DSSAT - Diplomatic Security Special Agent Security Clearance Process 1

Question 1

Which form must applicants complete to initiate a federal national security clearance investigation?

Accepted Answer

Standard Form 86 (SF-86)

Answer

Standard Form 85 (SF-85)

Answer

DD Form 214

Answer

Optional Form 306 (OF-306)

Question 2

What is the traditional periodic reinvestigation interval for a Top Secret security clearance holder?

Accepted Answer

Every 5 years

Answer

Every 2 years

Answer

Every 10 years

Answer

Every 15 years

Question 3

Under the Adjudicative Guidelines, which past drug-related behavior is most likely to result in a security clearance denial?

Accepted Answer

Misuse of prescription medication within the past year

Answer

Experimental marijuana use more than 10 years ago with no recurrence

Answer

Occasional alcohol consumption at social gatherings

Answer

Past tobacco use discontinued five years ago

Question 4

What does 'reciprocity' mean in the federal security clearance system?

Accepted Answer

Accepting a clearance granted by one agency without requiring a new investigation

Answer

Sharing classified information with allied foreign governments under treaty agreements

Answer

Exchanging security files between intelligence community partners abroad

Answer

Requiring dual-agency approval before granting access to SCI material

Question 5

Under what circumstance may a federal applicant be granted an 'interim' security clearance?

Accepted Answer

When no obvious disqualifying issues appear and the full investigation is still in progress

Answer

Only after successfully completing a polygraph examination

Answer

After the investigation is complete but formal adjudication has not yet occurred

Answer

When the applicant has a foreign-born spouse who has already been interviewed

Question 6

Which personal conduct issue is considered most serious under the Adjudicative Guidelines because it directly undermines the basis for granting a clearance?

Accepted Answer

Deliberate falsification or omission of material facts on the SF-86

Answer

A single minor traffic violation within the past three years

Answer

Changing employers more than three times in a five-year period

Answer

Holding dual citizenship with a non-adversarial allied nation