Free Practice Questions for Cyber AB CMMC-CCP Exam

TheU.S. Department of Defense (DoD)determines the requiredCMMC Levelbased on thesensitivity of the information involved in a contract.

The required CMMC Level isspecified in Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) and CMMC Code of Professional Conduct emphasize that conflicts of interest (COI) must be disclosed and managed transparently. A Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) is required to:

Inform their organization,

Disclose the COI to the affected stakeholders, and

Take reasonable steps to minimize the impact.

What they must NOT do is conceal it from the Assessment Team Lead or others. Concealing a COI violates the CMMC Code of Professional Conduct and compromises the integrity of the assessment.

Reference Documents:

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP), v1.0

CMMC Code of Professional Conduct, CMMC-AB

Which NIST SP Defines the Assessment Procedures for CMMC?CMMC Level 2 isdirectly based on NIST SP 800-171, and the assessment procedures used in CMMC assessments are derived fromNIST SP 800-171A.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:✅1. NIST SP 800-171A Defines Assessment Procedures

NIST SP 800-171Ais titled"Assessing Security Requirements for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)".

It providesdetailed assessment objectives and test proceduresfor evaluating compliance withNIST SP 800-171 security requirements, whichCMMC Level 2 is fully aligned with.

CMMC Assessors use 800-171Aas abaseline for assessing the effectiveness of security controls.

✅2. Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:

(A) NIST SP 800-53❌

800-53 defines security controlsfor federal information systems, but it doesnot provide assessment procedures specific to CMMC.

(B) NIST SP 800-53A❌

800-53A provides assessment procedures for 800-53 controls, butCMMC is based on NIST SP 800-171, not 800-53.

(C) NIST SP 800-171❌

800-171 defines security requirements, butit does not provide assessment procedures. Theassessment proceduresare in800-171A.

TheCMMC Assessment Guide (Level 2)explicitly states that assessment procedures are derived fromNIST SP 800-171A.

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

Best Practices for Handling Sensitive Assessment InformationCMMC assessments involve handlingsensitive and potentially CUI-related documents. Assessors must follow strictsecurity policiesto avoid unauthorized access, data leaks, or non-compliance withCMMC 2.0 and NIST SP 800-171 requirements.

Why Logging into the Client VPN on the Client Laptop is the Best Approach:

Ensures Data Protection:The client laptop is likely configured to meet security controls required for handling assessment-related materials.

Prevents Data Spillage:Keeping all assessment-related activities within the client’s secured environment reduces the risk ofdata leakage or unauthorized storage.

Maintains Compliance with CMMC/NIST Guidelines:Using aproperly configured client laptop and secured connectionensures compliance withNIST SP 800-171 controls on secure remote access(Requirement3.13.12).

A. "Log into the secure cloud storage service to save copies of the documents on both the work and client laptops."

Incorrect→Sensitive data should not be duplicated across multiple systems, especially a non-client-approved laptop. Storing it on an unauthorized systemviolates data handling best practices.

C. "Log into the client VPN from the assessor's laptop and retrieve the documents from the secure cloud storage service."

Incorrect→ Theassessor’s laptop may not be authorizedorsecuredto handle client data. CMMC guidelines emphasizeusing approved, secured systemsfor assessment-related information.

D. "Use their home office workstation to retrieve the documents from the secure cloud storage service and save them to a USB stick."

Incorrect→

Transferring sensitive documents via USBintroduces security risks, including unauthorized data storage and potential malware contamination.

Home office workstationsare unlikely to be authorized for handling CMMC-sensitive data.

ACMMC Level 2 Assessmentis conducted by aC3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization)to determine whether theOrganization Seeking Certification (OSC)meets all required110 NIST SP 800-171 controls.

Before submitting the results, theC3PAO must complete a final briefing between the Lead Assessor and the OSCto review findings and clarify any concerns.

