Personnel Security and Suitability Adjudication Course
IDSTAF8220

Module 1: Introduction to Suitability and Fitness Adjudication

• Understanding the fundamentals of suitability and fitness adjudication.
• Key concepts and guidelines as per 5 CFR 731.
• Differences between adjudication for suitability and fitness, and security clearance determinations.

Module 2: Position Risk Designations, Reciprocity, and Subject Engagement

• Designating positions based on risk levels (Public Trust vs. National Security).
• Understanding the investigative products provided by OPM/DCSA.
• Analyzing reciprocity and subject engagement procedures.

Module 3: Suitability and Fitness Factors

• Review of the nine key suitability and fitness factors for federal employment.
• Exploring disqualifying and mitigating conditions for each factor.
• Understanding how to apply these factors in real-life adjudication cases.

Module 4: Suitability and Fitness Preemployment Screening/Vetting Process

• Performing preemployment screenings for potential suitability and fitness issues.
• Understanding the role of the OF-306 form in screening applicants.
• Applying the suitability and fitness referral guidelines.

Module 5: Traditional Suitability and Fitness Adjudication Determination Guidelines

• Step-by-step process for making suitability and fitness determinations.
• Characterizing suitability issues and applying upgrades or downgrades.
• Determining the impact of patterns and additional considerations.

Module 6: OPM’s Suitability and Fitness Adjudication Determination Process

• Differences between traditional adjudication and OPM’s new process.
• Understanding OPM’s role and responsibilities in adjudicating suitability cases.
• Using the new OPM determination worksheets to make decisions.

Module 7: Evidence: Supporting Your Determination

• Understanding the burden of proof in suitability and fitness cases.
• Assessing the probative weight of evidence and supporting documentation.
• Exploring options for resolving issues and safeguarding investigation materials.

Module 8: Identifying Merit Fraud

• Recognizing different types of merit fraud cases and their impact on suitability determinations.
• Identifying bogus degrees and false qualifications.
• Adjudicator’s responsibilities in handling merit fraud cases.

Module 9: Taking Action in Suitability and Fitness Cases: Unfavorable Determinations

• Steps for taking unfavorable suitability or fitness actions under 5 CFR 731.
• Understanding the appeals process and the role of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).
• Agency and OPM actions on unfavorable determinations.

Module 10: Significant Precedent-Setting Cases

• Discussion of significant cases that set precedents in suitability and fitness adjudication.
• Reviewing key legal cases and their impact on future adjudications.

Module 11: Decision Standards for National Security Positions: Executive Order 12968

• Understanding the coverage and requirements of Executive Order 12968.
• How the order affects the adjudication of national security positions.
• Key decision standards for eligibility for access to classified information.

Module 12: National Security Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Information or Eligibility to Hold a Sensitive Position

• Reviewing the National Security Adjudicative Guidelines for personnel security determinations.
• Exploring the disqualifying and mitigating conditions for national security positions.
• Discussing eligibility requirements for access to classified information.