The Assessment Team has completed Phase 2 of the Assessment Process. In conducting Phase 3 of the Assessment Process, the Assessment Team is reviewing evidence to address Limited Practice Deficiency Corrections. How should the team score practices in which the evidence shows the deficiencies have been corrected?
Answer : A
Understanding the CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) PhasesTheCMMC Assessment Process (CAP)consists ofthree primary phases:
Phase 1 - Planning(Pre-assessment activities)
Phase 2 - Conducting the Assessment(Evidence collection and analysis)
Phase 3 - Reporting and Finalizing Results
DuringPhase 3, the Assessment Teamreviews evidenceto confirm if anyLimited Practice Deficiency Correctionshave been successfully implemented.
Scoring Practices in Phase 3The CAP document specifies that a practice can bescored as METif:
The deficiency identified in Phase 2 has been fully corrected before final scoring.
Sufficient evidence is provided to demonstrate compliance with the CMMC requirement.
The correction is notmerely plannedbutfully implemented and validatedby the assessors.
Since the evidence shows thatdeficiencies have been corrected, the correct score isMET.
B . POA&M (Plan of Action & Milestones)Incorrect. APOA&M (Plan of Action and Milestones)is usedonly when a deficiency remains unresolved. Since the deficiency is already corrected, this option does not apply.
C . NOT METIncorrect. A practice is scoredNOT METonly if the deficiency hasnotbeen corrected by the end of the assessment.
D . NOT APPLICABLEIncorrect. A practice is markedNOT APPLICABLE (N/A)only if it doesnot apply to the organization's environment, which is not the case here.
Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect
CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document-- Defines scoring criteria for MET, NOT MET, and POA&M.
CMMC Official ReferenceThus,option A (MET) is the correct answer, as the deficiencies have been corrected before final scoring.
Contractor scoping requirements for a CMMC Level 2 Assessment to document the asset in an inventory, in the SSP and on the network diagram apply to:
Answer : C
UnderCMMC Level 2, contractors are required toidentify, document, and categorize assetsinvolved in handlingControlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This is part of thescoping process, which ensures that all security-relevant assets are properly protected and accounted for in the System Security Plan (SSP), asset inventory, and network diagram.
CMMC Scoping Requirements for Level 2 Assessments:
TheCMMC Scoping Guide(CMMC v2.0) identifies four asset categories:
CUI Assets:Systems that store, process, or transmit CUI.
Security Protection Assets (SPA):Systems providing security functions for CUI Assets (e.g., firewalls, SIEMs).
Contractor Risk Managed Assets (CRMA):Assets that interact with CUI but arenot directly controlledby the organization (e.g., personal devices).
Specialized Assets:These include IoT devices, OT systems, and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) thatmay require specific security controls.
Where Documentation is Required:
The contractor mustdocument all assets (except out-of-scope assets)in:
The System Security Plan (SSP):A key document detailing security controls and asset categorization.
An asset inventory:Lists all in-scope assets (CUI Assets, SPAs, CRMA, and Specialized Assets).
The network diagram:Provides a visual representation of system connectivity and security boundaries.
Why Out-of-Scope Assets Are Excluded:
TheCMMC Scoping Guidespecifically states that Out-of-Scope Assets arenot required to be documentedin these compliance artifacts because they haveno direct or indirect interaction with CUI.
These assets do not require CMMC controls because they are completely isolated from CUI handling environments.
Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:
(A) GUI Assets:There is no specific 'GUI Asset' category in CMMC scoping.
(B) CUI and Security Protection Asset categories:While these are included, this answerexcludesContractor Risk Managed and Specialized Assets, which are also required.
(D) Contractor Risk Managed Assets and Specialized Assets:These assetsare included in scopingbut this answer excludes CUI Assets and Security Protection Assets, making it incomplete.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:Final Validation from CMMC Documentation:According to theCMMC Assessment Scope Level 2 Guide, allin-scope assetsmust be documented in the SSP, inventory, and network diagram.The only assets excluded are Out-of-Scope Assets.
Thus, the correct answer is:
C . All asset categories except for the Out-of-Scope Assets.
A C3PAO is near completion of a Level 2 Assessment for an OSC. The CMMC Findings Brief and CMMC Assessment Results documents have been developed. The Final Recommended Assessment Results are being generated. When generating these results, what MUST be included?
Answer : D
AC3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization)is responsible for conductingCMMC Level 2 assessments.
After completing theassessment, theC3PAO generates the Final Recommended Assessment Results, which include key documentation reviewed by theCMMC Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP)for quality control.
CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guide
Step 2: Role of the CMMC Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP)TheCQAPis responsible for reviewing assessment documentation to ensure it aligns withCMMC requirements and DoD expectations.
Before finalizing the assessment results, theC3PAO must include documentation for CQAP reviewto maintain compliance.
