APC Example Questions 1. True or False? DoD personnel should immediately report any clandestine relationship that exists or has existed with a foreign entity to their counterintelligence element, supporting Military Department CI Organization (MDCO), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or other appropriate authority. DoDI 5240.26, October 15, 2013, p. 10 National Security & the Personnel Security Program 2. Who is not authorized to make national security eligibility determinations based upon a review of the Personnel Security Investigation (PSI) or adverse information referral? a. Secretary of Defense b. Adjudicative authorities c. DoD component heads d. Facility security officers April 3, 2017, p. 39, 47 National Security & the Personnel Security Program 3. Which of the following is not a federal investigative agency? a. United States Department of the Interior b. Office of Personnel Management c. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms d. United States Department of Justice DoDI 5200.02, September 9, 2014, page 7-9 National Security & the Personnel Security Program APC CPT Page 1
4. True or False? The Personnel Security Policy (PSP) deals with investigative and adjudicative policy for determining the eligibility to hold a national security position. Federal Register, Vol. 79, No. 62, April 1, 2014 National Security & the Personnel Security Program 5. True or False? The only function that a National Security Adjudicator can perform is: adjudication to determine an individual s eligibility to hold a sensitive position. DoDM 5200.02, April 3, 2017, p. 39 National Security & the Personnel Security Program 6. Of the following, who is eligible for a Personnel Security Investigation (PSI)? a. A minor under the age of 18 who works as military personnel. b. A spouse of a general or flag officer (GO/FO). c. Consultant working strictly on non-classified information. d. Federal employee working strictly on non-classified information. DoDM 5200.02, April 3, 2017, p. 26 National Security & the Personnel Security Program 7. An adjudicator uses Defense Information System for Security (DISS), (previously JPAS) as a repository for adjudicative decisions. b. Not Appropriate DoDM 5200.02, April 3, 2017 National Security & the Personnel Security Program APC CPT Page 2
8. The subject of each Personnel Security Investigation (PSI) will provide personal information as required by the Investigative Service Provider (ISP) and DoD 5400.11-R. At a minimum, the subject will do all the following, except: a. Submit the appropriate investigative forms through First-Class mail. b. Request any credit freeze be lifted at the subject s expense. c. Authorize custodians of education records to provide relevant information to the ISP. d. Submit fingerprints through an appropriate electronic fingerprint capture device. Pg 28 National Security & the Personnel Security Program 9. When a general officer grants a one-time or short duration access to information classified at the same or lower level of access as that held by the authority, which of the following is true? a. The recipient of the one-time access authorization must possess a current national security eligibility. b. Access at the next higher level for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is authorized. c. The authorized security professional will post the one-time or shortduration access in Defense Information System for Security (DISS), (previously JPAS) and maintain the following for 12 months from the date the access is granted. d. The recipient of the one-time access authorization does not have to be a U.S. citizen. Pg 54-55 National Security & Personnel Security Program APC CPT Page 3
10. An adjudicator uses an Access National Agency Check with Written Inquiries and Credit Check (ANACI) completed 10 years ago to meet investigative requirements because the previous investigation was favorably adjudicated. b. Not appropriate Type & Scope of 11. A single scope background investigation (Tier 5) is needed for clearance. a. Confidential b. Secret c. Top Secret d. All of the above Type & Scope of 12. True or False? Periodic reinvestigations may be performed at any time after national security eligibility has been granted. p.14 Type & Scope of 13. True or False? Reimbursable Suitability/Security (RSI) are single or multiple record checks that constitute a complete investigation. OPM Federal Notice 13-08, August 30, 2013, page 1 Type & Scope of APC CPT Page 4
14. Which of the following is not a disqualification under the Tier 5 Reinvestigation? a. Undergoing open heart surgery b. Undergoing mental health treatment c. Employment with a foreign agency d. Dual citizenship, p.16 Types & Scope of 15. True or False? An adjudicator is not qualified to make decisions about the relevance of sources to an issue. Types & Scope of 16. Which is true when a subject submits a Personnel Security Investigation (PSI) with a missing character reference and the other information provided is generally favorable? a. The investigation must be reopened b. A waiver is required to be submitted c. Missing minor element does not preclude favorable adjudication d. Require subject to submit additional information Pg 52 Types &Scope of 17. True or False? If a missing scope item is not relevant to an adjudicative issue, it may not be necessary to return to the investigation. Types & Scope of APC CPT Page 5
