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

Understanding Access Control (AC) in CMMC Advanced (Level 3)TheCMMC Advanced Level (Level 3)is designed for organizations handlinghigh-value Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)and aligns with a subset ofNIST SP 800-172for advanced cybersecurity protections.

Access Control (AC) Practices in CMMC Level 3✅CMMC Level 1 includesbasic AC practices fromFAR 52.204-21(e.g., restricting access to authorized users).

✅CMMC Level 2 includesallAccess Control (AC) practices from NIST SP 800-171(e.g., managing privileged access).

✅CMMC Level 3 expands on Levels 1 and 2, incorporatingadditional protections from NIST SP 800-172, such as enhanced monitoring and adversary deception techniques.

CMMC Level 3 builds upon all previous levels, includingAccess Control (AC) practices from Levels 1 and 2.

Options A, B, and C are incorrectbecause Level 3 includesallprevious AC practices fromLevels 1 and 2, plus additional ones.

Why "Levels 1, 2, and 3" is Correct?Breakdown of Answer ChoicesOption

Description

Correct?

A. Level 1

❌Incorrect–Level 3 includes AC practices fromLevels 1 and 2, not just Level 1.

B. Level 3

❌Incorrect – Level 3 builds onLevels 1 and 2, not just Level 3 practices.

C. Levels 1 and 2

❌Incorrect–Level 3 containsadditionalAC practices beyond Levels 1 and 2.

D. Levels 1, 2, and 3

✅Correct – Level 3 contains all AC practices from Levels 1 and 2, plus additional ones.

CMMC Model Framework– Outlines howLevel 3 builds upon Level 1 and 2 practices.

NIST SP 800-172– Definesadvanced cybersecurity controlsrequired inCMMC Level 3.

Official References from CMMC 2.0 DocumentationFinal Verification and ConclusionThe correct answer isD. Levels 1, 2, and 3, as CMMC Level 3 includesAccess Control (AC) practices from all previous levels plus additional enhancements.

Step 1: Understand the Assessment Phases (CAP v1.0)TheCMMC Assessment Process (CAP)outlines a structured lifecycle for assessments, including:

Plan and Prepare Phase– Develop the assessment plan (before the assessment starts).

Conduct Assessment Phase– Execute the actual assessment activities.

Report Results Phase– Finalize and deliver the assessment outcomes.

CAP v1.0 – Section 3.5 (Conduct Assessment):

“The assessment team collects, examines, and evaluates evidence to determine if practices are MET or NOT MET.”

During the“Conduct Assessment” phase, the main activity is to:

Collect evidence(documentation, interviews, testing),

Validate adequacy and sufficiency,

Score practicesas MET/NOT MET.

✅Step 2: Why “Collect and Examine Evidence” Is the Primary ActivityThis is thecore responsibilityof assessorswhile conductingan assessment.

A. Develop assessment plan✘ This occurs in thePlan and Preparephasebeforeconducting the assessment.

C. Verify readiness to conduct assessment✘ Readiness verification is part ofpre-assessment activities, not during the assessment itself.

D. Deliver recommended assessment results✘ This is done during theReport Resultsphase after the assessment has been conducted.

❌Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

Theprimary activity performed during the actual executionof a CMMC assessment iscollecting and examining evidenceto determine compliance with practices.

Understanding the Role of a CCP in CMMC AssessmentsACertified CMMC Professional (CCP)is responsible for assistingCertified CMMC Assessors (CCA)in evaluating anOrganization Seeking Certification (OSC)during a CMMC assessment. One key aspect of this process isconducting interviewswith Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to verify security practices.

Ensuring that interviewees canspeak freely without fear of retaliationiscriticalto obtainingaccurate and unbiased informationabout the implementation of security controls.

CMMC Assessment Process and the Role of Interviews

TheCMMC Assessment Guide (Level 2)outlines that interviews are conducted to confirm that security practices are effectively implemented.

Interviewees mustfeel comfortable sharing candid responseswithout concern that their statements will lead tonegative consequenceswithin the organization.

Ensuring Confidentiality and Non-Attribution

DoD Assessment Methodologyspecifies that interviews should be conductedconfidentiallytoprotect the identity of interviewees.

TheCMMC Code of Professional Conduct (CoPC)for assessors and professionals reinforces the requirement to maintain theconfidentialityof assessment participants.

Non-attributionensures that responses are used for evaluation purposeswithout linking statements to specific individuals.

Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:

(A) Performed in groups for more efficient use of resources:

Group interviews may prevent individuals from speaking openly.

