Cyber AB CMMC-CCP - Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) Exam

Understanding C3PAO RequirementsACertified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO)is an entityauthorized by the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB)to conductCMMC Level 2 Assessmentsfor organizations handlingControlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Key Requirements for a C3PAO to Conduct Assessments:✔Must be authorized by CMMC-AB before conducting assessments.

✔Must meet CMMC-AB and DoD cybersecurity and process requirements.

✔Must comply with ISO/IEC 17020 standards for inspection bodies.

✔Must undergo a rigorous vetting process, including cybersecurity verification.

A. An authorized C3PAO must meet some DoD and all ISO/IEC 17020 requirements → Incorrect

C3PAOs must comply with CMMC-AB authorization requirementsbefore performing assessments.

While they must align withISO/IEC 17020, they donotnecessarily meet all requirements upfront.

B. An accredited C3PAO must meet all DoD and some ISO/IEC 17020 requirements → Incorrect

C3PAOs are not accredited by DoD; they areauthorized by CMMC-ABto perform assessments.

Accreditation follows full compliance with CMMC-AB and ISO/IEC 17020 requirements.

C. A C3PAO must be accredited by DoD before being able to conduct assessments → Incorrect

The DoD does not directly accredit C3PAOs—CMMC-AB is responsible forauthorization and oversight.

D. A C3PAO must be authorized by CMMC-AB before being able to conduct assessments → Correct

CMMC-AB grants authorization to C3PAOs, allowing them to perform assessmentsonly after meeting specific requirements.

Why is the Correct Answer "D" (A C3PAO must be authorized by CMMC-AB before being able to conduct assessments)?

CMMC-AB Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) Guidelines

States thatC3PAOs must receive CMMC-AB authorization before conducting assessments.

CMMC 2.0 Assessment Process (CAP) Document

Specifies that onlyC3PAOs authorized by CMMC-AB can conduct official CMMC assessments.

ISO/IEC 17020 Compliance for C3PAOs

Defines theinspection body requirements for C3PAOs, which must be met for accreditation.

CMMC 2.0 References Supporting This Answer:

Understanding Training Requirements in CMMCThe requirement for ensuring thatpersonnel are trained to carry out their assigned information security-related duties and responsibilitiesfirst appears inCMMC Level 2as part ofNIST SP 800-171 control AT.L2-3.2.1.

Key Details on the Training Requirement:✔AT.L2-3.2.1: "Ensure that personnel are trained to carry out their assigned information security-related duties and responsibilities."

✔This control is derived fromNIST SP 800-171and applies toCMMC Level 2 (Advanced).

✔It ensures that employees handlingControlled Unclassified Information (CUI)understand theircybersecurity responsibilities.

A. Level 1 → Incorrect

CMMC Level 1 does not include this training requirement.Level 1 focuses on basic safeguarding ofFederal Contract Information (FCI)but doesnot require formal cybersecurity training.

B. Level 2 → Correct

The training requirement (AT.L2-3.2.1) first appears in CMMC Level 2, which aligns withNIST SP 800-171.

C. Level 3 → Incorrect

The training requirementalready exists in Level 2. Level 3 builds on Level 2 with additionalrisk management and advanced cybersecurity controls, but training is introduced at Level 2.

D. All levels → Incorrect

CMMC Level 1 does not include this requirement—it is first introduced in Level 2.

Why is the Correct Answer "B. Level 2"?

NIST SP 800-171 (Requirement 3.2.1)

Defines themandatory training requirementfor personnel handling CUI.

CMMC Assessment Guide for Level 2

ListsAT.L2-3.2.1as a required practice under Level 2.

CMMC 2.0 Model Overview

Confirms thatCMMC Level 2 aligns with NIST SP 800-171, which includes security training requirements.

CMMC 2.0 References Supporting This Answer:

Understanding the Role of an FCI Asset in CMMCAdedicated local printer used to print Federal Contract Information (FCI)is considered anFCI Asset. UnderCMMC Level 1, FCI assets are required to meetbasic cybersecurity controlsto ensure that FCI is properlyprotected from unauthorized access.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:✅1. Why "Process" is the Best Answer

The printerreceives digital FCI, converts it into a physical format (paper), and outputs the document.

