Final answer:
A cleared individual is granted access to classified information at the same level or lower as the facility clearance. This protocol ensures security by restricting information access only to authorized personnel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is referencing security clearances within organizations that handle sensitive or classified information. An individual who is 'cleared' has been granted permission to access certain levels of classified information. Depending on the specifics of the security protocols in place, a cleared individual can only have access at the same level or lower as the facility clearance. This ensures that only authorized personnel have access to information at their approved clearance level, thus maintaining security and preventing unauthorized dissemination of sensitive information.