True or False? A working paper must be marked the same as a finished document when transmitted outside the facility or retained for more than 180 days from the date of creation.

True or False? A working paper must be marked the same as a finished document when transmitted outside the facility or retained for more than 180 days from the date of creation.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for SECRET
• D. Only for CONFIDENTIAL

Answer: (A)

Marking is tied to how the information is protected, not to the document’s stage. A working paper contains the same sensitive material as the finished product, so when it’s transmitted outside the facility or kept for more than 180 days from creation, it must bear the same classification and handling markings as the final document. This ensures anyone who handles it understands the required safeguards and prevents exposure due to treating a draft as less sensitive. The 180-day retention point acts as a practical trigger to maintain consistent protection for long-term storage or external transmission.

Marking is tied to how the information is protected, not to the document’s stage. A working paper contains the same sensitive material as the finished product, so when it’s transmitted outside the facility or kept for more than 180 days from creation, it must bear the same classification and handling markings as the final document. This ensures anyone who handles it understands the required safeguards and prevents exposure due to treating a draft as less sensitive. The 180-day retention point acts as a practical trigger to maintain consistent protection for long-term storage or external transmission.