Description: This course covers the fundamentals of the personnel security program, such as, history, laws, and regulations; personnel security investigations, security clearances, and sensitive positions. Students discuss the role of adjudicators along with investigative, counterintelligence, and law enforcement personnel in the personnel security program. Students also review the process for making national security determinations through the consistent application of policy guidelines. This course contains extensive exercises in identifying and resolving personnel security issues.
Learning Objectives: Students will learn how to identify security concerns by using the National Security Adjudicative Guidelines to make a personnel security determination. In addition, they will be introduced to the whole person concept, different types of background investigations, designated sensitive positions, and personnel security policies and regulations. Students will also learn how to evaluate a portion of a person's life to reasonably determine if their future behavior would be consistent with national security.
Delivery Method: Virtual Instructor-led
Length: 40 hours over seven days
Target Audience: Department of Defense (DoD) and federal civilians (GS/GG 5-7 level) who adjudicate eligibility for assignment to sensitive positions and/or access to collateral and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) program information or DoD/DoD IC Government Civilian/Military personnel (non-adjudicators) who perform duties in support of national security adjudications. Nominations for attendance must be made through, and approved by, the head or designee of your organization.
Requirements:
- Clearance Requirements: N/A
- Attendance Requirement: Full-time attendance and participation in all sessions.
- Exam Requirements: Students must earn 162 points out of 215, a 75 percent grade average on course exams and performance exercises.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Introduction to National Security Adjudication PS001.18 course and accompanying exam.
Credits Recommended/Earned:
- ACE Credit Recommendation: (What's this?): Three (3) semester hours, lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category.
- Professional Development Units per SPēD: 45.
System Requirements: Check if your system is configured appropriately to use STEPP.
IF STEPP DOES NOT RECOGNIZE PREREQUISITE COURSES, CONTACT THE Help Desk.
CDSE courses are intended for use by Department of Defense and other U.S. Government personnel and contractors within the National Industrial Security Program.