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

Understanding the Final Review Process in a CMMC AssessmentDuring aCMMC Level 2 Assessment, theAssessment Teamand theOrganization Seeking Certification (OSC)holddaily checkpoint meetingsto discuss progress, review evidence, and ensure transparency.

At theend of the assessment, afinal review meetingis conducted, during which theLead Assessor presents the results. Therecorded Daily Checkpoint logserves as theofficial document summarizing:

Theattendee list

Time, date, and locationof the final review

Final MET or NOT MET ratingsfor all practices

Discussion points, resulting actions, and due datesfor both the OSC and Assessment Team

TheCMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guidespecifies that all assessment findings and discussions must bedocumented throughout the assessment in daily checkpoint logs.

TheFinal and Recorded Daily Checkpoint Logincludes all necessary details, such as attendee lists, discussion topics, and action items.

This document isused to ensure all discussed topics and agreed-upon actions are properly tracked and recordedbefore submission.

A. Final log report (Incorrect)

There isno specific "Final Log Report"required in CMMC assessments.

B. Final CMMC report (Incorrect)

TheFinal CMMC Reportdocuments the overall assessment results butdoes not serve as the official meeting logfor the final review discussion.

C. Final and recorded OSC CMMC report (Incorrect)

This documentdoes not include detailed discussion points from the daily checkpoint meetings.

The correct answer isD. Final and recorded Daily Checkpoint log, as this is the official document that captures thefinal meeting details, discussions, and action items.

In the context of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, achieving Level 2 compliance requires an Organization Seeking Certification (OSC) to implement all 110 security practices outlined in NIST SP 800-171 Revision 2. The CMMC framework allows for a limited use of Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) to address certain deficiencies; however, this is contingent upon meeting specific criteria.

According to the final CMMC rule, to obtain a Conditional Level 2 status, an OSC must achieve a minimum score of 88 out of 110 points during the assessment. This scoring system assigns weighted values to each of the 110 security requirements, with some controls deemed critical and others non-critical. The POA&M mechanism permits OSCs to temporarily address non-critical deficiencies, provided the minimum score threshold is met. Critical controls, however, must be fully implemented at the time of assessment; they cannot be deferred and included in a POA&M.

MWE

In the scenario where 15 practices are NOT MET, the OSC's score would fall below the required 88-point threshold, rendering the organization ineligible for Conditional Level 2 status. Consequently, the OSC would not have the option to remediate these deficiencies through a POA&M. Instead, the organization must fully implement and rectify all NOT MET practices before undergoing a subsequent assessment to achieve the necessary compliance level.

This policy ensures that organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) have adequately addressed all critical and non-critical security requirements, thereby maintaining the integrity and security of sensitive information within the Defense Industrial Base.

For detailed guidance on assessment criteria and the use of POA&Ms, refer to the CMMC Assessment Guide – Level 2 and the official CMMC documentation provided by the Department of Defense.

Who Verifies the Adequacy and Sufficiency of Evidence?In the CMMC assessment process, it is theAssessment Teamthat is responsible for verifying whether thepractices and related componentshave been met for each in-scopeHost Unit, Supporting Organization/Unit, or enclave.

TheCMMC Assessment Teamis composed of certified assessors and led by aCertified CMMC Assessor (CCA). Their primary role is to:

Review evidenceprovided by theOrganization Seeking Certification (OSC).

Determine compliancewith required CMMC practices and processes.

Evaluate the sufficiencyof evidence to confirm that all required practices have been properly implemented.

Document and report findingsto the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB).

Breakdown of Answer ChoicesOption

Description

Correct?

A. OSC (Organization Seeking Certification)

The OSC provides documentation and evidence but doesnotverify its adequacy.

❌Incorrect

B. Assessment Team

✅Responsible for verifying the adequacy and sufficiency of evidence.

✅Correct

C. Authorizing Official

Typically refers to an official responsible for system accreditation underNIST RMF, not CMMC.

❌Incorrect

D. Assessment Official

Not a defined role in the CMMC framework.

