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

Understanding CMMC Assessment MethodsTheCMMC Assessment Process (CAP)definesthree primary assessment methodsused to verify compliance with cybersecurity practices:

Examine– Reviewing documents, policies, configurations, and logs.

Interview– Engaging with subject matter experts (SMEs) to clarify processes and verify implementation.

Test– Observing technical implementations, such as system configurations and security measures.

Since the question asks for a method thatgathers information from SMEs to facilitate understanding and achieve clarification, the correct method isInterview.

Why "Interview" is Correct?✅Interviewsare specifically designed togather information from SMEsto confirm understanding and clarify security processes.

✅TheCMMC Assessment Guiderequires assessors tointerview key personnelresponsible for cybersecurity practices.

✅Examine (Option B)andTest (Option A)are also valid assessment methods, but they donot focus on gathering insights directly from SMEs.

Breakdown of Answer ChoicesOption

Description

Correct?

A. Test

❌Incorrect–This method involvestechnical verification, not gathering SME insights.

B. Examine

❌Incorrect–This method focuses ondocument review, not SME interaction.

C. Interview

✅Correct – The method used to gather information from SMEs and achieve clarification.

D. Assessment

❌Incorrect–This is a general term,not a specific assessment method.

CMMC Assessment Process Guide (CAP)– DefinesInterviewas the method for obtaining information from SMEs.

Official References from CMMC 2.0 DocumentationFinal Verification and ConclusionThe correct answer isC. Interview, as this methodgathers insights from subject matter expertsto verify cybersecurity implementations.

Understanding CMMC 2.0 Levels and Their DescriptionsTheCybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0consists ofthree levels, each representing increasing cybersecurity maturity:

Level 1 – Foundational

Focuses onbasic cyber hygiene

Implements17 practicesaligned withFAR 52.204-21

Primarily protectsFederal Contract Information (FCI)

Level 2 – Advanced(Correct Answer)

Focuses onprotecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

Implements110 practicesaligned withNIST SP 800-171

Requirestriennial third-party assessments for critical programs

Level 3 – Expert

Focuses onadvanced cybersecurityagainstAPT (Advanced Persistent Threats)

ImplementsNIST SP 800-171 and additional NIST SP 800-172 controls

Requirestriennial government-led assessments

TheCMMC 2.0 framework explicitly describes Level 2 as "Advanced."

Italigns with NIST SP 800-171to ensure robustCUI protection.

A. Expert (Incorrect)– This describesLevel 3, not Level 2.

C. Optimizing (Incorrect)– Not a defined CMMC level description.

D. Continuously Improved (Incorrect)– CMMC does not use this terminology.

The correct answer isB. Advanced, which accurately describesCMMC Level 2.

Understanding the Media Protection (MP) DomainTheMedia Protection (MP) domaininCMMC 2.0focuses on the security requirements needed to handlephysical or digital mediacontainingControlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

This domain includes controls for:

Protecting digital and physical mediathat store CUI.

Sanitizing and destroying mediabefore disposal or reuse.

Restricting access to CUI mediato authorized personnel only.

TheMP domaindirectly addresses the requirements for handlingCUI media, includingencryption, access control, storage, and disposal.

CMMC 2.0Level 2aligns withNIST SP 800-171, which includesMP controlsfor managing media containing CUI.

B. Physical Protection (PE)→Incorrect

PEfocuses onphysical security(e.g., facility access, visitor logs, physical barriers),not the handling of CUI on media.

C. System and Information Integrity (SI)→Incorrect

SIdeals withsystem monitoring, vulnerability management, and incident response, not media protection.

D. System and Communications Protection (SC)→Incorrect

SCcoversnetwork security, encryption, and secure communications, but does not specifically focus on media handling.

CMMC Level 2 Practice MP.3.125– Protects CUI by ensuring proper handling ofmedia containing CUI.

NIST SP 800-171 (MP Family)– Establishes security requirements for handlingdigital and physical mediacontaining CUI.

CMMC Scoping Guide (Nov 2021)– ConfirmsMP controls apply to all media that store, process, or transmit CUI.

Why the Correct Answer is "A. Media Protection (MP)"?Why Not the Other Options?Relevant CMMC 2.0 References:Final Justification:SinceMedia Protection (MP) directly addresses the handling of assets containing CUI, the correct answer isA. Media Protection (MP).

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.

Understanding the Role of NIST SP 800-171 in CMMCNIST Special Publication (SP)800-171is the definitive standard for protectingControlled Unclassified Information (CUI)innonfederal systems and organizations. It provides security requirements that organizations handling CUImust implementto protect sensitive government information.

