Question 1

What is original classification?

Accepted Answer

Original classification is the initial government determination that information requires protection against unauthorized disclosure in the interest of national security, because its disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause identifiable or describable damage to national security. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 4 — "Original classification is the initial government determination that information needs protection because its disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause identifiable or describable damage to national security." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 2

What Executive Order establishes the legal authority for original classification?

Accepted Answer

Executive Order 13526 establishes the legal authority for certain officials within the Executive Branch of the Federal government to designate classified national security information. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 3 — "Executive Order or E.O. 13526 establishes the legal authority for certain officials within the Executive Branch of the Federal government to designate classified national security information." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 3

What are the three levels of classification?

Accepted Answer

Classified information is assigned one of three levels of classification: TOP SECRET, SECRET, or CONFIDENTIAL. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 3 — "When the information is identified, it is assigned one of three levels of classification: TOP SECRET, SECRET, or CONFIDENTIAL." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 4

What is derivative classification?

Accepted Answer

Derivative classification is the process of extracting, paraphrasing, restating, or generating in another form information that is already classified, and marking the newly developed material consistent with the classification markings that apply to the source information. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 4 — "Derivative classification is the process of extracting, paraphrasing, restating, or generating in another form, information that is already classified and marking the information to show its classification." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 5

Who is authorized to perform original classification?

Accepted Answer

Only a limited number of government officials are authorized to perform original classification; these officials are referred to as Original Classification Authorities, or OCAs. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 4 — "In fact, only a limited number of officials are authorized to perform original classification. These officials must follow a specific process when doing so to ensure the classification is appropriate and reasonable. The officials who perfor" https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 6

Who may perform derivative classification?

Accepted Answer

All cleared DoD and authorized contractor personnel who generate or create material from classified sources may perform derivative classification; in contrast to original classification, a great many individuals derivatively classify information.

Question 7

How is the term information defined in the classification process?

Accepted Answer

Information is the knowledge that can be communicated, and documentary material, regardless of its physical form or characteristics, that is owned by, produced by or for, or under the control of the U.S. Government.

Question 8

How is national security defined in the classification process?

Accepted Answer

National security is information relating to the national defense or foreign relations of the United States. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 4 — "National security is information relating to the national defense or foreign relations of the United States." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 9

What must an OCA do if there is significant doubt about the need to classify information?

Accepted Answer

If there is significant doubt about the need to classify information, the OCA shall not classify the information. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 4 — "If there is significant doubt about the need to classify information, the Original Classification Authority shall not classify the information." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 10

A classifier uses information in a TOP SECRET document to generate a new document for use in the DoD and marks the new document TOP SECRET. What process did this individual complete?

Accepted Answer

This is derivative classification, because the classifier used existing classified information to create new material and marked it consistent with the classification of the source.

Question 11

A classifier determines that a report containing certain chemical formulas associated with bio-chemical defense could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if revealed, and classifies the information TOP

Accepted Answer

This is original classification, because the classifier made the initial determination that the information requires protection and assigned it a classification level.

Question 12

What is an Original Classification Authority (OCA)?

Accepted Answer

An OCA is an individual authorized in writing, either by the President, the Vice President, or by agency heads or other officials designated by the President, to originally classify information in the first instance. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 2, p. 7 — "An individual authorized in writing, either by the President, the Vice-President, or by agency heads or other officials designated by the President, to originally classify information in the first instance." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 13

What are the responsibilities of an Original Classification Authority?

Accepted Answer

OCAs are responsible for determining when and if information should be classified, the level of that classification, how long it requires protection, and for communicating those decisions to other individuals who will need to use or store the information. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 8 — "Original Classification Authorities, or OCAs, are responsible for determining when and if information should be classified, the level of that classification, and for determining how long it requires protection. OCAs are also responsible for" https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 14

Which positions have original classification authority?

Accepted Answer

The President of the United States, the Vice President, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the Military Departments, and certain other senior officials within the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the DoD. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 9 — "The positions that have original classification authority include the President of the United States, the Vice President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretaries of the Military Departments. Original classification authority is also g" https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 15

Is original classification authority granted to individuals or to positions?

Accepted Answer

Original classification authority is not granted to particular individuals in the government, but rather to specific positions. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 9 — "Original classification authority is not granted to particular individuals in the government, but rather to specific positions." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 16

How often must classification authority be exercised to retain the OCA designation if the OCA does not issue and maintain a security classification guide?