A. Pay an assessment submission fee→Incorrect

There is no mandatory submission fee for assessment results.Fees apply to the assessment process, not submission.

B. Complete an internal review of the results→Incorrect

While internal reviews are encouraged, they arenot a required step before submissionin CMMC assessment procedures.

C. Notify the CMMC-AB that submission is forthcoming→Incorrect

TheC3PAO submits results to the CMMC-AB through the CMMC eMASS system, but prior notification isnot a required procedural step.

D. Coordinate a final briefing between the Lead Assessor and the OSC→Correct

According toCMMC Assessment Process (CAP) guidelines, theLead Assessor must conduct a final briefing with the OSCbefore submitting the results.

This briefing ensures transparency, provides OSC with insight into the findings, and allows for final clarifications.

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) v1.0

Requires afinal briefing between the Lead Assessor and the OSC before submitting assessment results.

CMMC-AB and C3PAO Process Requirements

TheLead Assessor must communicate final findings with the OSC before submission to CMMC-AB.

Analysis of the Given Options:Official References Supporting the Correct Answer:Conclusion:The correct answer is:

✅D. Coordinate a final briefing between the Lead Assessor and the OSC.

CMMC Level 2 requires full implementation of the 110 security requirements specified in NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2, Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations. These practices form the foundation for safeguarding CUI across defense contractor systems.

NIST SP 800-53 is a broader catalog of security controls for federal systems, not specific to CUI in the defense contractor environment.

48 CFR 52.204-21 establishes basic safeguarding requirements for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and corresponds to CMMC Level 1.

DFARS 252.204-7012 defines safeguarding and incident reporting obligations but does not enumerate the specific security practices required.

Thus, Level 2 practices are aligned to NIST SP 800-171.

Reference Documents:

CMMC Model v2.0 Overview, December 2021

NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2

Understanding the Role of CAICO in the CMMC EcosystemTheCMMC Ecosystemconsists of multiple organizations that manage, implement, and oversee different aspects of theCybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)program.

One of the key organizations is theCMMC Assessors and Instructors Certification Organization (CAICO), which is responsible for:

Training and certifying assessors and instructors.

Managing testing, authorization, and certificationfor CMMC professionals.

Ensuring assessors meet qualification and compliance standards.

TheCAICO is explicitly taskedwith thetraining, testing, authorization, and certification of candidate assessors and instructors.

Option A (DoD OUSD)is incorrect because theDoD Office of the Under Secretary of Defense(OUSD) provides policy oversight butdoes not handle certification of assessors.

Option B (DIB Collaborative Information Sharing Environment)is incorrect because theDIB CISfocuses on information sharing within the Defense Industrial Base, not assessor certification.

Option C (Committee on National Security Systems Instructions)is incorrect because CNSSI provides security standards butdoes not manage assessor training or certification.

CMMC Ecosystem Overview – Role of the CAICO

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guide – Assessor Certification and Training

Why Option D (CAICO) is CorrectOfficial CMMC Documentation ReferencesFinal VerificationSinceCAICO is responsible for training, testing, and certifying CMMC assessors and instructors, the correct answer isOption D: CMMC Assessors and Instructors Certification Organization.

What Happens in Phase 4 of the CMMC Assessment Process?Phase 4 of theCMMC Assessment Process (CAP)is theFinal Reporting and Decision Phase. During this phase, theLead Assessormust:

Review all assessment findings

Determine the Organization Seeking Certification’s (OSC) eligibility for certification

Make a recommendation to the C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization)

Ensure that the OSC hasmet the required practices and processes.

Confirm that anydeficiencieshave been corrected or appropriately documented.

Recommendwhether the OSC is eligible for certificationbased on assessment results.

Key Responsibilities of the Lead Assessor in Phase 4:Since theLead Assessor must determine and recommend the OSC’s eligibilityto the C3PAO, the correct answer isB. Eligibility.

