Free Practice Questions for Cyber AB CMMC-CCP Exam

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.

In the context of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Assessment Process, understanding the roles of various entities associated with an Organization Seeking Certification (OSC) is crucial during the planning phase. When a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) staff reviews these entities for a CMMC Level 2 Assessment, it's essential to distinguish between internal components and external participants.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Definition of the HQ Organization:

The HQ Organization refers to the entire legal entity delivering services under the terms of a Department of Defense (DoD) contract. This entity is responsible for ensuring compliance with CMMC requirements.

Identification of External Entities:

External entities encompass people, processes, and technology that are not part of the HQ Organization but support its operations. These entities participate in the assessment process due to their involvement in handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI) related to the DoD contract.

Role of Supporting Organizations/Units:

According to the CMMC Assessment Process documentation, Supporting Organizations are defined as "the people, procedures, and technology external to the HQ Organization that support the Host Unit." These external entities are integral to the operations of the Host Unit but are not encompassed within the HQ Organization's immediate structure.

Assessment Implications:

While Supporting Organizations/Units play a vital role in supporting the Host Unit, they do not receive a separate CMMC Level certification unless an enterprise assessment is conducted. In such cases, the assessment would encompass both the HQ Organization and its Supporting Organizations to ensure comprehensive compliance across all associated entities.

The CMMC Assessment Process uses three methods: Examine, Interview, and Test. The method that involves analyzing artifacts (documents, system configurations, records, logs, etc.) is Examine.

Supporting Extracts from Official Content:

CMMC Assessment Guide: “Examine consists of reviewing, inspecting, or analyzing assessment objects such as documents, system configurations, or other artifacts to evaluate compliance.”

Why Option B is Correct:

Examine = analyzing artifacts.

Interview = discussions with personnel.

Test = executing technical checks.

Behavior is not an assessment method.

References (Official CMMC v2.0 Content):

CMMC Assessment Guide, Levels 1 and 2 — Assessment Methods (Examine, Interview, Test).

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Understanding Access Control in CMMCAccess control refers to the process ofgranting or denyingspecific requests to:

Obtain and use information

Access information processing services

Enter specific physical locations

TheAccess Control (AC) domain in CMMCis based onNIST SP 800-171 (3.1 Access Control family)and includes requirements to:

✅Implement policies for granting and revoking access.

✅Restrict access to authorized personnel only.

✅Protect physical and digital assets from unauthorized access.

Since the questionbroadly asks about the process of granting or denying access to information, services, and physical locations, the correct answer isA. Access Control.

B. Physical access control❌Incorrect.Physical access controlis asubsetof access control that only applies tophysical locations(e.g., keycards, security guards, biometrics). The question includesinformation and services, makinggeneral access controlthe correct choice.

C. Mandatory access control (MAC)❌Incorrect.MAC is a specific type of access controlwhere access is strictly enforced based onsecurity classifications(e.g., Top Secret, Secret, Confidential). The questiondoes not specify MAC, so this is incorrect.

D. Discretionary access control (DAC)❌Incorrect.DAC is another specific type of access control, whereownersof data decide who can access it. The question asksgenerallyabout granting/denying access, makingaccess control (A)the best answer.

Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect

CMMC 2.0 Model - AC.L2-3.1.1 to AC.L2-3.1.22– Covers access control requirements, includingcontrolling access to information, services, and physical spaces.

NIST SP 800-171 (3.1 - Access Control Family)– Defines the general principles of access control.

CMMC Official ReferencesThus,option A (Access Control) is the correct answer, as it best aligns withCMMC access control requirements.

The CMMC Model v2.0 is cumulative. The Advanced Level (Level 3) requires full implementation of NIST SP 800-171 (aligned to Level 2) and adds a subset of additional practices from NIST SP 800-172. Because levels build on one another, the Access Control (AC) practices at Level 3 inherently include those from Level 1 (basic FCI protections), Level 2 (CUI protections), and additional Level 3 requirements.

Supporting Extracts from Official Content:

CMMC Model v2.0 Overview: “The model is cumulative; practices at a higher level include the practices of all lower levels.”

Level 3 description: “Advanced… Expert Level requires implementation of NIST SP 800-171 plus a subset of NIST SP 800-172.”

Why Option D is Correct:

The Advanced Level includes all AC practices from Level 1 and Level 2, as well as the additional ones unique to Level 3.

Therefore, it contains Access Control practices from Levels 1, 2, and 3.

References (Official CMMC v2.0 Content):

CMMC Model v2.0, Overview of Levels (Cumulative nature of practices).

NIST SP 800-171 and NIST SP 800-172 (control sources for Levels 2 and 3).

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The term Adversarial Assessment is formally defined in DoD cyber terminology. It describes testing that evaluates a unit or system’s ability to perform its mission while facing simulated cyber threat activity representative of a real-world adversary.

Supporting Extracts from Official Content:

DoD Cybersecurity Test and Evaluation Guidebook: “Adversarial Assessment: Test conducted to evaluate a unit’s ability to support its mission while withstanding cyber threat activity representative of an actual adversary.”

Why Option D is Correct:

A penetration test is narrower and focuses on identifying vulnerabilities.

Black hat testing is not an official DoD or CMMC term.

Red cell assessment refers more broadly to force-on-force exercises and is not the term used in CMMC/governing DoD definitions.

References (Official CMMC v2.0 Content and Source Documents):

DoD Cybersecurity Test and Evaluation Guidebook.

