All of the Following Are Steps in Derivative Classification Except

All of the following are steps in derivative classification except

A. Determining whether information has been classified previously

B. Marking the information to show its classified status.

C. Carrying forward that determination into new material.

D. Making the initial determination that information requires protection against unauthorized disclosure in the interest of national security

Ans. D. Making the initial determination that information requires protection against unauthorized disclosure in the interest of national security.

This step discusses original classification, not derivative classification. Original classification is the initial decision by an individual authorized to classify information. Derivative classification, on the other hand, is the act of using, rewording, or creating new material based on information that has already been classified. It is referring to determining whether the information has already been classified (A), and then transferring that classification to the new material (C). Lastly, the new material needs to be marked openly to indicate its classified status (B). Essentially, derivative classification is akin to "copying" the current classification, while original classification is akin to "creating" it.