Step 3: Why Other Answer Choices Are IncorrectA. An updated Assessment Plan (Incorrect):
TheAssessment Planis developedbeforethe assessment begins, not during the final recommended results phase.
B . Recorded and final updated Daily Checkpoint (Incorrect):
Daily Checkpointsare internal tracking tools usedduringassessments, but they are not mandatory for final results.
C . Fully executed CMMC Assessment contract between the C3PAO and the OSC (Incorrect):
While acontract is requiredfor the assessment, it isnot part of the Final Recommended Assessment Results.
Final Confirmation of Correct Answer:Review documentation for the CMMC Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) must be included in the Final Recommended Assessment Results.
Thus, the correct answer is:D. Review documentation for the CMMC Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP)
What is objectivity as it applies to activities with the CMMC-AB?
Answer : C
nderstanding Objectivity in CMMC-AB ActivitiesObjectivityin CMMC-AB activities refers to therequirement that assessors and C3PAOs remain impartial, unbiased, and free from conflicts of interestwhile conducting assessments and providing CMMC-related services.
Key Aspects of Objectivity in CMMC Assessments:No conflicts of interest---Assessors must not assess organizations they havefinancial, professional, or personal ties to.
Unbiased reporting---Findings must bebased solely on evidence, with no external influence.
Avoiding even the appearance of a conflict---If there isany perception of bias, it must be addressed.
A . Ensuring full disclosure Incorrect
Full disclosure is importantbut doesnot define objectivity. Objectivity meansremaining neutral and free from conflicts.
B . Reporting results of CMMC services completely Incorrect
Whileaccurate reporting is required,objectivity focuses on impartiality, not just completeness.
C . Avoiding the appearance of or actual, conflicts of interest Correct
Objectivity in CMMC-AB activities is primarily about preventing bias and ensuring fair assessments.
Avoiding conflicts of interest ensures thatassessments are credible and trustworthy.
D . Demonstrating integrity in the use of materials as described in policy Incorrect
Integrity is important, butobjectivity is specifically about avoiding bias and conflicts of interest.
Why is the Correct Answer 'C. Avoiding the appearance of or actual, conflicts of interest'?
CMMC-AB Code of Professional Conduct
Requiresassessors and C3PAOs to avoid conflicts of interestand maintainimpartiality.
CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document
Emphasizes that assessments must befree from external influence and conflicts of interest.
ISO/IEC 17020 Requirements for Inspection Bodies
Definesobjectivity as avoiding conflicts of interest in the assessment process.
CMMC 2.0 Reference Supporting This Answer:
While developing an assessment plan for an OSC. it is discovered that the certified assessor will be interviewing a former college roommate. What is the MOST correct action to take?
Answer : D
TheCybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Assessment Process (CAP)outlines strict guidelines regardingconflicts of interest (COI)to ensure the integrity and impartiality of assessments conducted byCertified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs)andCertified Assessors (CAs).
The scenario presented involves apotential conflict of interestdue to a prior relationship (former college roommate) between thecertified assessorand an individual at theOrganization Seeking Certification (OSC). While this prior relationship does not automatically disqualify the assessor, it must bedisclosed, documented, and mitigated appropriately.
Inform the OSC and C3PAO of the Potential Conflict of Interest
TheCMMC Code of Professional Conduct (CoPC)requires assessors to disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
Transparency ensures that all parties, including theOSC and C3PAO, are aware of the situation.
Document the Conflict and Mitigation Actions in the Assessment Plan
PerCMMC CAP documentation, potential conflicts should be assessed based on their material impact on the objectivity of the assessment.
The conflict and proposed mitigation strategies must beformally recorded in the assessment planto provide an audit trail.
Determine If the Mitigation Actions Are Acceptable
If theOSC and C3PAOdetermine that the mitigation actions adequatelyeliminate or reduce the risk of bias, the assessment may proceed.
Common mitigation strategies include:
Assigning another assessor forinterviews with the conflicted individual.
Ensuring thatdecisions regarding the OSC's compliance are reviewed independently.
Proceed with the Assessment If Mitigation Is Acceptable
If the mitigation actions sufficiently address the conflict, the assessment may continue understrict adherence to documented procedures.
CMMC Conflict of Interest Handling Process
A . Do not inform the OSC and the C3PAO of the possible conflict of interest, and continue as planned.Incorrect. This violates CMMC's integrity requirements and could result indisciplinary actions against the assessor or invalidation of the assessment. Transparency is mandatory.
B . Inform the OSC and the C3PAO of the possible conflict of interest, and start the entire process over without the conflicted team member.Incorrect. The CAP doesnotmandate immediate reassignment unless the conflict isunresolvable. Instead, mitigation strategies should be considered first.
C . Inform the OSC and the C3PAO of the possible conflict of interest but since it has been an acceptable amount of time since college, no conflict of interest exists, and continue as planned.Incorrect.The passage of time alone does not automatically eliminate a conflict of interest. Proper documentation and mitigation are still required.
Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect
CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document-- Defines COI requirements and mitigation actions.
CMMC Code of Professional Conduct (CoPC)-- Outlines ethical responsibilities of assessors.
CMMC Accreditation Body (Cyber-AB) Guidance-- Provides rules on conflict resolution.
CMMC Official ReferenceThus,option D is the most correct choice, as it aligns with the official CMMC conflict of interest procedures.
Prior to initiating an OSC's CMMC Assessment, the Lead Assessor briefed the team on the most important requirements of the assessment. The assessor also insisted that the same results of the findings summary, practice ratings, and Level recommendations must be submitted to the C3PAO for initial processes and review. After several weeks of assessment, the C3PAO completes the internal review, the recommended results are then submitted through the C3PAO for final quality review and rating approval. Which document stipulates these reporting requirements?
Answer : A
The correct answer isA. CMMC Assessment Reporting Requirementsbecause this document specifically outlines thestructured processthat Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) must follow when conducting and reporting CMMC assessments.
Understanding the CMMC Assessment Process
TheLead Assessorbriefs the team on theassessment requirementsand theevaluation criteriabefore the assessment begins.
Throughout the assessment,findings summaries, practice ratings, and level recommendationsare documented and reported.
These findings are internally reviewed by theC3PAObefore they are formally submitted forquality review and final rating approval.
Key Document Stipulating Reporting Requirements: CMMC Assessment Reporting Requirements
This documentspecifically details how assessments must be reportedwithin theCMMC ecosystem.
It describes the structured process for assessment submission, internalC3PAO reviews, andquality checks by the CMMC-ABbefore an organization can receive a final certification decision.
It ensures thatresults are consistent, transparent, and aligned with DoD cybersecurity compliance expectations.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
B . DFARS 52.204-21 Assessment Reporting Requirements
This clause only specifiesbasic safeguardingof Federal Contract Information (FCI) but doesnotdictate the reporting process for CMMC assessments.
C . NIST SP 800-171 Revision 2 Assessment Reporting Requirements
WhileNIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2outlines security controls, it doesnotdefine how CMMC assessments must be conducted and reported.
D . DFARS Clause 252.204-7012 Assessment Reporting Requirements
This DFARS clause focuses onincident reportingandcyber incident response requirementsbut does not detail theCMMC assessment reporting process.
CMMC Assessment Reporting Requirements, issued byThe Cyber ABandDoD, governs how C3PAOs must report assessment results.
CMMC Assessment Process (CAP)also outlines reporting workflows for certification.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:Official Reference:Thus, theCMMC Assessment Reporting Requirementsdocument is the authoritative source that dictates the reporting procedures for CMMC assessments.
A Level 2 Assessment of an OSC is winding down and the final results are being prepared to present to the OSC. When should the final results be delivered to the OSC?
Answer : C
Understanding the Reporting Process in a CMMC 2.0 Level 2 AssessmentACMMC Level 2 Assessmentconducted by aCertified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO)follows a structured approach to gathering evidence, evaluating compliance, and reporting findings to theOrganization Seeking Certification (OSC). The reporting process is outlined in theCMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guide, which specifies how findings should be communicated.
Daily Checkpoints:
Throughout the assessment, the assessor team holdsdaily checkpoint meetingswith the OSC to provide updates on progress, observations, and preliminary findings.
These checkpoints help ensure transparency and allow the OSC to address minor issues as they arise.
Final Results Delivery:
Thefinal assessment resultsare typically shared during thefinal daily checkpointOR in aseparately scheduled findings and recommendations reviewmeeting.
This ensures that the OSC receives a structured and complete summary of the assessment findings before the official report is submitted.
TheCMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guide, Section 4.5clearly states that assessment findings should be presentedeither at the last daily checkpoint or during a separately scheduled final review.
This aligns with best practices formaintaining transparency and ensuring the OSC has clarity on their assessment resultsbefore the final report submission.
Option A (End of every day)is incorrect because while assessors do provide updates, they do not deliver the 'final results' daily.
Option B (Daily and a separate final review)is misleading, as the CAP Guide allows assessors tochoosebetween the final daily checkpoint OR a separate findings review---not both.
Option D (After C3PAO approval)is incorrect because theC3PAO does not approve findings before they are communicated to the OSC. The assessment team directly presents the results first.
CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guide, Section 4.5: Reporting and Findings Communication
CMMC 2.0 Level 2 Assessment Process Overview
CMMC Assessment Final Report Guidelines
Assessment Communication StructureWhy Option C is CorrectOfficial CMMC Documentation ReferenceFinal VerificationBased on officialCMMC 2.0 documentation, thefinal assessment results should be presented to the OSC either at the last daily checkpoint or in a separately scheduled review session, making Option C the correct answer.