Pass the Cyber AB CMMC CMMC-CCP Questions and answers with CertsForce

TheCMMC Assessment Guideis the best source for determining the sources of evidence for a given practice because it provides specific guidance on how organizations should implement and demonstrate compliance with CMMC practices. Each CMMC level has its own assessment guide (e.g.,CMMC Assessment Guide – Level 1, Level 2), detailing expected evidence and assessment procedures.

CMMC Assessment Guide (Primary Source for Evidence)

TheCMMC Assessment Guideexplicitly outlines the evidence required to verify compliance with each practice.

It provides detailed instructions on assessment objectives, clarifying what assessors should look for when determining compliance.

The guide breaks down each practice intoassessment objectives, helping organizations prepare appropriate documentation and artifacts.

Other Documents and Why They Are Not the Best Choice:

NIST SP 800-53 (Option A)

WhileNIST SP 800-53provides a comprehensive catalog of security and privacy controls, it does not focus on CMMC-specific evidence requirements.

It serves as a foundational cybersecurity framework but does not define the specific artifacts required for CMMC assessment.

NIST SP 800-53A (Option B)

NIST SP 800-53Aprovides guidance on assessing security controls but is not tailored to the CMMC framework.

It includes general control assessment procedures, but theCMMC Assessment Guideis more precise in defining the evidence needed for CMMC compliance.

CMMC Assessment Scope (Option C)

TheCMMC Assessment Scopedocument outlines which systems, assets, and processes are subject to assessment.

While important for defining boundaries, it does not provide details on specific evidence requirements for each practice.

CMMC Assessment Guide (Level 2) – Section on "Assessment Objectives"

This document details how evidence is collected and evaluated for each CMMC practice.

Example: ForAC.L2-3.1.1 (Access Control – Limit System Access), the guide specifies that assessors should verify documented policies, system configurations, and audit logs.

CMMC Model Overview (Official DoD Documents)

Emphasizes thatCMMC Assessment Guidesare the official reference for determining sources of evidence.

Detailed Justification:References from Official CMMC Documents:Conclusion:TheCMMC Assessment Guideis the most authoritative source for determining the required evidence for a given practice in CMMC assessments. It provides detailed breakdowns of assessment objectives, required artifacts, and verification steps necessary for compliance.

Understanding NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 1 and Media SanitizationTheNIST Special Publication (SP) 800-88 Revision 1, Guidelines for Media Sanitization, provides guidance onsecure disposalof data from various types of storage media to prevent unauthorized access or recovery.

Clear

Useslogical techniquesto remove data from media, making it difficult to recover usingstandard system functions.

Example:Overwriting all datawith binary zeros or ones on a hard drive.

Applies to:Magnetic media, solid-state drives (SSD), and non-volatile memorywhen the media isreused within the same security environment.

Purge

Usesadvanced techniquesto make data recoveryinfeasible, even with forensic tools.

Example:Degaussinga magnetic hard drive orcryptographic erasure(deleting encryption keys).

Applies to:Media that is leaving organizational control or requires a higher level of assurance than "Clear".

Destroy

Physicallydamages the mediaso that data recovery isimpossible.

Example:Shredding, incinerating, pulverizing, or disintegratingstorage devices.

Applies to:Highly sensitive data that must be permanently eliminated.

B. Clear, Redact, Destroy (Incorrect)– "Redact" is a term used for document sanitization,notdata disposal.

C. Clear, Overwrite, Purge (Incorrect)– "Overwrite" is a method within "Clear," but it isnot a top-level categoryin NIST SP 800-88.

D. Clear, Overwrite, Destroy (Incorrect)– "Overwrite" is a sub-method of "Clear," but "Purge" is missing, making this incorrect.

The correct answer isA. Clear, Purge, Destroy, as these are thethree official categoriesof data disposal inNIST SP 800-88 Revision 1.

