What is the primary purpose of a security clearance?

The primary purpose of a security clearance is to determine an individual's eligibility to access classified information. A security clearance is a formal determination by an appropriate authority that a person is trustworthy enough to access sensitive national security information. This assessment takes into account various factors such as the individual's background, character, and loyalty to the United States. By ensuring that only qualified individuals are granted access, security clearances help protect national security interests and maintain the integrity of classified information.

While training personnel on security protocols, recording employee background checks, and evaluating facility security systems are important aspects of overall security and operational readiness, they do not serve the fundamental purpose of establishing an individual's legal access to classified materials. The focus of a security clearance is specifically on the individual's trustworthiness and eligibility for accessing sensitive information, making this option the correct choice.