This document isthe foundationofCMMC 2.0 Level 2compliance, which aligns directly withNIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2requirements.

Breakdown of Answer ChoicesNIST SP

Title

Relevance to CMMC

NIST SP 800-37

Risk Management Framework (RMF)

Focuses on risk assessment for federal agencies, not directly applicable to CUI in nonfederal systems.

NIST SP 800-53

Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Systems

Provides security controls forfederalinformation systems, not specifically tailored tononfederalorganizations handling CUI.

NIST SP 800-88

Guidelines for Media Sanitization

Covers secure data destruction and disposal, not overall CUI protection.

NIST SP 800-171

Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations

✅Correct Answer – Directly addresses CUI protection in contractor systems.

Key Requirements from NIST SP 800-171The document outlines110 security controlsgrouped into14 families, including:

Access Control (AC)– Restrict access to authorized users.

Audit and Accountability (AU)– Maintain system logs and monitor activity.

Incident Response (IR)– Establish an incident response plan.

System and Communications Protection (SC)– Encrypt CUI in transit and at rest.

These controls serve as thebaseline requirementsfor organizations seekingCMMC Level 2 certificationto work withCUI.

CMMC 2.0 Level 2alignsdirectlywith NIST SP800-171 Rev. 2.

DoD contractors that handle CUImustcomply withall 110 controlsfrom NIST SP800-171.

Official Reference from CMMC 2.0 DocumentationFinal Verification and ConclusionThe correct answer isD. NIST SP 800-171, as this documentexplicitly definesthe cybersecurity requirements for protectingCUI in nonfederal systems and organizations.

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.

Understanding SI.L2-3.14.6: Monitor Communications for AttacksThe practiceSI.L2-3.14.6fromNIST SP 800-171(aligned with CMMC Level 2) requires an organization tomonitor organizational communications for indicators of attack. This typically includes:

✅Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)andIntrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

✅Log analysis and network monitoring

✅Incident response planningfor detected threats

As part of aCMMC Level 2 assessment, theCertified CMMC Assessor (CCA)must ensure that theOSC (Organization Seeking Certification)hasproperly implemented and documenteditsmonitoring capabilities.

TheCCA must collect sufficient objective evidenceto determine compliance.

Reviewing anartifact(such as system configurations, IDS/IPS logs, or security policies)helps validatethat intrusion detection is properly implemented.

Configuration settings providedirect evidenceof whethermonitoring for attacksis effectively applied.

Why "Review an artifact to check key references for the configuration of the IDS or IPS" is Correct?Breakdown of Answer ChoicesOption

Description

Correct?

A. Conduct a penetration test

❌Incorrect–Penetration testing isnot requiredfor CMMC Level 2 assessments and falls outside an assessor's responsibilities.

B. Interview the intrusion detection system's supplier.

❌Incorrect–Thesupplier does not determine compliance; the assessor needs evidence from theOSC’s implementation.

C. Upload known malicious code and observe the system response.

❌Incorrect–This would beinvasive testing, which isnot part of a CMMC assessment.

D. Review an artifact to check key references for the configuration of the IDS or IPS practice for additional guidance on intrusion detection and prevention systems.

✅Correct – Reviewing system artifacts provides direct evidence of compliance with SI.L2-3.14.6.

NIST SP 800-171 SI.L2-3.14.6– Requires monitoring communications for attack indicators.

CMMC Assessment Process Guide (CAP)– Describesartifact reviewas an essential assessment method.

Official References from CMMC 2.0 and NIST SP 800-171 DocumentationFinal Verification and ConclusionThe correct answer isD. Review an artifact to check key references for the configuration of the IDS or IPS practice for additional guidance on intrusion detection and prevention systems.

This aligns withCMMC 2.0 Level 2 assessment requirementsandSI.L2-3.14.6 compliance verification.

When preparing forCMMC compliance, organizations must ensure that theirnetwork configurations align with required cybersecurity controls. Ifnetwork administratorsdisagree on certain configurations, the mostobjective and accurateway to resolve the disagreement is by referencingofficial CMMC guidanceandNIST SP 800-171 requirements, which form the foundation of CMMC Level 2.

CMMC Assessment Guides as the Primary Reference

TheCMMC Assessment Guides (Level 1 & Level 2)provide clearinterpretationsof security practices.

Theyexplain how each practice should be implemented and assessedduring certification.

