What determines the type of investigation required for a position?

• A. The applicant's education level
• B. The position's level of risk and sensitivity
• C. The department's budget
• D. The applicant's personal connections

Answer: (B)

The determining factor is how risky and sensitive the position is. When a job involves handling sensitive information, access to critical systems, or authority that could affect national security or public safety, a deeper, more thorough background investigation is required to ensure the person can be trusted in that role. Conversely, lower-risk positions with limited access call for lighter checks. Education, department spending, or personal connections don’t set the level of investigation; those factors don’t reflect the potential impact of the role, which is what policy uses to decide the appropriate scope of review.