Documents exempted from automatic declassification need to have the proper marking plus a brief reference to the pertinent exemption category per EO 13526.

Documents exempted from automatic declassification need to have the proper marking plus a brief reference to the pertinent exemption category per EO 13526.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

When a document is not automatically declassified, it must still be clearly marked with the reason for withholding and reference the specific exemption that applies, in line with EO 13526. This marking and the brief exemption reference make the basis for continued protection explicit, so future reviewers know exactly which exemption was invoked and can reassess the document appropriately. It also helps prevent inadvertent release by keeping the exemption context visible. In short, proper marking plus an exemption reference is required, so the statement is correct.

When a document is not automatically declassified, it must still be clearly marked with the reason for withholding and reference the specific exemption that applies, in line with EO 13526. This marking and the brief exemption reference make the basis for continued protection explicit, so future reviewers know exactly which exemption was invoked and can reassess the document appropriately. It also helps prevent inadvertent release by keeping the exemption context visible. In short, proper marking plus an exemption reference is required, so the statement is correct.