NIST SP 800-171 as the Compliance Baseline

CMMC Level 2is based directly onNIST SP 800-171, which outlines the110 security controlsrequired for protectingControlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Network configurations must complywith NIST-defined security requirements, including:

Access Control (AC) – Ensuring least privilege principles.

Audit and Accountability (AU) – Logging and monitoring network activity.

System and Communications Protection (SC) – Secure network design and encryption.

Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:

(A) Consult with the CEO of the company:

ACEO is not necessarily a cybersecurity expertand may not be familiar with CMMC technical requirements.

Technical compliance decisions should be based onCMMC and NISTframeworks, not executive opinions.

(C) Go with the network administrator's ideas with the least stringent controls:

Choosingless stringent controls increases security riskand could lead toCMMC non-compliance.

(D) Go with the network administrator's ideas with the most stringent controls:

While security is important,more stringent controlsmay introduceoperational inefficienciesorunnecessary coststhat are not required for compliance.

The correct approach is to implement what is required by CMMC and NIST SP 800-171, no more and no less.

TheCMMC Assessment GuidesandNIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2areofficial sourcesthat provide the most reliable guidance on compliance.

CMMC Level 2 is entirely based on NIST SP 800-171, making it the definitive source for resolving security disagreements.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:Final Validation from CMMC Documentation:Thus, the correct answer is:

B. Consult the CMMC Assessment Guides and NIST SP 800-171.

TheAudit and Accountability (AU) domainis one of the14 familiesof security requirements inNIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2, which is fully adopted byCMMC 2.0 Level 2.

A. Level 1→Incorrect

CMMCLevel 1only includes17 basic FAR 52.204-21 safeguarding requirementsand does not coverAudit and Accountability (AU)practices.

B. Level 2→Correct

TheAU domain is required at Level 2, which aligns withNIST SP 800-171.

CMMC 2.0 Level 2includes110 security controls, among whichAU-related controlsfocus on logging, monitoring, and accountability.

C. Levels 1 and 2→Incorrect

Level 1 does not requireaudit and accountability practices.

D. Levels 1 and 3→Incorrect

CMMC 2.0 only has Levels 1, 2, and 3, andAU is present in Level 2, making Level 3 irrelevant for this answer.

NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 (Audit and Accountability - Family 3.3)

TheAU domainconsists of security controls3.3.1 – 3.3.8, focusing on audit log generation, retention, and accountability.

CMMC 2.0 Level 2 Practices (Aligned with NIST SP 800-171)

AU practices (Audit and Accountability) are only required at Level 2.

Analysis of the Given Options:Official References Supporting the Correct Answer:Conclusion:TheAU domain applies only to CMMC 2.0 Level 2, making the correct answer:

✅B. Level 2.

During aCMMC assessment, organizations must provide evidence to demonstrate compliance with requiredpractices and processes. Assessors evaluate this evidence based on two key criteria:

Adequacy– Does the evidence meet the intent of the security requirement?

Sufficiency– Is there enough evidence to reasonably conclude that the practice/process is effectively implemented?

These principles are outlined in theCMMC Assessment Process Guide, which provides a structured approach for evaluating compliance.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:✅1. Adequacy – Does the evidence fully meet the requirement?

Adequacyrefers to whether the evidence properly demonstrates that the security practice has been implemented as required.

Example: If an organization claims to enforceMulti-Factor Authentication (MFA), an assessor would checksystem configurations, login policies, and user authentication logsto confirm that MFA is actually in use.

✅2. Sufficiency – Is there enough evidence to support the claim?

Sufficiencymeans that there isenough supporting evidenceto prove compliance.

Example: If an organization providesonly one screenshot of an MFA login screen, that alone may not besufficient—additional logs, policies, and user records would help strengthen the case.

(B) Adequacy and Thoroughness❌

Thoroughnessis not a defined metric in CMMC evidence evaluation.

The focus is onwhether the evidence meets the requirement (adequacy)and if there isenough of it (sufficiency).

(C) Sufficiency and Thoroughness❌

Thoroughnessis not a recognized term in CMMC compliance validation.

Evidence must beadequate and sufficient, not just thorough.

(D) Sufficiency and Appropriateness❌

Appropriatenessis not a CMMC-defined criterion.

Thecorrect terms used in CMMC assessmentsareAdequacy(Does it meet the requirement?) andSufficiency(Is there enough proof?).

Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:

CMMC Assessment Process Guideexplicitly states that evidence must be evaluated based onadequacyandsufficiencyto confirm compliance with security practices.

Final Validation from CMMC Documentation: