Which of the following is NOT required to be authorized to handle classified information?

• A. Need-to-know for performance of official duties
• B. Favorable determination of eligibility, or PCL, for access to classified information
• C. A signed and approved nondisclosure agreement
• D. Original classification authority

Answer: (D)

Original Classification Authority is the official who originates or decides how information should be classified. That role is about creating the classification, not about granting someone access to handle the material. To handle classified information, you need to have a favorable eligibility determination (a security clearance) and a need-to-know for your duties, plus you sign a nondisclosure agreement. Those are the practical controls that enable access and safe handling. So, you don’t have to be an Original Classification Authority to handle classified information, even though an OCA exists to establish classification in the first place.