18. Which of the following is not a factor to consider when making a decision about whether to return an investigation with missing or incomplete scope items. a. Explanations for missing or incomplete scope items b. Scope item importance c. Scope item leads or sources d. All of the above are important factors to consider Types & Scope of 19. True or False? For scope items that consist of multiple sources, one missing source may not be significant enough to make it necessary to return the investigation. Types & Scope of 20. True or False? A finished investigation report received by an adjudication facility, or authorized designee, where an investigative element has not been met, even if it is minor, always requires reopening the investigation. Types & Scope of 21. True or False? The investigative requirements for TOP SECRET clearance are considerably stricter than the investigative requirements for SECRET clearance. Page 13-24 Type & Scope of APC CPT Page 6
22. True or False? A DOS Form FS- 545 or DS-1350 is acceptable documentation for U.S. Citizenship by Birth. Types of Information Sources 23. An adjudicator denies an individual s clearance because they filed for bankruptcy. b. Not Appropriate Types of Information Sources 24. Security clearance questionnaires exclude traffic violations that do not involve alcohol or drugs, resulting in fines less than $. a. 50 b. 100 c. 300 d. 500 Types of Information Sources 25. An adjudicator disqualifies a Phased Periodic Reinvestigation (Tier 5 R) on the sole basis of traveling to China for vacation. b. Not Appropriate Adjudication Process Using the Whole Person Concept (WPC) 26. When a loss of jurisdiction results because an individual retires, separates, or ends their affiliation with DoD, before an adjudications facility can make an eligibility determination, the adjudication facility will: a. Register an eligibility of none in the system of record. b. Continue work on the adjudicative record until a determination is made not to exceed 90 days. c. Determine whether eligibility can be established based on the existing background investigation. d. All of the above Pg 57 Adjudication Process Using the Whole Person Concept (WPC) APC CPT Page 7
27. Which of the following is not true concerning access determinations? a. National security eligibility determinations involve examining a sufficient period of a person s life and background. b. The adjudicative facility determines the level of eligibility based on the adjudicative record and the National Security Guidelines. c. An individual may use multiple short duration accesses with a 12-month period if necessary. d. Access determinations are made solely on the basis of the eligible individual s need for access to classified information to perform official duties. Adjudication Process Using the Whole Person Concept (WPC) 28. When evaluating the relevance of an individual s conduct, the adjudicator should consider. a. The motivation of the conduct b. The potential for pressure c. The recency of the conduct d. All of the above 2017, pages 6 Adjudication Process Using the Whole Person Concept (WPC) 29. An adjudicator provides a detailed explanation to an individual who was denied eligibility access explaining the basis for that conclusion. b. Not appropriate E.O. 12968, August 4, 1995, Section 5.2 Procedures for Due Process APC CPT Page 8
30. Appeals will be reviewed by a high-level panel comprised of at least members, of whom are outside the security field. a. 3, 1 b. 3, 2 c. 5, 2 d. 5, 3 E.O. 12968, August 4, 1995, Section 5.2 Procedures for Due Process 31. An adjudicator who denied an individual eligibility for access did not provide the identity of the deciding authority. b. Not appropriate E.O. 12968, August 4, 1995, Section 5.2 Procedures for Due Process 32. True or False? An applicant denied eligibility for access should be provided a reasonable opportunity to reply to that decision in writing. E.O. 12968, August 4, 1995, Section 5.2 Procedures for Due Process APC CPT Page 9
33. Those individuals denied eligibility for access should be provided any documents, records, and reports upon which the denial or revocation is based within days upon request. a. 10 b. 15 c. 30 d. 60 E.O. 12968, August 4, 1995, Section 5.2 Procedures for Due Process 34. Executive order provides information regarding access to classified information. a. 10450 b. 10866 c. 12968 E.O. 12968, August 4, 1995 Pertinent statutes, executive orders and regulations governing the personnel security process 35. All adjudicative determinations shall be recorded in either Scattered Castles, Defense Information System for Security (DISS), (previously JPAS), Commercial Vendor Services (CVS) or successor databases, unless authorized by a. There are no exceptions b. Component Heads c. DoD CAF d. Security Executive Agent 2017, page 4 Pertinent statutes, executive orders and regulations governing the personnel security process APC CPT Page 10
