In Personnel Security, what does a "waiver" entail?

A waiver in the context of Personnel Security refers to official permission to bypass certain clearance requirements. This means that under specific circumstances, individuals may be allowed to proceed with access to classified information or sensitive positions without meeting all standard criteria typically required for security clearance.

Waivers are often granted based on a thorough review of mitigating factors, which may involve a consideration of the individual's overall character, situation, or specific needs related to national security. This flexibility allows organizations to address unique or exceptional situations while maintaining the integrity of security protocols.

Other options do not accurately describe what a waiver is within this context. For example, temporary permission for secret access suggests a short-term measure but does not capture the broader implications of waiving requirements. Similarly, altering security policies goes beyond the intent of a waiver, which is not about changing policies but allowing exceptions to existing standards. Lastly, evaluating personnel security outcomes is not related to the notion of a waiver; it pertains more to assessing the effectiveness of the security program as a whole.