The Personnel Security Screening Questionnaire (PSSQ) is a comprehensive document designed to gather personal and sensitive information. Its purpose is to assist in evaluating an individual's suitability for positions requiring access to secret and controlled information, emphasizing honesty and transparency in responses. This detailed questionnaire covers various aspects of a person's background, including personal, financial, and security-related information, ensuring that candidates meet the high standards required for such positions.
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The Personnel Security Screening Questionnaire, commonly referred to in its document form, is a crucial tool designed to evaluate the suitability of individuals for roles that necessitate access to classified or controlled information within certain sectors, most notably within the military. This comprehensive document serves multiple purposes: it acts as a pre-screening tool to gauge an individual's eligibility for nomination for positions requiring security clearances and helps in the collection of personal information that might have implications on national security. The questionnaire extensively covers personal background, including citizenship status, family ties, travel history, criminal history, financial stability, mental health, substance use, and other potentially disqualifying factors that could affect an individual's security clearance. The form mandates full disclosure under the Privacy Act of 1974, informing the respondent of their rights, including the Fifth Amendment and similar protections under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It emphasizes voluntary disclosure, with the caveat that refusal to provide information or participate in interviews could disqualify an individual from consideration for positions requiring access to secret or controlled information. Every response requires thorough documentation, aiming to create a transparent and accurate profile of the individual's background and character. This mandatory process underscores the importance of integrity and truthfulness, with reminders of the potential consequences for knowingly providing false statements. As such, the questionnaire not only serves as a screening tool but also as a commitment to maintaining national security through rigorous vetting of personnel.
PERSONNEL SECURITY SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
Name
DOB
NRD:
Date
PERSONNEL SECURITY SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE PRE SCREENING INTERVIEW
1.The purpose of this interview is to assist in determining your acceptability for nomination and further processing for access to secret and controlled information. You will be given the same Privacy Act advisement as was provided with the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF86). Questions asked during the course of this interview are of a personal nature. The interview provides an opportunity for you to present additional, pertinent information to that on the SF86. The pre-nomination interview protocol has been designed as a guide for the interviewer to obtain and record this supplementary information and to determine your eligibility for Navy ratings and programs that require a security clearance.
2.The Privacy Act of 1974 requires that you be told the following:
a. Executive Orders 10450, Security Requirements for Government Employees, and 12065, National Security Information, are the authorities for soliciting the information to be requested during the interview. Executive Orders 9497, numbering Systems for Federal Accounts Relating to Individual Persons, is also applicable since you are asked to provide your Social Security Number.
b. You are advised of your rights under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution/Article 31 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Disclosure of information is voluntary, you need not answer any question. You may not be compelled to incriminate yourself or respond to a question whose answer might tend to incriminate you. You may consult an attorney. You may suspend or terminate the interview at any time. However, if you refuse to be interviewed or decline to provide information in response to specific, pertinent questions, the interview will be terminated and you will not be eligible to fill a position requiring access to secret or controlled information.
c. All information developed during the course of the interview shall be maintained in personnel security channels and made available only to those authorities who have a need-to-know in connection with the processing of your nomination for duties requiring access to secret or controlled information, or as otherwise authorized by Executive Order of statue.
3.You are reminded that a knowing and willful false statement on the SF86 can be punished by fine or imprisonment, or both. The interviewer will determine your acceptability for nomination to duties requiring access to secret and controlled information.
I understand the purpose of the interview. I have been advised of my rights as stated in paragraph 2b, above:
DOBDate
Signature of Nominee
Page 1 of 7
INTRODUCTION
You are here today because you either enlisted with a guaranteed skills job or are being considered for one because of your qualifications. Since these jobs involve matters of national security, it is imperative that you answer the questions on this questionnaire honestly. Your answers to these questions will determine how extensive your interview will be when you are called.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Yes
No
1. Are you, any of your family members and/or anyone you have lived with, not a citizen of the U.S.?
2. Were any of your family members born outside the U.S.? Does not include births abroad of U.S. parents.
3. Do you have any friends, relatives or know persons who are U.S. citizens that live outside of the U.S.?
4. Do you or any family members maintain or claim dual citizenship with a country other than the U.S.?
5. Have you ever traveled outside of the U.S., including Canada or Mexico, for any purpose?
6. Do you have any friends or relatives that are involved in any criminal misdemeanor and felony activities?
7. Do you have any friends or relatives that are presently in jail, prison, parole or probation?
8. Have you ever been rejected by any branch of the armed forces for enlistment or affiliation due to any reason other than medical?
9. Have you ever been charged or punished under the UCMJ, received non-judicial punishment, been convicted by a military court, investigated by a military agency, relieved of duties or had adverse entries in your service record or on your evaluations or recruit hard card?
10. Have you ever been fired from a job?
11. Have you ever left a job under other than favorable conditions (left due to allegations of misconduct or bad performance)?
12. During high school or college, were you ever suspended, expelled, or disciplined for any reason?
13. Have you ever had any bills turned over to a collection agency?
14. Have you ever paid a bill more than 30 days late or not at all?
15. Have you ever bounced a check, overdrawn your debit card, had a credit card recalled, anything repossessed or voluntarily surrendered to a creditor?
16. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?
17. Have you ever had debt judgments or liens filed against you?
18. Do you owe any individual or persons money, for any reason?
19. Does your monthly payment debt (i.e. credit cards, car payments, insurance, medical bills, record/health/book clubs, etc.) exceed 50 percent of your monthly income?
20. Have you ever received an Other Than Honorable discharge from any branch of the military?
21. Have you ever shoplifted or stolen anything, whether charged or not?
22. Have you ever been charged with or convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or any offense other than traffic violations (whether the charges were dropped or not)?
23. Are there any charges pending against you now?
24. Have you ever used, bought, sold, grown, manufactured or possessed marijuana?
25. Have you ever used, possessed or experimented with any type of controlled substance, narcotic or drug, other than marijuana?
26. Have you ever taken someone else’s prescription medication.
27. Have you ever been convicted of an alcohol related offense?
28. Have you ever been told to enter, or have you ever been in an alcohol or drug program?
Page 2 of 7
PERSONAL INFORMATION (CONT)
29. Have you ever been arrested, cited, fired, or reprimanded because of your use of alcohol?
30. Have you ever been seen by or consulted with a mental health professional, counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist for any reason?
31. Have you ever been hypnotized?
32. Have you ever suffered from dizziness, loss of consciousness, blackouts, been knocked out, fainted, or had any head injuries?
33. Have you ever had serious thoughts about suicide or have you attempted suicide?
34. Have you ever been treated for anxiety, depression or stress?
35. Have you ever been involved in any deviant sexual behavior?
36. Have you ever destroyed or vandalized any property or possessions of others?
37. Have you ever been charged or convicted of a firearms, weapons, or explosives offense?
38. Have you ever done anything in your lifetime someone might blackmail you with, such as engaged in extra-marital affairs, undetected theft, fraud, embezzlement, etc.?
39. Has anyone at anytime told you or suggested that you withhold or not reveal any information about yourself?
40. Is there anything that we have not asked you or that you have not told us that could possibly come up during an investigation that could cause you a problem?
ALL "YES" ANSWERS MUST BE EXPLAINED IN DETAIL IN THIS SECTION.
The answers I have provided are true, complete, and correct to the best of my knowledge and
belief. I have not intentionally provided any incorrect or misleading information.
Signature
Page 3 of 7
POLICE INVOLVEMENT
41.List every time you have been stopped detained, held, ticketed, arrested, warned or questioned by the police for any reason, whether charged or not, or told it was expunged, in chronological order.
DATE
PLACE
CITY/STATE
OFFENSE
FINAL DISPOSITION/ FINED AMOUNT/ DISMISSED/TRAFFIC SCHOOL/ETC.)
Page 4 of 7
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
This form is to be completed by all candidates who require an eligibility interview for an SSBI or entry into a rating/program that requires a security clearance.
Recruiter
Classifier
District
MEPS
42. Have you filed federal income tax returns every year that you worked and should have filed a return?
If No, Explain
43. Have you filed state income tax returns every year that you worked and should have filed a return (provided the state you are from has a state tax)?