Employees might be hesitant to contradict leadership or peers.

(B) Recorded for inclusion in the Final Recommended Findings report:

Interviews arenot directly recorded or attributedin assessment reports.

Instead, findings are documentedwithout identifying specific individuals.

(D) Mapped to specific CMMC practices to clearly delineate which practice is being evaluated:

While responsesinformwhich practices are being assessed, theprimary goalof an interview is to ensure accurate,unbiased information gathering.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:Final Validation from CMMC Documentation:According to theCMMC Assessment Guide and DoD Assessment Methodology, interview confidentiality iscrucialto gatheringaccurateandunbiasedresponses. This makesconfidentiality and non-attributionthe correct answer.

Thus, the correct answer is:

C. Confidential and non-attributable so interviewees can speak without fear of reprisal.

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:

What Does the Practice of Professionalism Require in the CMMC Code of Professional Conduct?TheCMMC Code of Professional Conduct (CoPC)sets ethical and professional standards forCertified CMMC Assessors (CCAs) and Certified CMMC Professionals (CCPs).Professionalismrequireshonesty and integrity in all CMMC-related activities.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:✅1. Professionalism Requires Ethical Behavior

TheCoPC states that professionalismincludes:

Acting with integrityin all assessment-related activities.

Providing truthful and objective assessmentsof cybersecurity practices.

Avoiding deceptive or misleading claimsabout assessments or compliance.

✅2. Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:

(A) Do not copy materials without permission to do so❌

This falls underIntellectual Property (IP) protection, notProfessionalism.

(B) Do not make assertions about assessment outcomes❌

Assessorsmustprovide findings based on evidence. The rule is aboutnot making false or misleading claims, not about avoiding assertions altogether.

(D) Ensure the security of all information discovered or received❌

This falls underConfidentiality, notProfessionalism.

TheCMMC Code of Professional Conduct (CoPC)definesProfessionalism as requiring honesty and integrityin allCMMC-related activities.

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

✅C. Refrain from dishonesty in all dealings regarding CMMC.

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).

This question deals withasset categorizationduring aCMMC Level 1 Self-Assessment. The organization is manufacturingspecialized partsfor the DoD, butLevel 1of CMMC only concernsFederal Contract Information (FCI)—notControlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Therefore, asset categorization should follow theCMMC Scoping Guidance for Level 1.

✅Step 1: Understand CMMC Level 1 and FCI

Level 1 Objective:

Implement basic safeguarding requirements as perFAR 52.204-21.

Applies to systems thatstore, process, or transmit FCI.

Self-assessments are permitted and required annually.

Source Reference:

CMMC Scoping Guidance – Level 1 (v1.0)

https://dodcio.defense.gov/CMMC

✅Step 2: What is an “In-scope Asset”?

CMMC Scoping Guidance – Level 1definesIn-scope assetsas:

“Assets that process, store, or transmit FCI or provide security protection for such assets.”

In this scenario:

The machining company isperforming contract work(manufacturing DoD parts).

Thetesting is done internally, implying the systems and equipment used in testing and documentation aredirectly supporting the contract.

These systems likely handleFCIsuch as technical specifications, purchase orders, or test reports.

➡️Therefore, the equipment and systems used in testing are consideredIn-scope Assetsunder Level 1.

❌Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

A. CUI Asset

✘Incorrect forLevel 1:

CUI is only in scope atCMMC Level 2 and Level 3.

Level 1 is concerned withFCI, not CUI.

C. Specialized Asset

✘Incorrect definition:

Specialized assets(defined inCMMC Level 2 Scoping) include IoT, OT, ICS, GFE, and similar types of non-enterprise assets that may require alternative treatment.

This classification isnot used in Level 1 Scoping.

D. Contractor Risk Managed Asset

✘Incorrect:

Also defined underCMMC Level 2 Scopingonly.

These are assets that are not security-protected but are managed via risk-based decisions.

This term isnot applicableforCMMC Level 1 assessments.

✅Step 3: Alignment with Official Documentation

According to theCMMC Scoping Guidance for Level 1:

“The assets within the self-assessment scope are those that process, store, or transmit FCI. These assets are considered ‘in-scope.’”

No other asset categorization (such as CUI asset, specialized asset, or contractor risk managed asset) is used atLevel 1.

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front):

For aCMMC Level 1 Self-Assessment, theonlyasset category officially recognized is theIn-scope Asset— any asset that handles or protects FCI. Since the company's internal testing operations are part of fulfilling the DoD contract, the systems and staff involved arein scope.