Accepted Answer

As a general rule, classification authority must be exercised an average of twice a year to qualify for retention of the OCA designation. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 8 — "As a general rule, classification authority must be exercised an average of twice a year to qualify for retention of the OCA designation if an OCA does not issue and maintain a security classification guide." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 17

When does the government grant authority to originally classify information?

Accepted Answer

Only when there is a demonstrable and continuing need for such authority, meaning a justifiable requirement to perform original classification that is expected to last over time.

Question 18

What qualifications must an individual have to exercise original classification authority?

Accepted Answer

The individual must have the appropriate level of security clearance, must have received training in the fundamentals of proper security classification including the avoidance of over-classification, and should have sufficient expertise and information available to permit effective classification decision-making.

Question 19

What must a request for original classification authority contain?

Accepted Answer

The request must specify the position title for which the authority is requested, provide a brief mission specific justification for the request, and be submitted through established organizational channels. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 9 — "Requests must specify the position title for which the authority is requested, provide a brief mission specific justification for the request, and be submitted through established organizational channels." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 20

How do DoD activities outside the military components request original classification authority?

Accepted Answer

They request original classification authority through their activity to the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 9 — "All other DoD activities shall request original classification authority through their activity to the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 21

Under what circumstances will a request for original classification authority be granted?

Accepted Answer

When there is a demonstrable and continuing need to exercise OCA during the normal course of operations, adequate information and expertise are available to make the classification decisions, existing Security Classification Guides are insufficient to address the information in question, and it is impractical to refer decisions to another OCA.

Question 22

How often must OCAs receive training?

Accepted Answer

All OCAs must receive training in proper classification, including the avoidance of over-classification, and declassification at least once a calendar year. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 10 — "All original classification authorities must receive training in proper classification, including the avoidance of over-classification, and declassification at least once a calendar year." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 23

What topics must OCA training address?

Accepted Answer

The training shall address OCA responsibilities and classification principles, proper safeguarding of classified information, and the criminal, civil, and administrative sanctions that may be brought against an individual. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 10 — "The training shall address OCA responsibilities and classification principles, proper safeguarding of classified information, and the criminal, civil, and administrative sanctions that may be brought against an individual." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 24

An OCA granted TOP SECRET classification authority may classify information at which levels?

Accepted Answer

Classification authority is granted at a specific level and cumulative downwards, so an OCA with TOP SECRET classification authority may classify information at the TOP SECRET, SECRET, and CONFIDENTIAL levels. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 11 — "Once appointed, OCAs are granted classification authority at a specific level of classification and cumulative downwards. For example, an OCA that has TOP SECRET classification authority may classify information at the TOP SECRET, SECRET, a" https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 25

An OCA granted SECRET classification authority may classify information at which levels?

Accepted Answer

An OCA granted SECRET classification authority may classify information only at the SECRET and CONFIDENTIAL levels. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 11 — "However, an OCA that has been granted SECRET classification authority may classify information only at the SECRET and CONFIDENTIAL levels." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 26

What is an OCA's jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

Jurisdiction is the specific realm in which an OCA is qualified to make original classification decisions, such as a particular type of information or information relating only to a specific project, program, or type of operation; it helps ensure OCAs work within their realm of expertise.

Question 27

May an OCA grant original classification authority to another official?

Accepted Answer

No. Occupying a position designated as an OCA does not include the ability to grant that authority to other officials; this reduces the likelihood of conflicting classification guidance caused by unclear or overlapping jurisdiction. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 11 — "When an official occupies a position designated as an original classification authority, it does not include the ability to grant that authority to other officials. For example, an official with SECRET original classification authority may " https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 28

When may a subordinate assume an OCA's original classification authority?

Accepted Answer

When the OCA will be unable to perform his or her duties for an extended period, immediate subordinates such as deputies, vice commanders, and chiefs of staff may exercise the authority by officially assuming the OCA position in an acting capacity and certifying in writing that they have received the required OCA training. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 11 — "If, however, a person in a position designated as an original classification authority will be unable to perform his or her duties for an extended period, the authority to perform original classification may be assumed by another official. " https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 29

What must a subordinate acting as an OCA certify in writing before performing original classification?

Accepted Answer

The subordinate must certify in writing that he or she has been trained in OCA responsibilities, classification principles including avoidance of over-classification, proper safeguarding of classified information, and the criminal, civil, and administrative penalties for failing to protect classified information from unauthorized disclosure.

Question 30

Who maintains the records of OCA delegation and training?

Accepted Answer

The records of delegation and training must be maintained by the activity Security Manager. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 3, p. 11 — "These records of delegation and training must be maintained by the activity Security Manager." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 31

What is unauthorized disclosure?

