did the position designation system (PDS) determine Lara's level of access?
Lara's level of access was determined based on her seniority as a government official
Jamie is a Helpdesk Technician at a DOD agency. Jamie performs software maintenance and troubleshoots issues with employees within the building. The position is considered a low risk and non-sensitive to national security and requires a Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) Credentialing. Based on the information provided, what is the most appropriate investigative tier for Jamie's position?
Low Tier (LT).
Sheri is a Security Manager at a DOD agency. She is preparing a presentation to her security team to discuss the importance of the Federal Personnel Vetting (FPV) Core Doctrine. Sheri would like to include key improvements to the personnel security vetting process described in the FPV Core Doctrine. What are the key efforts described in the FPV Core Doctrine? Select all that apply.
NOT: c. Creating program-specific solutions d. Reducing the number of positions within the federal government
Which of the following is a requirement of Executive Order (E.O.) 10450, Security Requirements for Government Employment?
NOT: Agency policies ensure that all covered individuals are reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and of complete and unswerving loyalty to the United States.
The requirements of Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 3 best apply to which of the following situations?
NOT: An individual's background investigation is adjudicated based on specific adjudicative criteria.
Darlene is hired as a Security Professional for a DOD agency. In order to perform her security duties, there are specific security education and training requirements she must meet. What are the two key aspects of Darlene's security professional education and training?
NOT: Competitive hiring and personnel vetting
Jordyn left their position at a DOD agency to earn their graduate degree. Jordyn completed their degree in less than two years and was hired back at the same agency. In addition, agency leadership decided to accept Jordyn's previous investigation and CV activities. Based on the information provided, which personnel vetting scenario is Jordyn most likely subject to?
NOT: Continuous Vetting
April was hired as a contractor for a DOD agency. The agency wishes to determine if April has the character and conduct to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position. Based on the information provided, which type of adjudication should be conducted?
NOT: Credentialing Trust Determination
Louis is a Manager at a DOD agency. Louis has a job opening for an Administrative Assistant and is using the position designation tool (PDT) to assess the risk and sensitivity level for the position. What is the second step in determining the position designation for the Administrative Assistant role?
NOT: Determine the type of form required for the background investigation.
Ben applied for an Engineer position at a DOD agency but received an unfavorable national security trust determination. Can Ben appeal this decision?
NOT: Maybe, it depends on the type and seriousness of the security concerns found during the background investigation.
Gabriel is a DOD contractor in an Information Technology (IT) position at a DOD agency. The agency is migrating to a new IT system as part of its mission needs. To meet the mission needs, agency leadership plans to assign Gabriel to this project as he has unique experience with the software. The new project duties require access to sensitive information classified at the Secret level. However, Gabriel is not a U.S. citizen. Based on this information, can Gabriel be granted access to work on the IT system migration? Why or why not?
NOT: No, Gabriel will not be allowed to work on the IT system migration. Non-U.S. citizens are not able to access classified information that is classified higher than the Confidential level.
Eleanor is hired for a civilian personnel position within a DOD agency. Eleanor's position requires her to undergo a national security trust determination as it requires access to classified information. During Eleanor's subject interview, she discloses that she had misused prescription drugs during college to help study for an exam. She was working and going to school at the same time, so she was having trouble staying awake to study. Since graduating she has not misused prescription drugs again and has sought counseling to better deal with stressors. Does it matter to the adjudicators why Eleanor was misusing the prescription drugs? Why or why not?
NOT: No, any illegal drug activity is a disqualifying factor no matter the motivation
Rick is a Security Professional at a DOD agency. Rick is informed of an employee retiring from the agency. As part of Rick's security professional responsibilities, what must occur after the retiring employee's employment with the agency ends?
NOT: Rick must conduct a final briefing and remove the employee from access within 30 days
Amber is a Manager at a DOD agency. Amber has a job opening for a Contracting Officer position and is using the position designation tool (PDT) to assess the risk and sensitivity level for the position. Amber is determining the point adjustment for program designation and level of supervision required for the position. Based on this information, which step of the PDT tool is Amber conducting?
NOT: Step 4.
Erin was hired as a Research Assistant at a DOD agency. The agency requires that Erin have physical access to federally controlled facilities via a Common Access Card (CAC). Based on the information provided, which type of adjudication should be conducted?
NOT: Suitability Trust Determination.
