Which entity grants authorization for temporary TOP SECRET clearance?

• A. Director, Department of the Navy Central Adjudication Facility
• B. Commanding Officer
• C. Security Office
• D. Department of Defense Personnel Security

Answer: (A)

Temporary TOP SECRET clearance is an interim authorization that allows access to highly sensitive information while a full background investigation is underway. In the Navy, the authority to grant that interim access sits with the Director of the Department of the Navy Central Adjudication Facility. This central body reviews all relevant information gathered during the investigation and makes the formal determination about eligibility, including provisional access when needed. The other roles support security operations or policy—such as the Commanding Officer handling local duties, the Security Office administering security processes, or DoD Personnel Security overseeing policy—but they do not grant the final clearance decision. Thus, the DNCAF is the official authority that grants temporary TOP SECRET clearance.