Retention periods are figured in calendar years from the date of the records' creation.

• A. From the date the record was last used
• B. In calendar years from the date of creation
• C. From the date the record was approved for destruction
• D. From the date the record was moved to archives

Answer: (B)

Retention periods are measured in calendar years starting from the date the record is created. The clock begins at creation, and you count full calendar years equal to the retention amount, regardless of when the record is used or moved. When the final calendar year ends, the record can be destroyed.

For example, if a record is created in mid-2023 and has a retention of seven calendar years, you count 2023 through 2029 as those seven years, so destruction would occur at the end of 2029. This approach provides a consistent, objective basis for how long records are kept. Destruction dates do not depend on when the record was last accessed, when it was approved for destruction, or when it was moved to archives; those actions do not reset or shorten the retention period.