Which description best defines a Cleared Contractor (CC)?

• A. An individual with a Top Secret clearance.
• B. A company with a facility clearance but no contracts.
• C. A person or facility operating under the National Industrial Security Program that has been determined eligible for access to classified information at a certain level and all lower levels.
• D. A government agency that safeguards classified material.

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how security clearances apply to contractors under the National Industrial Security Program. A Cleared Contractor is a person or a facility operating under the NISP that has been determined eligible to access classified information at a specific level and at all lower levels. This means the clearance granted covers that level and everything below it, as long as there’s a need to know and contractual involvement with classified material.

This definition fits both individuals and organizations, recognizing that both can be cleared when they’re part of government contracts or are otherwise authorized to handle classified information. It’s broader than just a person with a single level, and it’s not describing a government agency or a company with no contracts.