A. Ability❌Incorrect. While assessing an OSC’s ability to meet CMMC requirements is part of the process, the final determination in Phase 4 is abouteligibilityfor certification.

C. Capability❌Incorrect. Capability refers to an organization'stechnical and operational readiness. The Lead Assessor is making a recommendation oneligibility, not just capability.

D. Suitability❌Incorrect. Suitability is not a defined term in theCMMC CAP processfor final assessment recommendations. The correct term iseligibility.

Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document– Specifies that the Lead Assessor must determine and recommend theeligibilityof the OSC in Phase 4.

CMMC 2.0 Model– Defines the assessment process, including certification decision-making.

CMMC Official ReferencesThus,option B (Eligibility) is the correct answer, as per official CMMC guidance.

Understanding the "Examine" Assessment Method in CMMC 2.0CMMC 2.0 usesthree assessment methodsto evaluate security compliance:

Examine– Reviewing, inspecting, observing, studying, or analyzing assessment objects (e.g., policies, system documentation).

Interview– Speaking with personnel to verify knowledge and responsibilities.

Test– Performing technical validation to check system configurations.

TheCMMC Assessment Process (CAP)definesExamineas the method used toreview or analyze assessment objects, such as policies, procedures, configurations, and logs.

Relevant CMMC 2.0 Reference:

A. Test → Incorrect

"Test" involvesexecutinga function to validate its security (e.g., verifying access controls through a live system test).

B. Assess → Incorrect

"Assess" is a broad term; CMMC explicitly defines "Examine" as the method for reviewing documentation.

C. Examine → Correct

"Examine" is the official term forreviewing policies, procedures, configurations, or logs.

D. Interview → Incorrect

"Interview" involvesverbal discussions with personnel, not document analysis.

Why is the Correct Answer "Examine" (C)?

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document

Defines "Examine" asanalyzing assessment objects (e.g., policies, procedures, logs, documentation).

NIST SP 800-171A

Specifies "Examine" as a method toreview security controls and configurations.

CMMC 2.0 References Supporting this Answer:

Planning and preparing for aCMMC assessmentinvolves collaboration between theassessorand theOrganization Seeking Certification (OSC)to determine scope, required evidence, and logistics. This planning process isdynamicand must adapt as new information emerges.

Assessment Scope and Requirements May Change

As assessors gather evidence and analyze the environment,new details about assets, networks, and security controlsmay require adjustments to the assessment plan.

TheCMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guideemphasizes that assessmentrequirements and scope should be continuously reviewed and updatedto reflect real-time findings.

Assessors Follow an Adaptive Approach

DuringCMMC assessments, organizations may discover additionalFCI or CUI assets, which can change the required security practices to be evaluated.

Assessors shouldrevise the assessment approach accordinglyrather than strictly following an initial, unchangeable plan.

A. Scoping an assessment is easy and worry-free→Incorrect

Scoping is acritical and complex processthat requires careful evaluation of the OSC’s information systems and assets.

CMMC Scoping Guidestates thatidentifying in-scope assets is crucial and requires significant effort.

B. The initial plan cannot be changed once agreed upon→Incorrect

Theinitial assessment plan is a starting point, butit must be flexiblebased on real-time findings.

CMMC CAP Guideemphasizescontinuous refinementduring the assessment process.

C. There is a determined amount of time that the OSC's point of contact has to submit evidence and rough order-of-magnitude→Incorrect

While there aretimelines, the key focus is ensuring thatall necessary evidence is gathered accuratelyrather than rushing to meet a strict deadline.

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guide– States that assessment requirements and planning should be updated as additional information is gathered.

CMMC Scoping Guide (Nov 2021)– Explains that assessors must continually refinein-scope assets and requirementsthroughout the process.

Why the Correct Answer is "D"?Why Not the Other Options?Relevant CMMC 2.0 References:Final Justification:Assessment planning is a dynamic process.Assessors must continuously review and update the requirements and planas new information emerges, makingDthe correct answer.