Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC) Practice Test

How often should personnel security clearance be reviewed?

1. Every month

2. Every six months

3. Every two years

4. Every five years

The correct answer is: Every two years

The appropriate frequency for reviewing personnel security clearances is every two years. This time frame ensures that the agency can assess the continued eligibility of individuals for access to classified information, thereby maintaining a robust security environment. It recognizes that personnel statuses can change over time due to various factors, such as changes in personal circumstances, behavior changes, or new issues that may arise that could impact their trustworthiness or reliability. A review every two years allows organizations to efficiently balance the need for security with practical administrative capabilities. Frequent reviews, such as monthly or every six months, could overwhelm personnel security processes and lead to inefficiencies without significantly enhancing security measures. On the other hand, reviewing every five years could risk missing changes in an individual's circumstances that may arise sooner, potentially exposing the organization to unnecessary risks during that time. Hence, the two-year period is a well-established standard that reflects best practices in personnel security clearance management.