Deepen your knowledge of federal suitability adjudication by applying adjudicative guidelines to complex cases with legal context and decision documentation.
Gain a full overview of managing federal personnel security, from initial application through clearance adjudication and continuous evaluation.
Learn how to apply adjudicative criteria to make clear, defensible suitability or clearance decisions in alignment with federal guidelines.
Master advanced adjudication techniques for evaluating complex security and suitability cases, including due process procedures and official decision writing.
Master the principles and procedures of personnel security and suitability adjudication to make informed determinations on security clearances and federal employment eligibility.
Learn how to conduct effective personnel security interviews, including screening and adjudication, based on federal interview standards and reporting requirements.
Acquire foundational knowledge in personnel, physical, information, and cyber security program components relevant to federal security responsibilities.
Adjudicators who are authorized by their agencies to handle suitability case processing and adjudication as delegated by OPM under Title 5 CFR, Part 731.
Build and apply a personalized Claude workflow to streamline law enforcement and public safety documentation, analysis, and communication while maintaining professional judgment, data sensitivity, and appropriate AI use boundaries.
Participants will engage in case studies, policy analysis, and hands-on exercises focused on establishing governance structures, managing cross-functional risks, overseeing third-party solutions, and responding to evolving legal and ethical requirements. The course emphasizes actionable strategies for embedding AI governance into agency policies, procurement, and daily operations.
Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.
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Our alumni consistently commend the expertise of our instructors and the real-world relevance of our programs. Their feedback highlights how Graduate School USA training has advanced their skills, supported their agencies’ missions, and fostered long-term professional growth.
Instructor knew her stuff. Very good class.
Lori N.
Great course! This new knowledge will help me make more consistent and well-reasoned determinations.
Sylvia Martinez
Great! I would highly recommend courses taught by Carla Harris to my colleagues, and I would want to take courses offered by Carla Harris again. She presented all of the material in a way that grabbed attention, made sure that her students understood the material, and was ready to answer any questions.
Francoise C.
The instructor is awesome! She keeps your attention and shows you different ways to view things. Very good information!
Amy Birch
Amazing experience. The instructor was very knowledgeable and kept the class entertained. He covered all the material for the training course and provided great examples. The instructor addressed any questions we may have had. The class was fun and made me feel comfortable. I have no adjudication experience, but after taking this course, I have learned so much.
Helen D.
Todd was well spoken, audible, and included everyone throughout the day, ensuring participation. Plenty of time was afforded for questions and discussion.
Chad P.
This course had a great impact on my personal growth! Excellent instructor with extensive knowledge, experience, and skills. Her interactive approach kept me engaged and helped me learn and understand the adjudication process.
Yvetta F.
The instructor knew the topic. Overall, I liked the small group class.
Marilyn J.
Outstanding! Instructor Todd Risby's energy is infectious. He made the class very challenging, but also fun to learn. He knew his audience well and made sure everyone understood the assignments, as well as making sure we understood the processes in applying them to our jobs. Wealth of knowledge! Great Instructor! Great person overall! Thank you!!
Ava M.
Todd Risby was an amazing instructor. He was very informative and enthusiastic, which kept the class upbeat. He challenged us all to be better and make sure we understood how important it was to execute our work properly.
David S.
Our Personnel Security and Suitability Training are rated 4.8 stars by 37 students
Todd Risby was an amazing instructor. He was very informative and enthusiastic, which kept the class upbeat. He challenged us all to be better and make sure we understood how important it was to execute our work properly.
Outstanding! Instructor Todd Risby's energy is infectious. He made the class very challenging, but also fun to learn. He knew his audience well and made sure everyone understood the assignments, as well as making sure we understood the processes in applying them to our jobs. Wealth of knowledge! Great Instructor! Great person overall! Thank you!!
The instructor knew the topic. Overall, I liked the small group class.
This course had a great impact on my personal growth! Excellent instructor with extensive knowledge, experience, and skills. Her interactive approach kept me engaged and helped me learn and understand the adjudication process.
Amazing experience. The instructor was very knowledgeable and kept the class entertained. He covered all the material for the training course and provided great examples. The instructor addressed any questions we may have had. The class was fun and made me feel comfortable. I have no adjudication experience, but after taking this course, I have learned so much.
Todd was well spoken, audible, and included everyone throughout the day, ensuring participation. Plenty of time was afforded for questions and discussion.
Great course! This new knowledge will help me make more consistent and well-reasoned determinations.
Great! I would highly recommend courses taught by Carla Harris to my colleagues, and I would want to take courses offered by Carla Harris again. She presented all of the material in a way that grabbed attention, made sure that her students understood the material, and was ready to answer any questions.
The instructor is awesome! She keeps your attention and shows you different ways to view things. Very good information!
I appreciated having real world cases provided. Mr. Widup was very engaging with his instruction.
Instructor knew her stuff. Very good class.
Kim Widup is an excellent instructor whose suitability and fitness adjudication training is greatly enhanced by his "investigative" background. His career highlights provide a solid foundation for the course material, offering students not just theory but a realistic and practical understanding of the subject. The overall experience was widely regarded as positive due to its focus on practical, mission-oriented content and the use of expertise of the instructor with real-world government experience.
Showing 12 of 12 reviews
Attend courses in-person in Washington, DC or live online. Engage with expert instructors, ask questions, and get feedback on your exercises and projects.
Get face-to-face interaction with an instructor and other students when you learn at our DC campus. Courses are hands-on with a computer and software provided.
Get the same interactivity and access to the instructor as in-person students. There are no extra fees and we’ll work with you to ensure your remote setup is perfect.
All times are listed in Eastern Time unless otherwise specified.
| April 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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April 21–24
Tuesday to Friday
9–4:30pm
|
$1,649
4 Days
|
Master the principles and procedures of personnel security and suitability adjudication to make informed determinations on security clearances and federal employment eligibility. |
|
| May 2026 | |||
|
May 6–8
Wednesday to Friday
9–4:30pm
|
$1,299
3 Days
|
Learn how to apply adjudicative criteria to make clear, defensible suitability or clearance decisions in alignment with federal guidelines. |
|
|
May 12–13
Tuesday to Wednesday
9–4:30pm
|
$1,049
2 Days
|
Gain a full overview of managing federal personnel security, from initial application through clearance adjudication and continuous evaluation. |
|
|
May 18–20
Monday to Wednesday
9–4:30pm
|
$1,299
3 Days
|
Master advanced adjudication techniques for evaluating complex security and suitability cases, including due process procedures and official decision writing. |
|
| June 2026 | |||
|
June 9–12
Tuesday to Friday
9–4:30pm
|
$1,649
4 Days
|
Master the principles and procedures of personnel security and suitability adjudication to make informed determinations on security clearances and federal employment eligibility. |
|
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