Primary definition
A formal security determination by an authorized adjudicative office that an individual is authorized access, on a need to know basis, to a specific level of classified information (TOP SECRET, SECRET, or CONFIDENTIAL). Source: CNSSI No. 4005 (COMSEC)
Also known assecurity clearance · access clearance · classified clearance · personnel clearance · PCL
2 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
— Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015View source
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CNSSGC
A formal security determination by an authorized adjudicative office that an individual is authorized access, on a need to know basis, to a specific level of classified information (TOP SECRET, SECRET, or CONFIDENTIAL). Source: CNSSI No. 4005 (COMSEC)
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015 · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Clearance. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/clearance
Sources
2 cited · last checked Aug 9, 2026
01
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
High consensus
02
The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary
Disputed
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