Suitability Adjudications
Questions and answers
No. Individuals who work for or on behalf of the Federal Government must undergo an investigation so a determination can be made of whether they can be trusted, but the type of trust determination(s) that is required will depend on the position the individual will occupy. Most positions require the individual to be granted a personal identity verification (PIV) credential. The PIV credential allows an individual access to government information technology systems or buildings. Many positions will also require a suitability or fitness determination, which is a decision about how an individual’s character or conduct may affect the integrity or efficiency of the service. Some positions may require a national security determination, which is a decision of whether an individual can occupy a position where the duties can have an impact on national security. Occupants of sensitive positions may be granted security clearance if there is a need to access classified information.
Most Federal positions require at least one of these determinations and many require two or more.