Anna is a Logistics Analyst at a DOD agency. The majority of Anna's role requires accessing sensitive information, classified at the Secret level. However, at times the position duties require Anna to access sensitive technology classified at the Top Secret level.Based on the information provided, should Anna's position sensitivity level be categorized as non-critical sensitive or critical sensitive and why?
NOT: The position should be categorized as non-critical sensitive because Anna only occasionally accesses the Top Secret level technology
Phillip is a Systems Analyst at a DOD agency. In this role, Phillip installs and configures software and systems. The position is non-critical sensitive, and Phillip has been in this role for the last three years. Based on the information provided, which personnel vetting scenario is Phillip most likely subject to?
NOT: Transfer of Trust.
Ravi is a Supervisor at a DOD agency. It is brought to Ravi's attention that an employee has allowed another employee unauthorized access to sensitive information. Based on Supervisor responsibilities, what must Ravi do?
Report the information as it falls within the SEAD 3 reporting requirements.
Eric is a Security Officer at a DOD agency in a noncritical sensitive position. In this position, Eric has access to sensitive technology and information classified at the Secret level. Based upon Eric's position designation, what is the potential impact on national security if unauthorized disclosure occurs?
Significant damage to national security.
DeAndre is a Senior Analyst at a DOD agency. DeAndre develops strategies that, if unauthorized disclosure occurs, could cause inestimable damage to national security. Based on the information provided, which of the following position designation categories best describes DeAndre's civilian position sensitivity level?
Special-sensitive.
Simon was hired as a federal civilian Accountant for a DOD agency. The agency wishes to determine if Simon has the character and conduct to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position. Based on the information provided, which type of adjudication should be conducted?
Suitability Trust Determination.
Taylor is an Engineer at a DOD agency. Taylor was involved in a bar fight resulting in their arrest. Taylor reported the arrest, and their national security eligibility was revoked. Taylor served community service and attended anger management classes. To meet mission needs, the DOD agency requested that Taylor be reconsidered. What happens if Taylor is reconsidered?
Taylor will be submitted for a new investigation
Taylor is an Engineer at a DOD agency. Taylor was involved in a bar fight resulting in their arrest. Taylor reported the arrest, and their national security eligibility was revoked. Taylor served community service and attended anger management classes. To meet mission needs, the DOD agency requested that Taylor be reconsidered. What happens if Taylor is reconsidered?
Taylor will be submitted for a new investigation.
Jorge is hired as Senior Analyst at a DOD agency, which requires a national security eligibility. Jorge undergoes a moderate-tier (MT) level investigation for his new position. How did the Position Designation System (PDS) determine the level of investigation for Jorge?
The PDS assessed the duties and responsibilities of the position as well as the degree of potential damage to national security to determine the level of investigation.
Anita is a Research Specialist at a DOD agency, which is a position that requires a Moderate Tier (MT) investigation. Anita has been in this role for two years but recently accepted a new Research Specialist position at a DOD agency closer to home. The new position also requires a MT investigation. Based on the information provided, which personnel vetting scenario is Anita most likely subject to?
Transfer of Trust.
Ada is a Technical Writer at a DOD agency. This role requires that ADA be eligible for access to classified information. Is Ada required to undergo continuous evaluation (CE)? Why or why not?
Yes, CE is a vetting process to review background of an individual determined to be eligible for access to classified information at any time during the period of eligibility.
Devin is a Security Supervisor at a DOD agency. Recently, Devin has noticed frequent reporting errors when it comes to employees submitting travel itineraries for unofficial foreign travel. Based on the responsibilities of the Supervisor role, is it Devin's responsibility to address this issue? Why or why not?
Yes, Devin is responsible for overseeing agency compliance.
Edmond applied for a Cybersecurity Specialist position at a DOD agency but was denied a national security eligibility. Can Edmond find out the reasons for the denial? Why or why not?
Yes, Edmond must be provided with a written notice of reasons for the negative determination of each guideline
June is a Diver in the U.S. Navy. Her position is sensitive and requires access to classified information and technology. During June's background investigation, it is revealed that, although June is a U.S. citizen residing in the U.S., her significant other is a citizen of a foreign country. Will adjudicators consider June's relationship when making a national security determination? Why or why not?