Accepted Answer

Unauthorized disclosure is a communication or physical transfer of classified information to an unauthorized recipient.

Question 32

What are the six steps in the original classification decision process?

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Government Information, Step 2: Eligibility, Step 3: Impact, Step 4: Designate Classification Level, Step 5: Duration, and Step 6: Guidance.

Question 33

What happens if information fails to meet the criteria at any step of the original classification process?

Accepted Answer

At each step, if the information does not meet the criteria for becoming classified, the process terminates and the OCA will not classify the information. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 16 — "At each step, if the information does not meet the criteria for becoming classified, the process terminates, and the OCA will not classify the information." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 34

Can information that another OCA has already originally classified be originally classified again?

Accepted Answer

No. If another OCA has already made an original classification determination, the information cannot be originally classified again. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 16 — "If another OCA has already made an original classification determination, then the information cannot be originally classified again." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 35

In Step 1, what makes information official government information?

Accepted Answer

The information must be owned by, produced by or for, or under the control of the U.S. Government. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 17 — "Since the OCA must be the one to classify the information, the OCA must first determine whether the information is official. This means the information must be owned by, produced by or for, or under the control of the U.S. Government." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 36

Can information be classified if the U.S. Government has no ownership interest in it?

Accepted Answer

No. If the government does not have any ownership interest in the information, it cannot be classified regardless of how sensitive it might be, and the classification process stops at Step 1. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 17 — "If the government does not have any ownership interest in the information, it cannot be classified, regardless of how sensitive it might be. If the information in question is not official, the classification process stops at Step 1." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 37

What four determinations make up Step 2, Eligibility?

Accepted Answer

The OCA must analyze whether the information is eligible for classification, assess whether there are any prohibitions or limitations on classifying it, determine whether it has already been classified by another OCA, and determine whether classification guidance is already available in security classification guides, plans, or other memorandums.

Question 38

What are the eight categories of information eligible for classification under E.O. 13526?

Accepted Answer

Military plans, weapons systems, or operations; foreign government information; intelligence activities (including covert action), intelligence sources or methods, or cryptology; foreign relations or foreign activities of the United States, including confidential sources; scientific, technological, or economic matters relating to national security; U.S. Government programs for safeguarding nuclear materials or facilities; vulnerabilities or capabilities of systems, installations, infrastructures, projects, plans, or protection services relating to national security; and the development, production, or use of weapons of mass destruction.

Question 39

For what reasons is classification of information prohibited?

Accepted Answer

In no case shall information be classified, continue to be maintained as classified, or fail to be declassified in order to conceal violations of law, inefficiency, or administrative error; prevent embarrassment to a person, organization, or agency; restrict competition; or prevent or delay the release of information that does not require protection. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 19 — "In no case shall information be classified, continue to be maintained as classified, or fail to be declassified in order to conceal violations of law, inefficiency, or administrative error, prevent embarrassment to a person, organization, o" https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 40

May an OCA classify basic scientific research information?

Accepted Answer

No, an OCA may not classify basic scientific research information that is not clearly related to national security. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 19 — "An OCA may not classify basic scientific research information that is not clearly related to national security." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 41

Under what conditions may information that has been declassified and released to the public be reclassified?

Accepted Answer

Only when the reclassification is personally approved in writing by the agency head based on a document-by-document determination that reclassification is required to prevent significant and demonstrable damage to national security, the information may be reasonably recovered, and the reclassification action is reported promptly to the National Security Advisor and the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO).

Question 42

Who may decide to reclassify information under DoD jurisdiction that has been declassified and released to the public?

Accepted Answer

Only the Secretary of Defense or, for information under his or her jurisdiction, the Secretary of a Military Department, or the deputy agency head or senior agency official to whom such authority has been delegated.

Question 43

In Step 3, what must the OCA assess?

Accepted Answer

The OCA must assess the impact to national security if unauthorized release occurs: the potential for damage to national security, whether there is a reasonable possibility of protecting the information from unauthorized disclosure, and the other costs of classifying it, including operational and technological factors and the impact on resources.

Question 44

Are OCAs required to document the potential for damage to national security when classifying?

Accepted Answer

No, OCAs are not required to document the potential for damage, but because they may be asked to defend their decision if it is questioned or challenged, it is recommended they record their justification in writing.

Question 45

What should an OCA do if the probability of protecting the information from unauthorized disclosure is small?

Accepted Answer

If the probability of protection is small, the OCA must consider foregoing classifying the information, even though the information is sensitive.

