Fundamentals of Conducting a Personnel Security Interview Course
IDSTAF8203

Module 1: Conducting the Interview

• Importance of objectivity in personnel security interviews.
• Preparing for the interview by establishing the right atmosphere and seating arrangements.
• Creating the right mindset before the interview and setting a clear agenda for the interview process.
• Active listening techniques and avoiding common interview mistakes like over-personalization and failing to listen.
• Dealing with illegal interview questions and understanding what can and cannot be asked.

Module 2: Suitability and National Security Adjudication

• Roles and responsibilities of adjudicators in determining suitability and security clearance eligibility.
• Understanding suitability vs. security, and the various adjudicative guidelines for determining eligibility for access to classified information.
• Exploring the factors and guidelines used to make decisions, including loyalty to the U.S., foreign influence, financial considerations, and personal conduct.
• Understanding the concept of "whole person" adjudication and how to weigh favorable and unfavorable information.

Module 3: Issue Expansion

• Identifying when and how to expand on an issue during the interview process.
• Evaluating screening interview phases and determining the criteria for issue expansion.

Module 4: Legal Issues

• Understanding the Privacy Act and how it relates to personnel security interviews.
• Legal advisement requirements for personnel security interviews under Title 18 U.S. Code.

Module 5: Words of Caution

• Understanding the probative value of hearsay evidence in personnel security investigations.
• Distinguishing between "evasion" and "deception" during an interview and how to identify each.