Need-to-know in SCI means what?

• A. Access is restricted to individuals who require the information to perform their duties.
• B. Access is granted to anyone with a Top Secret clearance.
• C. Access is limited to individuals who require the information to perform their duties and have been granted access to the specific compartment.
• D. Access is determined by supervisor discretion.

Answer: (C)

Need-to-know in SCI means you only get access if your duties require the information and you’ve been granted access to the specific SCI compartment that contains it. Clearance like Top Secret is not enough on its own—you must be assigned to the relevant compartment and show a need to know for that information. This dual gate keeps sensitive details restricted to those who genuinely need them for their work. The idea that access is granted by broad supervisor discretion or by clearance alone doesn’t fit SCI, because compartments and need-to-know criteria govern who can see what.