Yes, adjudicators consider a subject's loyalty to the U.S. including the concern of foreign influence
Eleanor is hired for a civilian personnel position within a DOD agency. Eleanor's position requires her to undergo a national security trust determination as it requires access to classified information. During Eleanor's subject interview, she discloses that she had misused prescription drugs during college to help study for an exam. She was working and going to school at the same time, so she was having trouble staying awake to study. Since graduating she has not misused prescription drugs again and has sought counseling to better deal with stressors. Does it matter to the adjudicators why Eleanor was misusing the prescription drugs? Why or why not?
Yes, adjudicators consider motivation for conduct as a factor when evaluating security concerns.
A subject tried cocaine once several years ago but has not used it again. Considering the nine adjudicative factors, does the fact that the subject has not used cocaine again matter to the adjudicators? Why or why not?
Yes, adjudicators consider the frequency and recency of the conduct.
A subject was charged with shoplifting when they were younger. Considering the nine adjudicative factors, does the subject's age matter to the adjudicators? Why or why not?
Yes, adjudicators consider the individual's age and maturity at the time of the conduct.
Tony is a military member who is in a critical-sensitive position with access to Top Secret information. Dale is in a same position as Tony and has the same national security eligibility. Dale recently purchased a new home and invited Tony to his housewarming party. When Tony arrives at Dale's new house, he is shocked to find a "McMansion" which is a huge upgrade from Dale's previous 2-bedroom townhouse. In addition to the new house, Dale has purchased two luxury sports cars and has filled the house with expensive art and electronics. When Tony asks Dale about these major upgrades, Dale talks around it and tells him to just enjoy the party. According to Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 3 reporting requirements, is Tony required to report Dale's unexplained affluence? Why or why not?
Yes, all covered individuals are required to report specific activities of others that can indicate security concerns.
Lourdes is a government contractor with a critical sensitive position designation. Lourdes is planning a vacation to Panama next summer to visit family. According to Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 3 reporting requirements, is Lourdes required to report this activity? If so, what must she include?
Yes, all covered individuals are required to report this activity and are required to submit a travel itinerary.
John is a Security Professional at a DOD agency. As part of John's continuous education, he enrolled in a Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) webinar on addressing the personnel security process. Is this webinar appropriate for John's role as a security professional? Why or why not?
Yes, as a security professional, John is required to complete security education and training on the personnel security process.
Frank is a civilian employee at a DOD agency. During an automated records check, a serious issue was uncovered, and Frank's national security eligibility was revoked. Can Frank appeal this decision?
Yes, but Frank must state in writing his intent to appeal within 10 calendar days of receiving the letter of revocation (LOR).
Tameka is a Senior Analyst at a DOD agency. A co-worker reported that Tameka had recently increased her alcohol consumption and was also having issues controlling her gambling. The security concerns were investigated and found to be serious enough to revoke Tameka's national security eligibility. Tameka participated in a yearlong counseling program to address the issues and the DOD agency requested that Tameka be reconsidered, as her expertise is critical to agency mission needs. Can Tameka be reinstated?
Yes, but only if clearly consistent with the interests of national security.
Jessica is a military member with access to Top Secret information. Jessica receives a call from a news reporter asking very specific questions about a classified project Jessica is working on. Jessica hangs up and does not provide any information to the reporter. According to Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 3 reporting requirements, is Jessica required to report this contact? Why or why not?
Yes, covered individuals with access to Secret and Top Secret information are required to report media contacts where the media seeks access to classified information.
Jason is a Research Analyst at a DOD agency. Last night, Jason was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Will Jason's DUI be discovered as part of continuous vetting (CV)? Why or why not?
Yes, his arrest will trigger a CV alert via CV's automated records checks of criminal databases.
Rebecca is a Research Assistant at the Department of Energy. She is in a non-critical sensitive position with L access. Rebecca experienced financial hardships and as a result became 6 months delinquent in her student loan payments. According to Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 3 reporting requirements, is Rebecca required to report that she is delinquent on her student loan debt? Why or why not?
Yes, individuals in non-critical sensitive positions with L access must report if they are over 120 days delinquent on any debt.
Fernandez is a Special Agent with a DOD agency. Fernandez holds a critical-sensitive position and has access to Top Secret information. Fernandez received an inheritance of $30,000 after a relative passed away. According to Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 3 reporting requirements, is Fernandez required to report this inheritance? Why or why not?