44. Do you have overdue federal and/or state taxes from past years?
If yes, list
Amount Owed
Status
Year Owed
To What Agency
45.List any amounts owed to anyone including, but not limited to, banks, credit unions, stores, schools, charge cards, utilities, landlords, personal loans, student loans, debt-consolidation loans, etc. (Do not list your savings and/or checking account or insurance payments.)
Full Name of Financial Institute
(company)
Balance on Account
Monthly Payment
Date of Most Recent
Payment
Page 5 of 7
FINANCIAL STATEMENT (CONT)
46. Have you ever filed or declared bankruptcy?
If yes, show type, court where filed, amount involved and/or status of debts.
47. Have you ever had anything repossessed or have you ever voluntarily surrendered any item?
If yes, describe item involved, date of repossession/surrender, monthly payment,balanced owed, and number of months behind when repossessed/surrendered.
48. Have you ever had any debts turned over to a collection agency?
If yes, show account number, agency name, location, balance, months behind when debt assigned to collection agency, and current amount owed.
I certify that the above is a true statement of my financial status.
Page 6 of 7
INTERVIEWER'S COMMENTS
Item Number
Comments
INTERVIEWERS PRINTED NAME
TITLE/POSITION:
Based on the applicants responses to this questionnaire and my interview, I have determined the applicant is (qualified / not qualified) for entry into the
Q
NQ
Rating/Program
Rating Security Manager contacted on
Applicant is
APPROVED
DISAPPROVED
RATING SECURUITY MANAGER NOT CONTACTED
Interviewers Signature , Date and Contact Phone Number
Phone Number
RETAIN A COPY OF THE PSSQ IN THE APPLICANT’S RESIDUAL FILE
Page 7 of 7
Filling out the Personnel Security Screening Questionnaire (PSSQ) is a crucial step for individuals seeking roles that require access to classified or sensitive information. This process not only assesses your reliability and eligibility for a security clearance but also ensures the protection of national security interests. Prior to completing the questionnaire, it’s important to understand the significance of each section and the need for transparency and honesty in your responses. The detailed directions provided below will guide you through the process of filling out the PSSQ form accurately.
After completing all sections of the PSSQ form and signing where required, the next step is to submit the form to the designated official or department for review. This submission initiates the screening process, which includes verifying the information provided, conducting background checks, and evaluating your suitability for access to classified information. It's crucial to remain forthcoming and cooperative throughout this process, as any discovered discrepancies or inaccuracies can affect your eligibility for the position you seek. Once submitted, be prepared to provide additional information or clarification as requested by the reviewing authorities.
What is the purpose of the Personnel Security Screening Questionnaire (PSSQ)?
The PSSQ is designed to gather detailed personal information to assist in evaluating an individual's suitability and eligibility for positions requiring access to secret and controlled information. The questionnaire covers extensive ground, including personal history, financial status, criminal record, and more, to ensure the integrity and security of sensitive information and duties.
What rights do I have during the PSSQ process?
Participants are protected under the Privacy Act of 1974 and are advised of their rights under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This includes the right to voluntarily disclose information without compulsion, the right to consult an attorney, and the right to suspend or terminate the interview at any time. Disclosure is voluntary, but refusal to participate or provide necessary information may affect eligibility for positions requiring security clearance.
What are the consequences of providing false information on the PSSQ?
Providing false information knowingly and willfully on the PSSQ can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or both. It's imperative that all information provided through the questionnaire and during the interview process is truthful and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief.
Can personal information provided in the PSSQ be shared?
All information developed during the PSSQ process is maintained in personnel security channels. It is only made available to authorities who have a justified need to know in connection with the processing of your nomination for duties requiring access to secret or controlled information or as otherwise authorized by executive order or statute.
What types of questions are included in the PSSQ?
The PSSQ includes a wide array of questions intended to thoroughly assess an individual's background. These questions range from personal information like citizenship status and family background to financial history, criminal record, drug use, mental health status, and other personal history questions that could affect someone's security clearance eligibility.
What happens if I answer "Yes" to any questions on the PSSQ?
If you respond "Yes" to any questions, you are required to provide detailed explanations for each affirmative response. These details are crucial for a comprehensive evaluation of your questionnaire and may require further discussion or investigation during the interview process.
What is the role of the pre-screening interview?
