CMMC-CCP Exam Dumps - Cyber AB CMMC Questions and Answers

TheCybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0is primarily based on two key National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publications:

NIST SP 800-171– "Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations"

NIST SP 800-172– "Enhanced Security Requirements for Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information: A Supplement to NIST Special Publication 800-171"

NIST SP 800-171

This document is thecore foundationof CMMC 2.0 and establishes the security requirements for protectingControlled Unclassified Information (CUI)in non-federal systems.

The 110 security controls fromNIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2are mapped directly toCMMC Level 2.

NIST SP 800-172

This supplement includesenhanced security requirementsfor organizations handlinghigh-value CUIthat faces advanced persistent threats (APTs).

These enhanced requirements apply toCMMC Level 3under the 2.0 model.

B. DFARS, FIPS 100, and NIST SP 800-171→Incorrect

WhileDFARS 252.204-7012mandates compliance withNIST SP 800-171,FIPS 100 does not existas a relevant cybersecurity standard.

C. DFARS, NIST, and Carnegie Mellon University→Incorrect

CMMC is aligned with DFARS and NIST but isnot developed or directly influenced by Carnegie Mellon University.

D. DFARS, FIPS 100, NIST SP 800-171, and Carnegie Mellon University→Incorrect

Again,FIPS 100 is not relevant, andCarnegie Mellon Universityis not a defining entity in the CMMC framework.

CMMC 2.0 Scoping Guide (2023)confirms thatCMMC Level 2 is entirely based on NIST SP 800-171.

CMMC 2.0 Level 3 Draft Documentationexplicitly referencesNIST SP 800-172for enhanced security requirements.

DoD Interim Rule (DFARS 252.204-7021)mandates that organizations meetNIST SP 800-171 for CUI protection.

Reference and Breakdown:Eliminating Incorrect Answer Choices:Official CMMC 2.0 References Supporting the Answer:Final Conclusion:The CMMC 2.0 model is derivedsolely from NIST SP 800-171 and NIST SP 800-172, makingAnswer A the only correct choice.

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:

In CMMC scoping terminology, an HQ Organization is the entity legally responsible for contract performance and delivery of products or services.

Supporting Extracts from Official Content:

CMMC Scoping Guide: “HQ Organization is the legal entity responsible for the performance and delivery of contract requirements.”

Why Option D is Correct:

The HQ Org is legally accountable, while Host Units (option A/B) are subordinate entities.

Option C refers to shared services, not the HQ.

References (Official CMMC v2.0 Content):

CMMC Scoping Guide, High-Level Scoping Definitions.

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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.

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 the Concept of Security in CMMC 2.0CMMC 2.0 aligns with federal cybersecurity standards, particularlyFISMA (Federal Information Security Modernization Act), NIST SP 800-171, and FAR 52.204-21. One key principle in these frameworks is the implementation of security measures that are appropriate for the risk level associated with the data being protected.

The question describes security measures that are proportionate to therisk of loss, misuse, unauthorized access, or modificationof information. This matches the definition of"Adequate Security."

A. Adopted security→ Incorrect

The term"adopted security"is not officially recognized in CMMC, NIST, or FISMA. Organizations adopt security policies, but the concept does not directly align with the question’s definition.

B. Adaptive security→ Incorrect

Adaptive securityrefers to adynamic cybersecurity modelwhere security measures continuously evolve based on real-time threats. While important, it does not directly match the definition in the question.

C. Adequate security→Correct

The term"adequate security"is defined inNIST SP 800-171, DFARS 252.204-7012, and FISMAas the level of protection that isproportional to the consequences and likelihood of a security incident.

This aligns perfectly with the definition in the question.

D. Advanced security→ Incorrect

Advanced securitytypically refers tohighly sophisticated cybersecurity mechanisms, such as AI-driven threat detection. However, the term does not explicitly relate to the concept of risk-based proportional security.

FISMA (44 U.S.C. § 3552(b)(3))

Definesadequate securityas"protective measures commensurate with the risk and potential impact of unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of information."

This directly matches the question's wording.

DFARS 252.204-7012 (Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting)

Mandates that contractors apply"adequate security"to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2, Requirement 3.1.1

States that organizations must "limit system access to authorized users and implement adequate security protections to prevent unauthorized disclosure."

CMMC 2.0 Documentation (Level 1 and Level 2 Requirements)

Requires that organizationsapply adequate security measures in accordance with NIST SP 800-171to meet compliance standards.

Analyzing the Given OptionsOfficial References Supporting the Correct AnswerConclusionThe term"adequate security"is the correct answer because it is explicitly defined in federal cybersecurity frameworks asprotection proportional to risk and potential consequences. Thus, the verified answer is:

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.

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:

Understanding the Official CUI RegistryTheControlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Registryis theauthoritative sourcefor all federal agencies'CUI categories and indices. It is maintained by theNational Archives and Records Administration (NARA)and provides:

✅Acomprehensive listof CUI categories and subcategories.

✅Details onwho can handle, store, and share CUI.

✅Guidance onCUI marking and safeguarding requirements.

TheOfficial CUI Registryis theonly federal resourcethat listsall CUI categories and agencies that use them.

32 CFR Section 2002(Option A) definesCUI policiesbut doesnotprovide a full listing of CUI categories.

Executive Order 13556(Option C) established theCUI Programbut doesnotmaintain an active list of categories.

The "Official CMMC Registry" (Option D) does not exist—CMMC is a security framework, not a CUI classification system.

Why "Official CUI Registry" is Correct?Breakdown of Answer ChoicesOption

Description

Correct?

A. 32 CFR Section 2002

❌Incorrect–Defines CUI program rules butdoes not listcategories.

B. Official CUI Registry

✅Correct – The registry contains the full list of CUI categories.

C. Executive Order 13556

❌Incorrect–Established the CUI program butdoes not maintain a category list.

D. Official CMMC Registry

❌Incorrect–No such registry exists; CMMC is a cybersecurity framework, not a CUI classification system.

National Archives (NARA) CUI Registry– The authoritative source forall federal agency CUI categories.

32 CFR 2002– Provides CUIpolicy guidancebut refers agencies to theOfficial CUI Registryfor classification.

Official References from CMMC 2.0 and Federal DocumentationFinal Verification and ConclusionThe correct answer isB. Official CUI Registry, as it is theonly official source listing all federal agencies' CUI indices and categories.

During aCMMC Level 2 assessment, assessors requireobjective evidencethat security controls are implementedin the actual operating environmentwhereControlled Unclassified Information (CUI)is handled.

This means thattests or demonstrations must be conducted in the production environment, where the organization’s real systems and security controls are in use.

Assessment teams need to validate security controls in the actual environment where they are applied, ensuring that security measures are in effect in thereal-world operating conditions.

Option A (Client)is incorrect because "Client" is not a defined assessment environment.

Option C (Development)is incorrect because testing in a development environmentdoes not accurately represent the production security posture.

Option D (Demonstration)is incorrect becausedemonstrations in a separate test environment do not provide valid evidence for CMMC assessments—actual security implementations must be verified in production.

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Guide – Section 3.5 (Assessment Methods)

NIST SP 800-171 Assessment Procedures(Verification must occur in the actual system where CUI resides.)

Understanding the Assessment Environment RequirementWhy Option B (Production) is CorrectOfficial CMMC Documentation ReferencesFinal VerificationSinceCMMC assessments require security controls to be validated in the actual production environment, the correct answer isOption B: Production.