Which item is NOT an authorized source for derivative classification?

Which item is NOT an authorized source for derivative classification?

• A. Unconfirmed source
• B. DD Form 254
• C. Security Classification Guide
• D. Unclassified source

Answer: (A)

Derivative classification must be based on sources that provide explicit, official classification guidance. An unconfirmed source lacks that authoritative guidance, so it cannot be used to determine how to classify new material. The DoD contract document (DD Form 254) and Security Classification Guides are recognized, official sources that spell out how information should be classified in specific contexts. An unclassified source may show that something is not classified, but it does not offer the authoritative guidance needed to assign or adjust a classification. So the item that isn’t an authorized source is the unconfirmed source.

Derivative classification must be based on sources that provide explicit, official classification guidance. An unconfirmed source lacks that authoritative guidance, so it cannot be used to determine how to classify new material. The DoD contract document (DD Form 254) and Security Classification Guides are recognized, official sources that spell out how information should be classified in specific contexts. An unclassified source may show that something is not classified, but it does not offer the authoritative guidance needed to assign or adjust a classification. So the item that isn’t an authorized source is the unconfirmed source.