Understanding the Role of a Registered Provider Organization (RPO)ARegistered Provider Organization (RPO)is an entity recognized by theCMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB)to provideconsulting servicesto organizations seekingCMMC certification.

Key Functions of an RPO✅Consulting servicesto help companies prepare for CMMC assessments.

✅Guidance on security controlsrequired for compliance.

✅Assistance with documentation, policy development, and gap analysis.

✅Preparation for third-party CMMC assessmentsbutdoes not conduct official CMMC assessments(this is the role of a C3PAO).

Consulting servicesare thebroadest and most comprehensivefunction of an RPO.

RPOs do not conduct assessments(eliminating option D).

Training and educationmay be part of consulting but arenot the primary function(eliminating A and B).

Consulting includes training, guidance, documentation assistance, and security readiness, making it themost comprehensive service offered.

Why "Consulting Services" is the Correct Answer?Breakdown of Answer ChoicesOption

Description

Correct?

A. Training services

❌Incorrect–RPOs may provide training, but this isnot their primary function.

B. Education services

❌Incorrect–Similar to training, butnot the most comprehensive service.

C. Consulting services

✅Correct – The core function of an RPO is consulting, which includes various readiness services.

D. Assessment services

❌Incorrect–Only aC3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization)can conductofficial CMMC assessments.

TheCMMC-AB RPO Programdefines an RPO as aconsulting organization that assists companies in preparing for CMMC certificationbutdoes not perform assessments.

Official References from CMMC 2.0 DocumentationFinal Verification and ConclusionThe correct answer isC. Consulting services, asRPOs primarily provide advisory and readiness supportto organizations preparing forCMMC compliance.

Understanding Affirmations in a CMMC AssessmentAffirmations are a type ofevidencecollected during aCMMC assessmentto confirm compliance with required practices. Affirmations are typically collected from:

✅Interviews– Conversations with personnel implementing security practices.

✅Demonstrations– Observing the practice in action.

✅Emails and Messaging– Written communications confirming compliance efforts.

✅Presentations– Documents or briefings explaining security implementations.

✅Screenshots–Visual evidenceof system configurations and security measures.

TheCMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guidestates that assessors may collectaffirmations via various communication methods, including emails, messaging, and presentations.

Screenshotsare an additional valid form ofobjective evidenceto confirm compliance.

Options A and B are incorrectbecause emails and messaging are explicitlyallowedforms of affirmation.

Option C is incompletebecause it does not mention screenshots, which are also considered valid evidence.

Why "Yes, the affirmations collected by the assessor are all appropriate, as are screenshots" is Correct?Breakdown of Answer ChoicesOption

Description

Correct?

A. No, emails are not appropriate affirmations.

❌Incorrect–Emailsarea valid affirmation method.

B. No, messaging is not an appropriate affirmation.

❌Incorrect–Messagingisallowed for collecting affirmations.

C. Yes, the affirmations collected by the assessor are all appropriate.

❌Incorrect–Screenshots should also be considered valid evidence.

D. Yes, the affirmations collected by the assessor are all appropriate, as are screenshots.

✅Correct – Screenshots are also a valid form of affirmation.

CMMC Assessment Process Guide (CAP)– Defines allowable evidence collection methods, including affirmations through written communication.

Official References from CMMC 2.0 DocumentationFinal Verification and ConclusionThe correct answer isD. Yes, the affirmations collected by the assessor are all appropriate, as are screenshots.This aligns withCMMC 2.0 assessment proceduresfor collecting affirmations.

Does a File Cabinet Containing Paper FCI Fall Within CMMC Scope?CMMConly applies to digital systems and assetsthatprocess, store, or transmitFederal Contract Information (FCI)andControlled Unclassified Information (CUI).Physical storage (such as paper documents) is not included in CMMC scoping.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:✅1. CMMC Scope Covers Only Digital Systems and Assets

According to theCMMC Scoping Guide (Level 1),only digital assetsthat handleFCIarein scopefor aLevel 1 Self-Assessment.

