A determination that an individual requires access to classified information in support of the performance of their duties is represented by what term?

• A. Need-to-know
• B. Access
• C. Clearance
• D. Authorization

Answer: (A)

Need-to-know is the principle that determines whether someone should be granted access to a specific item of classified information based on whether they need it to perform their duties. Even if a person has the appropriate clearance, access is limited to the particular information necessary for their role. That makes need-to-know the best fit for the description.

Access refers to the ability to view information, but it doesn’t specify why that access is needed. Clearance means eligibility at a certain classification level, not the job-specific justification for accessing particular information. Authorization is general permission to act or access resources, not the specific, duty-based need to know for a given piece of classified information.