❌Incorrect

TheCMMC Assessment Process Guide(CAP) outlines theAssessment Team'sresponsibility in verifying evidence.

TheCMMC Assessment Teamevaluates whether theorganization's cybersecurity practices meet CMMC requirements.

Official Reference from CMMC 2.0 DocumentationFinal Verification and ConclusionThe correct answer isB. Assessment Team, as per CMMC 2.0 documentation and official assessment processes.

What is Required in the CMMC Assessment Kickoff and Opening Briefing?Before starting aCMMC assessment, theLead Assessormust present anopening briefingto ensure that theOrganization Seeking Certification (OSC)understands the assessment process.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:✅1. Overview of the Assessment Process

The Lead Assessormust explain the CMMC assessment methodology, including:

Theassessment objectives and scope

How theassessment team will review security controls

What to expectduring interviews, testing, and document review

This ensurestransparency and alignmentbetween the assessors and the OSC.

✅2. Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:

(A) Gathering Evidence❌

Evidence collection is part of the assessment butnot the primary topic of the opening briefing.

(B) Review of the OSC's SSP❌

While theSSP is a key document, reviewing it is part of the assessment,not the kickoff briefing.

(D) Examination of the artifacts for sufficiency❌

Artifact review happens laterin the assessment process,not during the kickoff.

TheCMMC Assessment Process Guidestates that theopening briefing must include an overview of the assessment process, ensuring the OSC understands the expectations and methodology.

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

✅C. Overview of the assessment process.

Understanding Licensed Training Providers (LTPs) in CMMCALicensed Training Provider (LTP)is an entity that is authorized by theCybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB)todeliver CMMC trainingbased on anapproved curriculum.

Provides CMMC-AB-approved training programsfor individuals seeking CMMC certifications.

Uses an official CMMC curriculumthat aligns with theCMMC Body of Knowledge (BoK)and other CMMC-AB guidance.

Prepares students for CMMC roles, such asCertified CMMC Assessors (CCA) and Certified CMMC Professionals (CCP).

Key Responsibilities of an LTP:

A. Creates DoD-licensed training → Incorrect

TheCMMC-AB, not the DoD, manages LTP licensing. LTPsdo not create new training contentbut mustfollow an approved curriculum.

B. Instructs a curriculum approved by CMMC-AB → Correct

LTPsteacha curriculum that has beenapproved by the CMMC-AB, ensuring consistency in CMMC training.

C. May market itself as a CMMC-AB Licensed Provider for testing → Incorrect

LTPs provide training, not testing. Testing is handled byLicensed Partner Publishers (LPPs)and exam bodies.

D. Delivers training using some CMMC body of knowledge objectives → Incorrect

LTPs mustfully adhereto theCMMC-AB-approved curriculum, not just "some" objectives.

Why is the Correct Answer "Instructs a curriculum approved by CMMC-AB" (B)?

CMMC-AB Licensed Training Provider (LTP) Program Guidelines

Defines LTPs as entities thatdeliver CMMC-AB-approved training programs.

CMMC Body of Knowledge (BoK)

Specifies that training must follow theCMMC-AB-approved curriculumto ensure standardization.

CMMC-AB Training & Certification Framework

Requires LTPs todeliver structured training that meets CMMC-AB guidelines.

CMMC 2.0 References Supporting This Answer:

Final Answer:✔B. Instructs a curriculum approved by CMMC-AB

During aCMMC readiness review, anOrganization Seeking Certification (OSC)may argue that a specificenclave (network segment or system) is out of scopefor assessment. TheLead Assessor is responsible for verifying and approving this request.

Certified CMMC Professional (CCP)

A CCP supports OSCs inpreparing for assessmentsbutdoes not make final scope determinations.

Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO)

The C3PAOoversees the assessmentbut doesnot personally verify scope exclusions—that falls under theLead Assessor’s role.

Lead Assessor (Correct Answer)

TheLead Assessor has the authorityto determine if anenclave is out of scopebased on OSC-provided evidence.

The Lead Assessor followsCMMC Assessment Process (CAP) guidelinesto ensure proper scoping.