The pre-screening interview serves as a complementary component to the PSSQ, allowing you to provide additional pertinent information and clarify any details from the questionnaire. It's an opportunity to discuss your background in a more nuanced manner, expanding upon the written responses provided in the PSSQ.
Are international travels and relationships evaluated in the PSSQ?
Yes, the questionnaire includes questions about your travel outside of the U.S. and your relationships with non-U.S. citizens or residents, including family members and acquaintances. This information is relevant to assessing your exposure to foreign influences that could impact your ability to hold a security clearance.
Filling out the Personnel Security Screening Questionnaire (PSSQ) form is a crucial step in the process for those seeking positions that require a security clearance. Unfortunately, mistakes can easily be made that may hamper the chances of obtaining the necessary clearance. One common error is the failure to report all international travel. Individuals often overlook short trips or vacations, such as to Canada or Mexico, not realizing that every instance of travel outside the U.S. must be documented, regardless of the duration or purpose.
Another area where errors frequently occur is in the full disclosure of financial history. It is imperative to accurately report any issues such as overdue bills, collections, or bankruptcy. A common oversight is neglecting to mention smaller debts or assuming certain past financial challenges are unimportant. Every financial detail, no matter how seemingly insignificant, must be disclosed to provide a complete financial history.
Applicants sometimes provide incomplete information about past legal issues or encounters with law enforcement, from minor traffic violations to more serious matters. The section that requires listing “every time you have been stopped, detained, held, ticketed, arrested, warned or questioned by the police for any reason” must be answered with utmost accuracy and completeness. Failing to disclose even minor incidents could be seen as withholding information or attempting to deceive, which is taken very seriously.
A misunderstanding of the scope of relationships that need to be reported can also lead to incomplete forms. Questions about contacts with foreign nationals or having family members and friends outside the U.S. are often not fully addressed. Applicants must include all international interactions and relationships, no matter how infrequent or indirect they may seem. This encompasses distant relatives, casual acquaintances, or past relationships that could have a bearing on an individual’s eligibility for clearance.
Finally, many applicants underestimate the importance of thoroughly explaining "Yes" responses where additional detail is required. Merely answering "Yes" without providing a sufficient explanation can lead to delays or denial of the security clearance. For questions related to personal conduct or situations that might raise security concerns, providing detailed context and clarifying information is crucial. This demonstrates honesty and transparency, key elements in the assessment of an individual’s character and eligibility for access to controlled information.
Completing the Personnel Security Screening Questionnaire (PSSQ) is a crucial step for individuals seeking positions that require access to sensitive or controlled information. This document, though comprehensive, is rarely the only one needed in the security clearance process. To ensure a thorough evaluation, various other forms and documents are also commonly used alongside the PSSQ.
Together, these forms and documents provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s background, enabling authorities to make informed decisions regarding security clearance eligibility. It’s important for candidates to accurately and thoroughly complete all required documentation to avoid unnecessary delays or complications in the clearance process.
The Personnel Security Screening Questionnaire (Pssq) serves a very specific purpose, akin to the SF86, or the Questionnaire for National Security Positions. The SF86 is an in-depth form that requires applicants to divulge extensive personal information, spanning from past residences, employment history, to personal connections that may influence their eligibility for security clearances. Much like the Pssq, it is designed to vet individuals for positions where they will handle sensitive information, ensuring their reliability, trustworthiness, and loyalty to the United States.
Equally, the SF85, or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions, shares similarities with the Pssq but is tailored for positions with a lesser degree of access to classified information. Though it requires less detailed information than the SF86, it mirrors the Pssq in its objective to screen candidates' backgrounds and personal connections for potential security risks, ensuring that individuals in positions of trust are suitably vetted.
The e-QIP (Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing) system, although more of a platform than a document, is pivotal for processing the information gathered by forms like the Pssq. It allows applicants to electronically enter, update, and transmit their personal data for background investigations. The comprehensive nature of the information collected parallels that of the Pssq, emphasizing both entities’ roles in safeguarding national security through thorough vetting.
A Financial Statement included in the Pssq is reminiscent of a Credit Report in purpose and substance. Though the Credit Report is generated by credit bureaus rather than self-reported, both documents compile financial histories to evaluate the fiscal responsibility of the individual. This evaluation is crucial in determining their suitability for roles requiring financial discretion or the handling of sensitive information.