This aligns with thedefinition of "processing" in CMMC, which includes:

Transforming or modifying data

Generating output (e.g., printed documents)

Using systems to interpret or manipulate information

✅2. Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:

(A) Encrypt❌

Aprinter does not encryptFCI—it simply prints it. Encryption applies todigital storage and transmission, not printing.

(B) Manage❌

Managing FCI typically refers togovernance, access control, and oversight, which is not the function of a printer.

(D) Distribute❌

While a printed documentcould be distributed, theprinter itself is not responsible for distributing FCI—it only processes the data for output.

CMMC Assessment Guide (Level 1)confirms thatprocessing FCI includes using systems that convert or transform information, such as printers.

NIST SP 800-171definesprocessingas an action thatchanges or manipulates information, which applies to printing.

Final Validation from CMMC Documentation:

Who Determines the Assessment Method for Each Practice?In aCMMC Level 2 Assessment, theLead Assessorhas thefinal authorityin determining theassessment methodused to evaluate each practice.

Key Responsibilities of the Lead Assessor✅Ensures theCMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guideis followed.

✅Determines whether a practice is evaluated usinginterviews, demonstrations, or document reviews.

✅Directs theCertified CMMC Professionals (CCPs)and other assessors on themethodologyfor gathering evidence.

✅Works under aCertified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO)to ensure proper assessment execution.

CCP (Option A) assists in the assessment but does not make final decisionson methods.

OSC (Option B) is the Organization Seeking Certification, and they do not control assessment methodology.

Site Manager (Option C) may coordinate logistics but has no authority over assessment decisions.

Why "Lead Assessor" is Correct?Breakdown of Answer ChoicesOption

Description

Correct?

A. CCP

❌Incorrect–A CCPassistsbut doesnot determine assessment methods.

B. OSC

❌Incorrect–The OSC is beingassessedand does not decide assessment methods.

C. Site Manager

❌Incorrect–The Site Manager handles logistics butdoes not control assessment methods.

D. Lead Assessor

✅Correct – The Lead Assessor has the final say on the assessment method used.

CMMC Assessment Process Guide (CAP)– Defines theLead Assessor’s rolein determining assessment methods.

Official References from CMMC 2.0 DocumentationFinal Verification and ConclusionThe correct answer isD. Lead Assessor, as they havefinal decision-making authority over the assessment methodology.

Understanding IA.L2-3.5.3: Multifactor Authentication (MFA) RequirementTheIA.L2-3.5.3practice, derived fromNIST SP 800-171 (Requirement 3.5.3), requires thatmultifactor authentication (MFA) be implemented for both privileged and standard userswhen accessing:

✔Organizational endpoints(e.g., laptops, desktops, mobile devices).

✔Network resources(e.g., VPNs, internal systems).

✔Cloud services containing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Key Requirement for a "MET" RatingFor IA.L2-3.5.3 to beMet, the organization must:

Require MFA for all privileged users(e.g., system administrators).

Require MFA for standard users accessing endpoints and network resources.

Implement MFA across all relevant systems.

Sincestandard users do not require MFA in the OSC’s current implementation, the practiceis not fully implementedand must be ratedNOT MET.

A. The process is running correctly → Incorrect

MFA isonly applied to privileged users, but it isalso required for standard users. The process isnot fully implemented.

B. It is out of scope as this is a new acquisition → Incorrect

New acquisitionsmust still meet MFA requirementsif they handle CUI or network access.

C. The new acquisition is considered Specialized Assets → Incorrect

Specialized assets (e.g., IoT, legacy systems) may have alternative security controls, but standard users and endpointsmust still comply with MFA.

D. Practice is NOT MET since the objective was not implemented → Correct

MFA must be enabled for both privileged and standard usersaccessing endpoints and network resources. Since standard users are excluded, the practice isNOT MET.

Why is the Correct Answer "D" (Practice is NOT MET since the objective was not implemented)?

CMMC 2.0 Level 2 (Advanced) Requirements

Specifies thatMFA must be applied to all users accessing CUI and network resources.

NIST SP 800-171 (Requirement 3.5.3 – MFA Implementation)

Requires MFA forall user types, including privileged and standard users.

