What must happen to classified information when the facility clearance is terminated?

• A. Return or destroy
• B. Return only
• C. Destroy only
• D. Leave with the information

Answer: (A)

When a facility clearance is terminated, you must ensure that every piece of classified information in that facility is dealt with properly so nothing remains in the facility. The only permissible dispositions are to return the material to the government or to destroy it using approved procedures. This safeguards national security by making sure there’s no classified data left behind after the clearance ends. In practice, that means inventorying all classified materials, arranging secure transfer to the appropriate government entity or cleared recipient if they can take them back, and, for items that can’t be returned, destroying them with proper documentation and chain-of-custody. Digital copies and media must also be securely erased or destroyed. Leaving classified information at the facility is not allowed, hence return or destroy is the correct approach.