Yes, individuals with access to Top Secret information or holding a critical sensitive position must report any unusual gain of assets of $10,000 or greater.
Cara graduated from university five years ago and has acquired a large amount of delinquent student loan debt. Would Cara's delinquent student loan debt be evaluated under the national security adjudicative guidelines in Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 4? Why or why not?
Yes, it would be considered under guideline F. Financial Considerations.
Tyson is a contractor at a DOD agency. Tyson's contractor position requires access to classified information and technology and requires a national security trust determination. During the subject interview portion of Tyson's investigation, Tyson discloses that he has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Tyson's psychological conditions are well-managed through cognitive behavior therapy and medicine. Will adjudicators consider Tyson's psychological conditions when making a national security trust determination? Why or why not?
Yes, national security adjudicative guidelines consider health matters that might influence an individual's ability to protect classified information including psychological conditions.
Trisha is hired for a civilian personnel position within a DOD agency. Trisha's position requires her to undergo a national security trust determination as it requires access to classified information. During Trisha's background investigation, a credit check reveals a history of credit card missed payments. During her interview, Trisha explains that she was between jobs for six months and had to charge several expenses to her credit cards. She is currently on a payment plan to pay off the debt. Will adjudicators consider Trisha's troubled financial history when making a national security determination? Why or why not?
Yes, national security adjudicative guidelines evaluate an individual's financial considerations when determining their ability to protect classified information.
Review the following scenario and determine whether the CV process was followed correctly. Why or why not? The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) received a continuous vetting (CV) alert regarding a security issue of a covered individual who mishandled protected information. DCSA investigators gathered facts around the issue and adjudicators then made a determination to revoke the individual's eligibility.
Yes, the DCSA investigators are responsible for gathering facts around the issue and adjudicators are responsible for making an eligibility determination.
Deb is hired as a Program Manager at a DOD agency. Her new position requires access to classified information and technology. After Deb submitted the Standard Form, investigators completed a background investigation and submitted the investigation results to the adjudication facility. Can the adjudication facility now begin considering Deb's national security trust determination? Why or why not?
Yes, the adjudication process begins at the conclusion of the investigation process
A subject is undergoing a national security adjudication. During the investigation, the subject admitted to drinking heavily to the point of blacking out on several occasions while in college. However, after graduation the subject successfully completed a rehabilitation program and now rarely consumes alcohol and never to intoxication. While alcohol consumption is a security concern, the adjudicator carefully weighs all of these factors. Is this an example of the whole-person concept? Why or why not?
Yes, the whole-person concept carefully weighs available information about the person, past and present, favorable and unfavorable.
Dave is hired as Operations Manager at a DOD agency and is undergoing a background investigation. As part of the investigation, a database check is performed. Which of the following database searches are part of the National Agency Check (NAC)? Select all that apply.
a. DOD Defense Clearance and Investigations Index (DCII) d. Security and Suitability Investigations Index (SII).
Dave is hired as Operations Manager at a DOD agency and is undergoing a background investigation. As part of the investigation, a database check is performed. Which of the following database searches are part of the National Agency Check (NAC)? Select all that apply.
a. DOD Defense Clearance and Investigations Index (DCII). b. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Criminal History Check. d. Security and Suitability Investigations Index (SII).
Alex is an Information System Manager working on migrating technology systems to the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS). As part of the migration project, Alex is creating a presentation on the benefits of the new personnel vetting IT system. What improvements can Alex include in their presentation? Select all that apply.
a. Provides stronger security. b. Improves information-sharing. c. Has faster processing times. d. Replaces outdated technology
Wen was hired as a Database Manager at a DOD agency and is undergoing a background investigation. What type of sources may be included in an investigation? Select all that apply.
a. Records. b. Interviews
Rachael is an Security Manager at a DOD agency. She is working to implement Trusted Workforce (TW) 2.0 policy updates within the agency. What are some improvements made under TW 2.0 that Rachael can share with her coworkers? Select all that apply.
a. Simplifying workforce mobility. b. Reducing the time required to onboard new hires. c. Enhancing risk management.
Bethany is a Security Professional at a DOD agency. Bethany is reporting a security incident that occurred at her agency. What information must Bethany include in the incident report? Select all that apply.
c. The circumstances surrounding the conduct. d. The nature and seriousness of the conduct.