Afile cabinetisnot a digital system; therefore, it isnot in scopefor CMMC compliance.

✅2. Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:

(A) In scope, because it is an asset that stores FCI❌

Incorrect:While the file cabinetdoes store FCI,CMMC only applies to digital systems.

(B) In scope, because it is part of the same physical location❌

Incorrect:CMMCdoes notconsiderphysical proximitywhen determining scope—only digital data handling matters.

(D) Out of scope, because it does not process or transmit FCI❌

Partially correct, but incomplete: Themain reasonit is out of scope is that itcontains only paper documents, not that it doesn’t process/transmit data.

TheCMMC Level 1 Scoping Guideexplicitly states thatpaper-based storage of FCI does not fall within scope.

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

✅C. Out of scope, because they are all only paper documents.

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.

Understanding Who Must Perform Tests in a CMMC AssessmentDuring aCMMC Level 2 Assessment, assessorsmust observe operational activities and security practicesto verify compliance. This process involves:

✔Testing security controls and proceduresas part of the assessment.

✔Observation of standard work practicesto ensure controls are properly implemented.

✔Using operational personnel (OSC employees) who regularly perform the taskto ensure realistic assessment conditions.

Operational personnel (OSC employees) must conduct the actual work while assessors observe.

Certified CMMC Professionals (CCPs) or Lead Assessorsoversee and document the testing process.

Who Performs Tests?

A. OSC personnel who normally perform that work as the CCP observes → Correct

CMMC assessments require actual users (OSC personnel) to perform their regular duties while assessors observeto verify security practices.

B. Military personnel and the CCP and/or Lead Assessor to test the adequacy of the written procedure(s) → Incorrect

Military personnel are not responsible for testing contractor security controls.

Assessors observe and evaluate but do not perform testing themselves.

C. Military personnel assigned to the contractor for that contract to ensure the confidentiality of the CUI → Incorrect

Military personnel do not perform the testing.

The contractor (OSC) is responsible for implementing and demonstrating security controls.

D. OSC personnel who do not ordinarily perform that work to evaluate the accuracy of the written procedure(s) → Incorrect

Personnel unfamiliar with the job should not be used for testing.

Theassessment must reflect real-world conditions, so theactual employees who perform the work must demonstrate the process.

Why is the Correct Answer "A" (OSC personnel who normally perform that work as the CCP observes)?

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document

Specifies thatassessments must observe real operational activities to determine compliance.

CMMC-AB Assessment Methodology

Requirestesting of security controls in a realistic operational environment, meaning actual OSC personnel must perform the tasks.

NIST SP 800-171A (Assessment Procedures for NIST SP 800-171)

Specifies thatinterviews and observations should be conducted with personnel who regularly perform the work.

Who is Responsible for Marking CUI?According toDoDI 5200.48 (Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)), the responsibility for marking CUI falls on theauthorized holder of the information.

Definition of an Authorized Holder

PerDoDI 5200.48, Section 3.4, anauthorized holderis anyone who has beengranted accessto CUI and is responsible for handling, safeguarding, and marking it according toDoD CUI policy.

The authorized holder may be:

ADoD employee

Acontractorhandling CUI

Anyorganization or individual authorizedto access and manage CUI

DoD Guidance on CUI Marking Responsibilities

DoDI 5200.48, Section 4.2:

The individual creating or handling CUImust apply the appropriate markings as per the DoD CUI Registry guidelines.

DoDI 5200.48, Section 5.2:

Themarking responsibility is NOT limited to a specific positionlike an Information Disclosure Official or a high-level DoD office.

Instead, it is theresponsibility of the person or entity generating, handling, or disseminatingthe CUI.

Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:

(A) DoD OUSD (Office of the Under Secretary of Defense):

The OUSD plays apolicy-setting rolebut doesnot directly mark CUI.

