What type of security clearance may be required for Protective Security Officers?

Protective Security Officers (PSOs) often work in environments where they need to handle sensitive information that could impact national security or involve the safety of federal property and personnel. The requirement for access to sensitive information signifies that PSOs must be able to understand and manage data that, if disclosed improperly, could pose a risk. This type of security clearance ensures that they are vetted for reliability, trustworthiness, and loyalty to the United States.

Other options presented do not align with the typical requirements for a PSO. Security clearance for financial records is more specific to roles that handle financial data and does not encompass the broader range of sensitive information that PSOs might encounter. Clearance for international travel is unrelated to the core responsibilities of PSOs, as their focus is on security rather than travel logistics. Similarly, certification for physical combat speaks more to training in physical defense rather than the need for background checks and secure handling of confidential or sensitive information, which is critical for maintaining security integrity in their role.