Similarly, the Disclosure and Authorization Pertaining to Consumer Reports form under the Fair Credit Reporting Act shares a common objective with sections of the Pssq. This authorization allows employers to obtain a candidate's credit report and, by extension, evaluate their financial integrity and stability – considerations crucial to positions of trust, especially those entailing security clearances.
The Police Record Check form, used by various organizations to vet potential employees or volunteers, parallels the Pssq in its aim to identify any past behaviors that might disqualify someone from a position of trust. Both documents scour an applicant's history for legal infractions that might indicate a risk to the organization or pose a national security concern, underscoring the importance of character in employment decisions.
The Employment Verification form is another document that, while less concerned with national security, seeks to validate an individual’s past work history and conduct in the workplace. This verification echoes the Pssq’s employment-related inquiries, both serving to ensure that the candidate’s professional behavior aligns with organizational standards.
The Personal Reference Check form also features a direct comparison to the Pssq in its collection of third-party assessments of an applicant’s character, reliability, and trustworthiness. These insights complement the self-reported information in the Pssq, providing a multifaceted view of the candidate to inform decisions regarding their suitability for sensitive roles.
Lastly, the Mental Health Evaluation forms, though more specialized, share the Pssq’s concern for the mental and emotional stability of individuals in sensitive positions. By assessing mental health, both seek to prevent situations where an individual’s psychological condition could adversely affect their performance or compromise security.
Completing the Personnel Security Screening Questionnaire (PSSQ) is a critical step in the process of obtaining security clearance. It's important to approach this task with diligence and honesty to ensure the accuracy and integrity of your submission. Below are some guidelines to help you navigate through this process successfully.
Things You Should Do:
Things You Shouldn't Do:
Following these do's and don'ts can streamline the completion and submission of your PSSQ, helping to facilitate a smoother security clearance process.
When it comes to the Personnel Security Screening Questionnaire (PSSQ), many people have misconceptions about its purpose, requirements, and impacts. Below are four common misunderstandings and the realities behind them:
Many believe that the PSSQ solely focuses on an individual's criminal history. However, its scope extends far beyond that. It addresses a wide range of personal and financial information, including citizenship details, foreign travel, family background, financial status, and mental health issues. This comprehensive approach helps in assessing the whole character and loyalty of the person seeking clearance, ensuring they can be entrusted with national security information.
It's often thought that if an individual chooses not to answer specific questions on the PSSQ, they will be automatically disqualified from obtaining security clearance. While the questionnaire advises candidates of their right under the Fifth Amendment not to incriminate themselves and that they can refuse to answer particular questions, this does not mean automatic disqualification. The interview can be suspended or terminated at any point, but each case is considered on its own merits, and refusal to provide information on specific questions will be evaluated in the context of the entire application.
Another common misconception is that having financial debt or having been late on payments in the past disqualifies an individual from obtaining security clearance. The truth is, the PSSQ seeks to understand the applicant's financial responsibility and stability. While significant unresolved debt or irresponsible handling of finances could raise concerns, each situation is reviewed in detail. The presence of debt alone is not a disqualifying factor but rather how one manages and is taking steps to resolve it.
There is a concern that the personal information provided on the PSSQ will be widely shared with various government agencies. Contrary to this belief, the data collected is strictly safeguarded and is disclosed only to authorities who have a legitimate need-to-know in connection with the processing of your nomination for duties requiring access to secret or controlled information or as otherwise authorized by Executive Order or statute. This limited sharing is designed to protect the individual’s privacy while ensuring that only qualified personnel are granted security clearance.
Understanding the purpose and process of the PSSQ can help demystify the security clearance procedure, allowing individuals to approach it with greater confidence and clarity.
Filling out the Personnel Security Screening Questionnaire (PSSQ) is a crucial step in qualifying for positions that require access to secret or controlled information. Here are 10 key takeaways to help guide you through this process.
Completing the PSSQ requires thoroughness, honesty, and clarity. It's an opportunity to present a full picture of your background, ensuring that evaluators have all the necessary information to make an informed decision regarding your eligibility for security clearance. Failure to accurately complete the questionnaire can result in disqualification or delay in processing, emphasizing the need for attention to detail and forthrightness in all responses.
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