In addition to a need-to-know (NTK), an individual must be granted a ___________ in order to access classified information.

• A. Facility Clearance (FCL)
• B. Background check
• C. Personnel Security Clearance (PCL)
• D. Access authorization

Answer: (C)

Access to classified information requires both a need-to-know and a personnel security clearance. The need-to-know limits who can see specific classified material, but the formal permission to access such material comes from the personnel security clearance, which follows a thorough background investigation to verify eligibility. Facility clearance is about whether the organization can handle classified data, not an individual’s access. A background check is part of obtaining the clearance, not the final authorization itself. And while “access authorization” can sound relevant, the precise, commonly used term for the individual’s right to view classified information is the personnel security clearance.