What does the term "adjudication" refer to in the personnel security process?

The term "adjudication" in the personnel security process primarily refers to the assessment of information gathered during background investigations and other evaluations to determine an individual's eligibility for security clearance. This process involves analyzing the available data, including personal history, financial records, and any potential security concerns, such as criminal behavior or issues related to reliability and trustworthiness.

During adjudication, trained professionals apply specific guidelines and criteria to make a judgment about whether the individual poses a risk to national security or whether they can be trusted with sensitive information. This evaluation ensures a thorough and objective review of each candidate’s circumstances in relation to the security clearance standards established by relevant authorities.

While the final decision on employment suitability, the awarding of security clearances, and the approval of training programs are related components within personnel security, they do not encapsulate the specific meaning of "adjudication." Adjudication is fundamentally about the assessment process leading up to determining whether someone should or should not be granted a security clearance.