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document

States that a practicemust be fully implemented to be considered MET. Partial implementation meansNOT MET.

CMMC 2.0 References Supporting This Answer:

Understanding the CMMC Level 2 Final Report RequirementsFor aCMMC Level 2 Assessment, theFinal CMMC Assessment Results Reportmust include:

Assessment findings for each practice

Final ratings (MET or NOT MET) for each practice

A detailed rationale for each practice rated as NOT MET

The CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guidestates that if a practice is markedNOT MET, theassessors must provide a rationale explaining why it failed.

This rationale helps theOSC understand what needs remediationand, if applicable, whether the deficiency can be addressed via aPlan of Action & Milestones (POA&M).

TheFinal Report serves as an official recordand must be submitted as part of theresults package.

A. Affirmation for each practice or control (Incorrect)

While the report includes aMET/NOT MET ratingfor each practice,affirmation is not a required component.

C. Suggested improvements for each failed practice (Incorrect)

Assessors do not provide recommendations for improvement—they only document findings and rationale.

Providing suggestions would create aconflict of interestperCMMC-AB Code of Professional Conduct.

D. Gaps or deltas due to any reciprocity model are recorded as met (Incorrect)

If an organization isleveraging reciprocity (e.g., FedRAMP, Joint Surveillance Voluntary Assessments), gapsmust still be documented—not automatically marked as "MET."

The correct answer isB. Documented rationale for each failed practice, as this is amandatory requirement in the Final CMMC Assessment Results Report.

This question pertains to theminimum evidence requirementsneeded by a CMMCAssessment Teamto score a practice asMETduring aLevel 2 Assessment.

The CMMC Level 2 assessment must align withNIST SP 800-171and follow the procedures outlined in theCMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guide v1.0, particularly aroundevidence collection and scoring methodology.

✅Step 1: Refer to the CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guide v1.0CAP v1.0 – Section 3.5.4: Evaluate Evidence and Score Practices“To assign a MET determination, the Assessment Team must collect and corroborate at least two types of objective evidence: either through examination of artifacts, interviews (affirmation), or testing (demonstration).”

This meansat least two typesof the following evidence are required:

Examine(documentation/artifacts),

Interview(affirmation from personnel),

Test(demonstration of implementation).

✅Step 2: Clarify the Official Minimum Standard for a Practice to be Scored METThe CAP explicitly states:

“A practice can only be scored MET when a minimum oftwo types of evidencefrom the E-I-T (Examine, Interview, Test) triad are successfully collected and evaluated.”

Theevidence types must come from two different categories, for example:

An artifact(Examine)+ an interview affirmation(Interview),

A demonstration(Test)+ an interview(Interview),

Etc.

This cross-validation ensures that the control isimplemented, documented, and understoodby personnel — a core principle in assessing effective cybersecurity implementation.

❌Why the Other Options Are IncorrectA. All three types of evidence are documented for every control✘Incorrect:While collecting all three types (E-I-T) strengthens the assessment, theminimum requirementis onlytwo. Collecting all three isnot requiredfor a practice to be scoredMET.

B. Examine and accept evidence from one of the three evidence types✘Incorrect:This fails to meet theminimum two-evidence-type requirementset by the CAP. Single-source evidence is not sufficient to score a practice as MET.

C. Complete one of the following; examine two artifacts, observe one demonstration, or receive one affirmation✘Incorrect:Even if two artifacts are examined,this is still only one type of evidence(Examine). The CAP requires twotypes— not two instances of the same type.

✅Why D is CorrectD. Complete two of the following: examine one artifact, either observe a satisfactory demonstration of one control or receive one affirmation from the OSC personnel.

✔ This directly reflects theCAP’s requirement for collecting two different types of objective evidenceto determine a practice is MET.

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front):To score a CMMC Level 2 practice asMET, the Assessment Team must collecta minimum of two distinct types of evidence— from theExamine, Interview, Test (E-I-T)categories. This requirement is clearly stated in the CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) v1.0.

What Does "CUI//SP-PRVCY//FED Only" Mean?

The email containsControlled Unclassified Information (CUI)withspecific categories and dissemination controls.