36. An adjudicator uses the adjudicative guidelines to determine an individual s national security eligibility. b. Not appropriate 37. Which of the following would not be a foreign influence disqualifying factor? a. Failure to fully disclose association with a foreign person. b. Being married to a naturalized citizen. c. Having financial interests in a foreign country. d. Unauthorized association with a foreign intelligence entity. 2017, p. 9-11 38. True or False? Sexual behavior that is strictly private, consensual, and discreet could raise a security concern. 2017, p. 12 39. An adjudicator disqualifies an individual for clearance eligibility because they have a history of not meeting financial responsibilities. b. Not appropriate 2017, p. 15-16 APC CPT Page 11
40. Excessive alcohol consumption raises questions about an individual s. a. Intelligence b. Sanity c. Trustworthiness d. All of the above 2017, p. 16-17 41. An adjudicator grants clearance to an individual who smoked marijuana on a couple of occasions 2 years ago and has not done any other drugs since then. b. Not appropriate 2017, p. 17-19 42. An adjudicator denies clearance to an individual who had a temporary psychological condition 5 years ago that has since been resolved. b. Not appropriate 2017, p. 19-20 43. True or False? An individual can be denied clearance for having a discharge from the Armed Forces that was less than Honorable. 2017, p. 20-21 APC CPT Page 12
44. True or False? A security violation that was inadvertent, even if promptly reported, is immediate grounds for disqualification. 2017, p. 21-22 2017, p. 22 45. Employment with or service to which of the following does not raise a security concern? a. The government of a foreign country. b. A U.S. company outsourced in a foreign country. c. A representative of any foreign interest. d. A foreign national. 2017, p. 22 46. An adjudicator denies clearance to an individual who negligently misused information technology. b. Not appropriate 2017, p. 23-24 47. Under Guideline A: Allegiance to the United States, conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying include all the following, EXCEPT: a. Association with persons that advocate preventing others from exercising their rights of any U.S. state b. Association with persons whom publically burn the American flag c. Association with organizations that advocate to gain retribution for perceived wrongs caused by the local government d. Sympathy with persons whom support any act of sabotage against the United States 2017, pages 8 APC CPT Page 13
48. Under Guideline B: Foreign Influence conditions that could mitigate unauthorized association with a suspected or known agent of a foreign intelligence entity include the following, EXCEPT. a. the foreign contacts and activities are on U.S. Government business b. it is unlikely that the individual will be placed in a position of having to choose between interests of a foreign government and the United States c. the foreign contact is an immediate family member d. contact with the individual is casual and infrequent 2017, pages 11 49. Under Guideline C: Foreign Preference, what concern, by itself, is disqualifying without mitigating factors? a. A U.S. citizen is also citizen of another country b. A U.S. citizen exercises any right or privilege of foreign citizenship c. A U.S. citizen takes action to acquire foreign citizenship without an attempt at concealment d. A U.S. citizen attempts to assume employment in a foreign government 2017, page 11 50. Under Guideline D: Sexual Behavior, what conditions could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying? a. Sexual behavior of a criminal nature, but the individual has not been prosecuted b. Audio transmission of a compulsive sexual behavior c. A pattern of high-risk sexual behavior d. All of the above 2017, page 12 APC CPT Page 14
51. Under Guideline E: Personal Conduct, what conditions could mitigate security concerns? a. An individual concealed derogatory information based significantly on advice by legal counsel b. An individual made prompt, good-faith efforts to correct a concealment after being confronted with the facts c. An individual has acknowledged the behavior d. All of the above 2017, pages 14 52. Under Guideline F: Financial Considerations, which condition does not mitigate security concerns? a. The conditions that resulted in the financial problem were due to a divorce b. The conditions that resulted in the financial problem were due to a business downturn c. The behavior happened infrequently d. The conditions that resulted in the financial problem were due to a family conflict SEAD 4, June 08, 2017, pages 15-16 53. Under Guideline G: Alcohol Consumption, what conditions could mitigate security concerns? a. An individual acknowledges their pattern of maladaptive alcohol use b. An individual has established a pattern of modified consumption c. An individual provides evidence of actions taken to overcome this problem d. All of the above 2017, pages 17 APC CPT Page 15
