How should SCI documents be marked?

• A. Classification level, the SCI designation, and the compartment code or codeword.
• B. Classification level only.
• C. The compartment code only.
• D. The date and author only.

Answer: (A)

Proper SCI document marking conveys sensitivity, compartmentalization, and access restrictions. You should mark with three elements: the classification level, the SCI designation, and the compartment code or codeword. The classification level shows how sensitive the material is and guides how it should be handled, stored, and disseminated. The SCI designation flags that the document contains sensitive compartmented information and requires personnel with the appropriate SCI access to view it. The compartment code or codeword identifies the specific SCI compartment within the SCI framework, restricting access to those who have both the appropriate clearance and the need to know for that compartment.

marking with only the classification level would omit the SCI controls and the specific compartment restrictions, while marking only the compartment would fail to reveal the material’s overall sensitivity and the SCI requirement. Including date or author does not provide the access and handling protections required for SCI materials.