CMMC v2.0 Governance – Source Documents (incorporating DoD definitions).

Understanding Restricted Information Systems (IS) in CMMC ScopingInCMMC 2.0,Specialized Assetsrefer to assets that do not fit traditional IT system categories but still play a role inprocessing, storing, or transmitting Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The four categories ofSpecialized Assetsin theCMMC Scoping Guideinclude:

Internet of Things (IoT) Devices– Smart or network-connected devices.

Restricted Information Systems (Restricted IS)– Systems that arecontractually requiredto beconfigured to government specifications.

Test Equipment– Devices used for specialized testing or measurement.

Government Property– Equipment owned by theU.S. Governmentbut used by contractors.

The contractor-owned systems in question areconfigured based on government requirementsandused to support a DoD contract.

Restricted ISassets arecontractually requiredto meet government security requirements andhandle DoD-related information.

These systemsdo not fall under general IT assets but instead require special handling, making them a Restricted ISper theCMMC Scoping Guide.

A. IoT (Incorrect)

IoT devices includesmart devices, sensors, and embedded systems, but the contractor's business systems are not classified as IoT.

C. Test Equipment (Incorrect)

The contractor’s systems areused for handling FCI, not for testing or measurement.

D. Government Property (Incorrect)

The systems arecontractor-owned, not owned by theU.S. Government, so they do not qualify asGovernment Property.

The correct answer isB. Restricted IS, as the systems arecontractor-owned but must follow DoD security requirements.

Understanding "Adequate Evidence" in the CMMC Assessment ProcessIn aCMMC assessment,adequate evidencerefers to the proof required to demonstrate that a specific cybersecurity practice has been implemented correctly. Evidence can come from:

Artifacts(e.g., security policies, system configurations, logs).

Interview responses(e.g., verbal confirmation from personnel about their responsibilities).

Demonstrations(e.g., showing how a security control is implemented in real time).

Testing(e.g., verifying technical security mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication).

Thegoalof evidence collection is to determinewhether a CMMC practice is met—not just whether the organization operates within the assessment scope.

A. Verify, based on an assessment and organizational scope → Incorrect

Theassessment scopedefineswhat is evaluated, but adequacy of evidence is based oncompliance with specific CMMC practices.

B. Verify, based on an assessment and organizational practice → Incorrect

CMMC assessments focus on cybersecurity practices defined in the CMMC framework, not just general organizational practices.

C. Determine if a given artifact, interview response, demonstration, or test meets the CMMC scope → Incorrect

Thescopedefines the assessment boundaries, but theassessment team's job is to confirm whether CMMC practices are satisfied.

D. Determine if a given artifact, interview response, demonstration, or test meets the CMMC practice → Correct

TheCMMC assessment process focuses on ensuring that required practices are implemented, making this the correct answer.

Why is the Correct Answer "Determine if a given artifact, interview response, demonstration, or test meets the CMMC practice" (D)?

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document

Defines "adequate evidence" asproof that a CMMC practice has been correctly implemented.

CMMC 2.0 Assessment Criteria

Specifies that evidence must beevaluated against specific cybersecurity practices.

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

Provides guidance on evaluating artifacts, interviews, demonstrations, and testing to confirm compliance with required practices.

CMMC 2.0 References Supporting this Answer:

Final Answer:✔D. Determine if a given artifact, interview response, demonstration, or test meets the CMMC practice.

Understanding the CMMC Assessment ProcessTheCMMC Assessment Process (CAP)consists offour phases, each with specific tasks and objectives.

Phase 1: Plan and Prepare Assessment– Planning, scheduling, and preparing for the assessment.

Phase 2: Conduct Assessment–Gathering and verifying evidence, conducting interviews, and evaluating compliance.

Phase 3: Report Recommended Assessment Results– Documenting findings and reporting results.

Phase 4: Remediation of Outstanding Assessment Issues– Allowing the organization to address any deficiencies.

Why "Phase 2: Conduct Assessment" is Correct?DuringPhase 2: Conduct Assessment, theAssessment Teamperforms key activities, including:

✅Identifying required evidencefor compliance verification.

✅Obtaining and reviewing artifacts(e.g., security policies, configurations, logs).

✅Verifying the sufficiency of evidenceagainst CMMC practice requirements.

✅Interviewing key personneland observing cybersecurity implementations.

Since the question specifically mentions"identify, obtain inventory, and verify evidence,"this task directly falls underPhase 2: Conduct Assessment.

Breakdown of Answer ChoicesOption

Description

Correct?

A. Phase 1: Plan and Prepare Assessment

❌Incorrect–This phase focuses onscheduling, logistics, and planning, not evidence collection.

B. Phase 2: Conduct Assessment

✅Correct – This phase involves gathering, verifying, and reviewing evidence.

C. Phase 3: Report Recommended Assessment Results

❌Incorrect–This phasedocumentsresults but doesnotcollect evidence.

D. Phase 4: Remediation of Outstanding Assessment Issues

❌Incorrect–This phase focuses oncorrective actions, not evidence collection.

CMMC Assessment Process Guide (CAP)–Phase 2: Conduct Assessmentexplicitly includes tasks such asgathering and verifying evidence.

Official References from CMMC 2.0 DocumentationFinal Verification and ConclusionThe correct answer isB. Phase 2: Conduct Assessment, as this phase includesidentifying, obtaining, and verifying evidence, which is critical for determining CMMC compliance.