Question 46

What level of damage to national security defines CONFIDENTIAL information?

Accepted Answer

CONFIDENTIAL information is information or material of which unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national security that the OCA is able to identify or describe. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 22 — "CONFIDENTIAL information is information or material of which unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national security that the Original Classification Authority (OCA) is able to identify or describe." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 47

What level of damage to national security defines SECRET information?

Accepted Answer

SECRET information is information or material of which unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security that the OCA is able to identify or describe. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 22 — "SECRET information is information or material of which unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security that the Original Classification Authority (OCA) is able to identify or describe." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 48

What level of damage to national security defines TOP SECRET information?

Accepted Answer

TOP SECRET information is information or material of which unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security that the OCA is able to identify or describe. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 22 — "TOP SECRET information is information or material of which unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security that the Original Classification Authority (OCA) is able to identif" https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 49

What must an OCA do if there is significant doubt about the appropriate level of classification?

Accepted Answer

If there is significant doubt about the appropriate level of classification, the information shall be classified at the lower level. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 22 — "If there is significant doubt about the appropriate level of classification, it shall be classified at the lower level." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 50

What is classification by compilation?

Accepted Answer

Compilation, also known as aggregation, involves combining or associating individually unclassified information that reveals an additional association or relationship warranting protection as classified information; it also applies when elements of information classified at a lower level become classified at a higher level when combined.

Question 51

What two considerations are involved in Step 5, Duration?

Accepted Answer

Step 5 involves downgrading, in which the OCA reviews whether the classification level can be lowered in the future, and declassification, in which the OCA determines how long the classification will remain in effect.

Question 52

What is downgrading and what is its principal purpose?

Accepted Answer

Downgrading is a determination that information classified at one level will have its classification reduced to a lower level on a specific date or event; its principal purpose is to conserve security resources by avoiding protection of information at too high a level. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 25 — "Downgrading is a determination that information classified at one level will have its classification reduced to a lower level on a specific date or event. The principal purpose of downgrading is to conserve security resources by avoiding pr" https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 53

What is declassification?

Accepted Answer

Declassification is an authorized change in the status of information from classified to unclassified. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 25 — "Declassification is an authorized change in status of information from classified to unclassified." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 54

What declassification duration guidelines must an OCA follow?

Accepted Answer

The OCA assigns a date or event within 10 years when the potential for damage from compromise is no longer a concern; absent such a date or event, the OCA assigns a date exactly 10 years after the date of original classification; if the information requires protection beyond 10 years, the OCA may assign a date up to 25 years from the original classification decision, unless an exemption applies.

Question 55

What are the 25X exemptions?

Accepted Answer

The 25X exemptions, contained in Section 3.3(b) of Executive Order 13526, are exemptions from the requirement to declassify information at 25 years from the date of its original classification, for special cases in which information needs to remain classified longer than 25 years.

Question 56

When is the 50X1-HUM exemption applied?

Accepted Answer

50X1-HUM is used, with no declassification date or event, for information that is clearly and demonstrably expected to reveal the identity of a confidential human source or a human intelligence source.

Question 57

What information is classified based on statute rather than Executive Order 13526?

Accepted Answer

Information classified in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, which includes Restricted Data (RD) and Formerly Restricted Data (FRD).

Question 58

What are the two authorized methods for communicating original classification decisions?

Accepted Answer

In order of preference, they are a security classification guide (SCG) and a properly marked source document. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 28 — "There are two methods for communicating original classification decisions. In order of preference, they are through a security classification guide, or SCG, or in a properly marked source document." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 59

What manual provides instructions for developing Security Classification Guides?

Accepted Answer

DoDM 5200.45, Instructions for Developing Security Classification Guides, lists the minimum information SCGs must contain. [Source: CDSE IF102.16 Original Classification Student Guide, Lesson 4, p. 28 — "DoDM 5200.45, Instructions for Developing Security Classification Guides, lists the minimum information SCGs must contain." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/IF102-guide.pdf]

Question 60

What must a properly marked source document used as classification guidance include?

Accepted Answer

Appropriate portion markings, overall classification, date of the decision or guidance, agency and office of origin, subject, name or personal identifier and position of the OCA, declassification instructions, a concise reason for classification citing at a minimum one of the categories in paragraph 1.4 of E.O. 13526, and applicable special control or warning notices.

Question 61

An OCA determines that information does not require protection, but that its release should be delayed for a couple of months in the interest of national security. What should the OCA do?

Accepted Answer

The OCA should not classify the information; classification may not be used to prevent or delay the release of information that does not require protection.

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