CMMC Level 2 Readiness and Certification RequirementsCMMCLevel 2is required forOrganizations Seeking Certification (OSCs) that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)and aligns withNIST SP 800-171's 110 security controls.

Key Readiness Indicators for a Level 2 Assessment:

The OSC must have implemented all 110 security practices from NIST SP 800-171.

Documented and validated cybersecurity policies and procedures must exist.

The OSC must be prepared to provide objective evidence (artifacts) proving compliance.

Why the OSC in the Question is Not Ready:

They have not won a DoD contract yet→ This means they do not yet have a contractually definedCUI environment, which is the foundation for defining their security scope.

They have only provided FCI-related artifacts(e.g., visitor logs, workstation policies, FedRAMP configurations).

Lack of full documentation of CMMC Level 2 controls→ The assessment requiresevidence for all 110 security practices(e.g., system security plans, incident response records, security awareness training documentation).

A. "Ready because there is no need to certify this company until after they win a DoD contract."

Incorrect→ Some organizationsseek certification proactivelybefore winning contracts. However, readiness depends on implementingall 110 required controls, not contract status alone.

B. "Not ready because the OSC is not on contract because they do not know the scope of FCI protection required by the contract."

Incorrect→ CMMC Level 2focuses on CUI, not just FCI. While FCI protection is important, the assessment’s focus is onCUI security requirements, which arenot fully addressed by the provided artifacts.

D. "Ready because all DoD contractors are required to achieve CMMC Level 2; therefore, they are being proactive in seeking certification."

Incorrect→ While it is commendable that the OSC is being proactive,readiness is based on full compliance with NIST SP 800-171, not just intent.

Understanding High-Level Scoping in a CMMC AssessmentDuringHigh-Level Scoping, aCertified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO)determines thepeople, processes, and technologythat are within scope for theCMMC Level 1 or Level 2 assessment.

Supporting Organization/Unitsrefer to thespecific groups, departments, or teamsthat handleControlled Unclassified Information (CUI)orFederal Contract Information (FCI)and are responsible for applyingCMMC security practices.

These units aredirectly involved in the contract's executionand are included in the CMMC assessment scope.

Key Term: Supporting Organization/Units

A. Host Unit → Incorrect

This term is not used inCMMC assessment scoping.

B. Branch Office → Incorrect

Abranch officemay or may not be in scope; scoping is based onwhether the unit handles CUI or FCI, not its physical location.

C. Coordinating Unit → Incorrect

No official CMMC term refers to a "Coordinating Unit."

D. Supporting Organization/Units → Correct

This termcorrectly describes the entities that apply security controls for the contract and are within the CMMC assessment scope.

Why is the Correct Answer "D. Supporting Organization/Units"?

CMMC Scoping Guidance for Level 1 & Level 2 Assessments

DefinesSupporting Organization/Unitsasin-scope entities responsible for implementing cybersecurity controls.

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document

Specifies that theC3PAO must identify and document the units responsible for security compliance.

DoD CMMC 2.0 Guidance on Scoping

Requires theassessment team to define the people, processes, and technology that fall within the scopeof the assessment.

CMMC 2.0 References Supporting This Answer:

In theCMMC 2.0 Assessment Process, after theAssessment Final Recommended Findings Brief, theLead Assessor and Assessment Team Membersmustreview the accuracy and validity of the Organization Seeking Certification (OSC)’s updated Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) and any accompanying evidence or scheduled collectionswithin180 days.

TheCMMC Assessment Process (CAP)outlines that organizations haveup to 180 daysto address identifieddeficienciesafter their initial assessment.

During this time, the OSC can update itsPOA&M with additional evidenceto demonstrate compliance.

Relevant CMMC 2.0 Reference:

A. 90 days → Incorrect

The CMMC CAP does not impose a90-day limiton POA&M updates; instead,180 daysis the standard timeframe.

B. 180 days → Correct

PerCMMC Assessment Process guidelines, theLead Assessor and Teammust review updateswithin 180 days.

C. 270 days → Incorrect

No official CMMC documentation mentions a270-dayreview period.

D. 360 days → Incorrect

The process must be completedfar sooner than 360 daysto maintain compliance.

Why is the Correct Answer 180 Days (B)?

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document

Defines the180-day windowfor the OSC to update itsPOA&M and submit evidencefor review.

CMMC 2.0 Official Guidelines

Specifies that organizations are givenup to 180 daysto remediate deficiencies before reassessment.

CMMC 2.0 References Supporting this Answer: