What does security clearance adjudication evaluate?

Security clearance adjudication primarily evaluates an individual's trustworthiness based on their background. This process involves a thorough examination of various personal factors, including criminal history, financial stability, and any potential vulnerabilities that could make the individual susceptible to coercion, bribery, or other risks that might compromise national security.

The purpose of this evaluation is to determine whether granting a security clearance would pose a risk to national security interests. Adjudicators assess how an individual's behavior, reliability, and motivation align with the standards required to access classified information. This holistic overview ensures that only those who can be trusted to handle sensitive information are granted clearance, reinforcing the integrity of the security process.

In contrast, while financial stability may be one component of the assessment, it is not the sole focus. Technical skills and physical health, although important in certain contexts, do not directly relate to the criteria for trustworthiness that governs security clearance adjudication.