CUI//SP-PRVCY//FED Onlybreaks down as follows:

CUI→ Controlled Unclassified Information designation.

SP-PRVCY→Specifiedcategory forPrivacy Information(SP stands for "Specified").

FED Only→ Restriction forFederal Government use only(not for contractors or the public).

Who Maintains the Official CUI Registry?

TheNational Archives and Records Administration (NARA) oversees the CUI Programand maintains the officialCUI Registry(https://www.archives.gov/cui).

The CUI Registry providesdefinitions, marking guidance, and categoriesfor all CUI labels, including "SP-PRVCY" and dissemination controls like "FED Only."

Why NARA is the Correct Answer:

NARA is the governing body responsible for defining and managing CUI markings.

Any organization handling CUI shouldrefer to the NARA CUI Registryfor official marking interpretations.

DoD contractors and other organizationsmust comply with NARA guidelines when handling, marking, and disseminating CUI.

B. CMMC-AB– TheCMMC Accreditation Bodymanages certification assessments butdoes not define or interpret CUI markings.

C. DoD Contractors FAQ Page– The DoD may provide general contractor guidance, butCUI markings are governed by NARA, not an FAQ page.

D. DoD 239.7601 Definitions Page– This refers to generalDoD acquisition definitions, butCUI categories and markings fall under NARA’s authority.

Last Step in Developing an Assessment Plan for an OSCDeveloping anassessment planinvolves:

Defining the assessment scope(e.g., systems, networks, locations).

Planning test activities(e.g., interviews, evidence review, technical testing).

Verifying the OSC’s readiness(e.g., ensuring required documents are available).

Updating the assessment plan and schedule as needed.

Final Step: Obtaining and recording the OSC’s commitment to the assessment plan.

Why is obtaining commitment the last step?✔Theassessment cannot proceed unless the OSC agrees to the finalized plan.

✔This ensuresOSC leadership understands the scope, timeline, and responsibilities.

✔TheC3PAO must document this commitmentto formalize the agreement.

A. Verify the readiness to conduct the assessment → Incorrect

Readiness verification happens earlierin the planning process, not as the last step.

B. Perform certification assessment readiness review → Incorrect

Areadiness review is conducted before finalizing the plan, not at the very end.

C. Update the assessment plan and schedule as needed → Incorrect

Updating the plan happens before commitment is obtained; it is not the final step.

D. Obtain and record commitment to the assessment plan → Correct

This is the final step before conducting the assessment. The OSC must formally agree to the plan.

Why is the Correct Answer "D. Obtain and record commitment to the assessment plan"?

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document

States that theOSC must confirm agreement to the assessment plan before execution.

CMMC-AB Guidelines for C3PAOs

Specifies thatfinalizing the assessment plan requires documented commitment from the OSC.

CMMC Assessment Guide

Outlines thatassessments cannot begin without formal approval of the plan.

CMMC 2.0 References Supporting This Answer:

Final Answer:✔D. Obtain and record commitment to the assessment plan.

When a company usesthird-party IT providersto manage their infrastructure, these organizations are classified asExternal Service Providers (ESPs)underCMMC scoping guidelines.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:✅1. What is an ESP?

External Service Providers (ESPs)arethird-party organizationsthat:

ProvideIT services, cloud hosting, and managed security solutions.

Process, store, or transmit FCI or CUIon behalf of a contractor.

Mustmeet the same security requirementsas the OSC if they handle FCI or CUI.

If a company relies ona hosting provider to manage IT infrastructure, that provider is anESPunderCMMC scoping guidelines.

✅2. Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:

(B) People❌

Incorrect:ESPs areorganizations, not individual people.

(C) Facilities❌

Incorrect:Facilities refer tophysical locationslike office buildings or data centers, not third-partyservice providers.

(D) Technology❌

Incorrect:While ESPs provide technology services, the correct term forthird-party IT providersunder CMMC isESPs, not just "Technology."

TheCMMC Level 1 Scoping GuidedefinesExternal Service Providers (ESPs)asthird-party organizations that manage IT infrastructure and security services.

Final Validation from CMMC Documentation:Thus, the correct answer is:

✅A. ESPs (External Service Providers).