SFPC Exam Questions and Answers -
Personnel Security
suitability adjudication - Answer-To determine suitability for federal employment: to be considered
suitable for employment in the federal competitive service, individuals must display identifiable
character traits and behaviors that indicate an individual is likely to carry out their duties with integrity,
efficiency, and effectiveness.
5 main elements in the suitability determination process - Answer-1) Position designation
2) Pre-investigation
3) Investigation
4) Adjudication
5) Reinvestigation
3 main types of adjudications - Answer-1. National Security adjudications
2. Suitability adjudications
3. Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 adjudications
Tier 1 Investigations - Answer-are conducted for portions designated as low risk, nonsensitive, and for
physical and logical access -- that is, HSPD-12 credentialing. The investigative form is the SF-85.
, Tier 2 Investigations - Answer-are conducted for positions designated as nonsensitive, moderate risk
public trust. The investigative form is the SF-85P.
Tier 4 Investigations - Answer-are conducted for positions designated as nonsensitive high risk public
trust. The investigative form is the SF-85P
Tier 3 Investigations - Answer-are conducted for positions designated as non-critical sensitive and/or
requiring confidential, secret or "L" access eligibility. The investigative form is the SF-86.
Tier 5 Investigations - Answer-are conducted for positions designated as critical-sensitive or special-
sensitive and/or requiring "Q" access or access to Top Secret or Sensitive Compartmented Information,
or SCI.
Central Verification System (CVS) - Answer-OPMs centralized reciprocity database. Allows for
information sharing between government organizations.
Position Designation Automated Tool (PDt) - Answer-OPMs system to determine type of investigation
needed base on level of risk and sensitivity
Standards of Evidence in a Suitability Case - Answer-1. the evidence must establish conduct
2. the government has burden of proof
3. All facts must be supported by a preponderance of evidence
Title 5, CFR Part 731 - Answer-outlines OPM regulations for investigations and adjudications
Suitability Actions - Answer--cancellation of eligibility, or reinstatement of eligibility
-debarment from employment with the DoD
-removal from position
Personnel Security
suitability adjudication - Answer-To determine suitability for federal employment: to be considered
suitable for employment in the federal competitive service, individuals must display identifiable
character traits and behaviors that indicate an individual is likely to carry out their duties with integrity,
efficiency, and effectiveness.
5 main elements in the suitability determination process - Answer-1) Position designation
2) Pre-investigation
3) Investigation
4) Adjudication
5) Reinvestigation
3 main types of adjudications - Answer-1. National Security adjudications
2. Suitability adjudications
3. Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 adjudications
Tier 1 Investigations - Answer-are conducted for portions designated as low risk, nonsensitive, and for
physical and logical access -- that is, HSPD-12 credentialing. The investigative form is the SF-85.
, Tier 2 Investigations - Answer-are conducted for positions designated as nonsensitive, moderate risk
public trust. The investigative form is the SF-85P.
Tier 4 Investigations - Answer-are conducted for positions designated as nonsensitive high risk public
trust. The investigative form is the SF-85P
Tier 3 Investigations - Answer-are conducted for positions designated as non-critical sensitive and/or
requiring confidential, secret or "L" access eligibility. The investigative form is the SF-86.
Tier 5 Investigations - Answer-are conducted for positions designated as critical-sensitive or special-
sensitive and/or requiring "Q" access or access to Top Secret or Sensitive Compartmented Information,
or SCI.
Central Verification System (CVS) - Answer-OPMs centralized reciprocity database. Allows for
information sharing between government organizations.
Position Designation Automated Tool (PDt) - Answer-OPMs system to determine type of investigation
needed base on level of risk and sensitivity
Standards of Evidence in a Suitability Case - Answer-1. the evidence must establish conduct
2. the government has burden of proof
3. All facts must be supported by a preponderance of evidence
Title 5, CFR Part 731 - Answer-outlines OPM regulations for investigations and adjudications
Suitability Actions - Answer--cancellation of eligibility, or reinstatement of eligibility
-debarment from employment with the DoD
-removal from position
