Certified Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Professional (CCP) Practice Exam

How many CMMC practices must be observed in-person by a C3PAO?

1. 10 practices

2. 12 practices

3. 15 practices

4. 20 practices

The correct answer is: 15 practices

A C3PAO, or Certified Third Party Assessment Organization, is responsible for conducting assessments to determine compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). In these assessments, it is required that a specific number of practices be observed in-person to validate an organization's implementation and effectiveness of their cybersecurity measures. The correct answer indicates that at least 15 practices must be observed in person. This reflects the security measures that organizations need to demonstrate during an assessment to ensure they are not only documented but also actively implemented and operationalized. This in-person observation process is crucial because it provides auditors with a concrete understanding of how cybersecurity practices are integrated into daily operations, allowing for a more thorough and reliable assessment of the organization’s compliance and maturity level. Effective compliance with CMMC requires a comprehensive understanding of both the practices and the environment in which they are applied. Observing these practices in person helps ensure that they meet the necessary standards and that the organization can effectively safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) as required under federal contracting guidelines.