54. Which of the following statements is correct Under Guideline I: Psychological Conditions. a. A formal diagnosis of a disorder is required b. Negative inference may be raised solely on the basis of mental health counseling c. A voluntary inpatient hospitalization may be disqualifying d. No indication of a current problem can be a mitigating factor SEAD 4, June 08, 2017, pages 20-21 55. Which of the following is an indicator of unexplained affluence? a. An individual gets a $5,000 a year promotion. b. An individual inherits $100,000 from his/her recently deceased father. c. An individual buys a nice beach house in Malibu. d. An individual takes a 2-week vacation to Europe. Adjudicative Desk Reference, March 2014, p. 108-110 56. True or False? One-time access authorization is only granted to individuals who are U.S. citizens and possess a current national security eligibility. Levels of eligibility to occupy a sensitive position and/or access to classified information 57. Which of the following is not a position of trust? a. Federal police officers b. Public safety and health workers c. Administrative assistants d. Contract managers DoDI 1400.25, Volume 731, August 24, 2012, page 9-14 Levels of eligibility to occupy a sensitive position and/or access to classified information APC CPT Page 16
58. True or False? Permanent residents may be given access to sensitive compartmented information (SCI) in very special circumstances. ICD 704, October 1, 2008, p. 3 Levels of eligibility to occupy a sensitive position and/or access to classified information 59. True or False? Special access programs (SAP) are very restrictive and only a minimum number of cleared employees are eligible to have access to SAP information. DoDM 5205.07, July 1, 2010, page 5-7 Levels of eligibility to occupy a sensitive position and/or access to classified information 60. What will occur if a reinvestigation is not completed within the specific timeframe, but the required investigation was requested within the specific timeframe? a. Eligibility will be downgraded and access suspended b. Eligibility will remain the same and access will be suspended c. Eligibility will not be downgraded nor access suspended d. Eligibility will be downgraded and access will remain the same Pg 15 Levels of eligibility to occupy a sensitive position and/or access to classified information APC CPT Page 17
61. True or False? National Industrial Security Program (NISP) guidelines should be followed in the described case: A consultant or grantee is directly engaged by a DoD Component and requires national security eligibility at the Component s activity and/or in connection with authorized visits. Pg 20 Levels of eligibility to occupy a sensitive position and/or access to classified information 62. Any temporary, intermittent, summer hire, or seasonal employee can be granted national security eligibility if they will before national security eligibility is granted. a. Be 18 years old within 1 year of date of entry b. Be 18 years of age or older c. Receive an approved waiver by a DoD Component senior security official d. B & C Pg 21 Levels of eligibility to occupy a sensitive position and/or access to classified information 63. Requests for Personnel Security Investigation (PSIs) will not be accepted from. a. Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) b. DoD Field Activities c. Coast Guard d. Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Pg 25 Levels of eligibility to occupy a sensitive position and/or access to classified information 64. Who is authorized to suspend access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)? a. DoD Component Heads b. Special Access Program Central Office c. Director, DSS d. Cognizant heads of Intelligence Community (IC) elements Pg 47 Levels of eligibility to occupy a sensitive position and/or access to classified information APC CPT Page 18
65. Which of the following is not a typical characteristic of an individual with schizophrenia? a. Hallucinations b. Insomnia c. Absence of emotion d. Delusions Adjudicative Desk Reference, March 2014, p. 287 Critical Terminologies 66. Occasional drug use is defined as using. a. More than once a week b. A few times a month c. Once a month or less d. Once a year or less Adjudicative Desk Reference, March 2014, p. 87 Critical Terminologies 67. Which of the following is a felony? a. Petty larceny b. Postal fraud c. Possession of small amounts of marijuana d. Retail theft Adjudicative Desk Reference, March 2014, p. 65 Critical Terminologies 68. Which of the following would most likely be considered to be sexual harassment? a. Complimenting someone s physical appearance b. Smiling at someone walking by c. Hugging a friend d. Making a sexual joke Adjudicative Desk Reference, March 2014, p. 307-310 Critical Terminologies APC CPT Page 19