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

Which organization must authorize an RPO?

1. CMMC Accreditation Body

2. National Cybersecurity Agency

3. C3PAO Management Board

4. Department of Defense

The correct answer is: CMMC Accreditation Body

The organization that must authorize a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) is the CMMC Accreditation Body. This body is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and ensuring that RPOs meet the necessary standards to provide CMMC readiness assessments and support to contractors in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). The CMMC Accreditation Body establishes the criteria and processes for RPOs and plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and quality of the certification process. By authorizing RPOs, the Accreditation Body ensures that these organizations are equipped to offer appropriate guidance and assistance in achieving compliance with CMMC requirements. This is essential for safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring that organizations within the DIB can secure their systems against cyber threats. Other entities listed, such as the National Cybersecurity Agency or the Department of Defense, may have roles in broader cybersecurity initiatives or policies but do not specifically oversee or authorize individual RPOs. The C3PAO Management Board interacts with the RPOs and helps to manage the Certification Bodies but does not directly authorize them. Thus, the CMMC Accreditation Body is the key entity responsible for the authorization of RPOs.