What are security clearance levels used for?

Security clearance levels are primarily used for classifying personnel based on their eligibility to access classified information. This classification ensures that individuals who have been deemed trustworthy and reliable can access sensitive information necessary for their roles while maintaining the integrity of national security. The process involves rigorous background checks and assessments to ensure that individuals meet the required standards.

While other options touch on relevant aspects of security and classification, they do not accurately capture the primary purpose of clearance levels. Classifying information based on access need is part of the broader information classification scheme, but it doesn’t directly relate to clearance levels, which focus on personnel. Similarly, determining the security of a facility and assessing foreign influence are important components of overall security strategy but are not directly linked to the concept of clearance levels, which strictly pertains to personnel access eligibility.