Advisory Board

TheCMMC-AB (Advisory Board) does not make scope determinations. It focuses onprogram oversightandcertification processes.

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) v1.0

TheLead Assessor is responsible for confirming the assessment scopeand determining enclave applicability.

CMMC Scoping Guidance for Level 2 Assessments

Requires theLead Assessor to review and approve any enclave exclusionsbefore finalizing the assessment scope.

Roles and Responsibilities in CMMC Assessments:Official References Supporting the Correct Answer:Conclusion:TheLead Assessoris the correct answer because they have the authority to verify scope determinations during the assessment.

✅Correct Answer: C. Lead Assessor

The prime contractor (contractor organization)is responsible for ensuring thatits subcontractorshave the requiredCMMC certification levelbefore engaging them inDoD contracts that involve FCI or CUI.

This requirement is enforced throughflow-down clausesinDFARS 252.204-7021, which mandates that subcontractors handlingCUImeet the necessaryCMMC Level 2 or Level 3 requirements.

Who Has the Final Authority Over Assessment Results?During aCMMC Level 2 assessment, theCertified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO)is responsible for conducting and finalizing the assessment results.

Key Responsibilities of a C3PAO✅Leads the assessmentand ensures it follows the CMMC Assessment Process (CAP).

✅Validates compliancewith CMMC Level 2 requirements based onNIST SP 800-171controls.

✅Finalizes the assessment resultsand submits them to theCMMC-ABand theDoD.

✅Handles disagreementsfrom the OSC but hasfinal decision-making authorityon results.

The C3PAO has final authority over the assessment resultsafter considering all evidence and findings.

TheCMMC-AB (Option B) does not finalize assessments—it accredits C3PAOs and manages the certification ecosystem.

TheAssessment Team (Option C) supports the C3PAO but does not have final decision authority.

TheAssessment Sponsor (Option D) is a representative from the OSC and does not control the results.

Why "C3PAO" is Correct?Breakdown of Answer ChoicesOption

Description

Correct?

A. C3PAO

✅Correct – C3PAOs finalize and submit assessment results.

B. CMMC-AB

❌Incorrect–The CMMC-AB accredits C3PAOs but doesnot finalize results.

C. Assessment Team

❌Incorrect–They conduct the assessment, but the C3PAO makes final decisions.

D. Assessment Sponsor

❌Incorrect–This is arepresentative of the OSC, not the assessment authority.

CMMC Assessment Process Guide (CAP)– DefinesC3PAO authorityover final assessment results.

Official References from CMMC 2.0 DocumentationFinal Verification and ConclusionThe correct answer isA. C3PAO, as theC3PAO has final decision-making authority over CMMC assessment results.

Understanding CMMC Assessment ProceduresACMMC assessment procedureconsists of:

Assessment Objective– Defines what is being evaluated and the expected outcome.

Assessment Methods– Specifies how the evaluation is conducted (e.g.,examination, interviews, testing).

Assessment Objects– Identifies what is being evaluated, such as policies, systems, or people.

Assessment Objectivesincludedetermination statementsthat describe the expected outcome for each CMMC security practice.

These statements define whether a practice has beenadequately implementedbased ondocumented evidence and assessment findings.

TheCMMC Assessment Process (CAP) GuideandNIST SP 800-171Aspecify that each practice has a determination statement guiding assessment decisions.

A. Specifications and mechanisms→Incorrect

These belong toassessment objects, which refer to the systems, policies, and mechanisms being evaluated.

B. Examination, interviews, and testing→Incorrect

These areassessment methods, which describe how assessorsverifycompliance (e.g., through interviews or testing).

D. Exercising assessment objects under specified conditions→Incorrect

This refers toassessment testing, which is a method, not an assessment objective.

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guide– Describes determination statements as the core of assessment objectives.

NIST SP 800-171A– Defines determination statements as a key element of evaluating security controls.

Why the Correct Answer is "C"?Why Not the Other Options?Relevant CMMC 2.0 References:Final Justification:Since anassessment objectiveincludes adetermination statementthat describes whether a practice is implemented properly, the correct answer isC.