(C) Information Disclosure Official:

This role is responsible forpublic release of information, but marking CUI is the duty of theauthorized holdermanaging the data.

(D) Presidential authorized Original Classification Authority (OCA):

OCAs classifynational security information (Confidential, Secret, Top Secret), not CUI, which isnot classified information.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:Final Validation from DoDI 5200.48:PerDoDI 5200.48, authorized holders are explicitly responsible for marking CUI, making this the correct answer.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) serves as the authoritative body overseeing the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) program within the United States federal government. NARA maintains the CUI Registry, which is the definitive resource for all categories, subcategories, and associated markings of CUI. This registry provides comprehensive guidance on the identification and handling of CUI, ensuring standardized practices across federal agencies and their contractors.

The other options are delineated as follows:

CMMC-AB:The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body is responsible for overseeing the CMMC program but does not manage CUI classifications.

DoD Contractors FAQ:While it may offer guidance to Department of Defense contractors, it is not an authoritative source for CUI data classifications.

OSC's privacy policies:An Organization Seeking Certification's internal policies pertain to its own data handling practices and are not authoritative for CUI classifications.

Therefore, for authoritative information on CUI data classifications, the NARA's CUI Registry is the appropriate resource.

1. Understanding Basic Safeguarding Requirements for FCI in CMMC Level 1

Federal Contract Information (FCI) is defined as information provided by or generated for the government under a contract that isnot intended for public release.

CMMCLevel 1is designed to ensurebasic safeguardingof FCI, aligning with15 security requirementsfound inFAR 52.204-21 (Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems).

Contractors handlingonly FCImust meetCMMC Level 1, which alignsdirectlywith the safeguarding requirements set inFAR 52.204-21.

2. FAR 52.204-21 and Its Role in CMMC Level 1 Compliance

FAR 52.204-21establishes the baseline cybersecurity controls that contractors must implement to protectFCI.

The15 basic safeguarding requirementsinclude:

Limiting information accessto authorized users.

Identifying and authenticating usersbefore allowing system access.

Protecting transmitted FCIfrom unauthorized disclosure.

Monitoring and controlling connectionsto external systems.

Applying boundary protectionand cybersecurity measures.

Sanitizing mediabefore disposal.

Updating security configurationsto reduce vulnerabilities.

Providing physical securityprotections.

Controlling physical accessto systems that process FCI.

Enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA) where applicable.

Patching vulnerabilitiesin software and hardware.

Limiting the use of removable media.

Creating and retaining system audit logs.

Performing risk-based security assessments.

Developing an incident response plan.

These 15 practices form thefoundationof CMMCLevel 1 Self-Assessment, ensuring contractorsmeet minimum cybersecurity expectationsfor handling FCI.

3. Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

B. 22 CFR 120-130:

This refers toInternational Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which controls the export of defense-related articles and services,notFCI safeguarding requirements.

C. DFARS 252.204-7011:

This clause refers toalternative line item structuresand does not pertain to cybersecurity or safeguarding FCI.

D. DFARS 252.204-7021:

This clause enforcesCMMC requirementsbut doesnot definebasic safeguarding controls. It requires compliance with CMMC but does not specify the foundational requirements (which come fromFAR 52.204-21for Level 1).

4. Official CMMC 2.0 Reference & Study Guide Alignment

TheCMMC 2.0 model documentationconfirms that Level 1 is focused on the15 practices from FAR 52.204-21.

TheDoD’s official CMMC Assessment Guidefor Level 1 explicitly states that meeting FAR 52.204-21 is therequirement for passing a Level 1 Self-Assessment.

TheCMMC 2.0 Scoping Guideclarifies that contractors handling onlyFCIand seekingLevel 1 certificationmust implementonly FAR 52.204-21security controls.

Final Confirmation:The correct answer isA. FAR 52.204-21, as it directly governs the basic safeguarding ofFCIand is the foundational requirement for aLevel 1 Self-Assessmentin CMMC 2.0.