CMMC-CCP Exam Dumps - Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) Exam

Interview Selection in CMMC AssessmentsDuring aCMMC assessment, theLead Assessormust work with theOrganization Seeking Certification (OSC)to select personnel for interviews. The goal is to:

✅Verify that personnel understand andperform security-related practices.

✅Ensure that individuals canexplain how they implement CMMC requirements.

✅Gain insight intoactual cybersecurity operationsrather than just documented policies.

The best interviewees are those whodirectly engage with security practicesand canclearly explain how they perform their duties.

CMMC assessmentsrely on interviewsto validate that security practices areimplemented effectively.

Themost valuable intervieweesare those who canexplainhow security measures are appliedin day-to-day operations.

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP)emphasizes that assessors should speak tothose actively involved in security practicesrather than just senior management or policy owners.

Why "Providing Clarity and Understanding" Is KeyThus,option D is the correct choicebecause the Lead Assessor should prioritizeinterviewing personnel who can clearly explain how CMMC practices are implemented.

A. Have a security clearance.❌Incorrect.Security clearance is not a requirementfor CMMC assessments. The focus is onpractical implementation of security controls, not classified work.

B. Be a senior person in the company.❌Incorrect. Senior executives may not be involved in theactual implementation of security controls. The best interviewees are those whoperform the work, not just oversee it.

C. Demonstrate expertise on the CMMC requirements.❌Incorrect. Whileunderstanding CMMC is important, expertise alonedoes not guarantee practical knowledgeof security controls. The key is thatinterviewees must provide clarity on how they perform security tasks.

Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document– Guides interview selection based on personnel who perform security functions.

NIST SP 800-171 & CMMC 2.0– Emphasize that cybersecurity controls must beactively implemented, not just documented.

CMMC Official ReferencesThus,option D (Provide clarity and understanding of their practice activities) is the correct answeras per official CMMC assessment guidelines.

TheCMMC Assessment Guideis the best source for determining the sources of evidence for a given practice because it provides specific guidance on how organizations should implement and demonstrate compliance with CMMC practices. Each CMMC level has its own assessment guide (e.g.,CMMC Assessment Guide – Level 1, Level 2), detailing expected evidence and assessment procedures.

CMMC Assessment Guide (Primary Source for Evidence)

TheCMMC Assessment Guideexplicitly outlines the evidence required to verify compliance with each practice.

It provides detailed instructions on assessment objectives, clarifying what assessors should look for when determining compliance.

The guide breaks down each practice intoassessment objectives, helping organizations prepare appropriate documentation and artifacts.

Other Documents and Why They Are Not the Best Choice:

NIST SP 800-53 (Option A)

WhileNIST SP 800-53provides a comprehensive catalog of security and privacy controls, it does not focus on CMMC-specific evidence requirements.

It serves as a foundational cybersecurity framework but does not define the specific artifacts required for CMMC assessment.

NIST SP 800-53A (Option B)

NIST SP 800-53Aprovides guidance on assessing security controls but is not tailored to the CMMC framework.

It includes general control assessment procedures, but theCMMC Assessment Guideis more precise in defining the evidence needed for CMMC compliance.

CMMC Assessment Scope (Option C)

TheCMMC Assessment Scopedocument outlines which systems, assets, and processes are subject to assessment.

While important for defining boundaries, it does not provide details on specific evidence requirements for each practice.

CMMC Assessment Guide (Level 2) – Section on "Assessment Objectives"

This document details how evidence is collected and evaluated for each CMMC practice.

Example: ForAC.L2-3.1.1 (Access Control – Limit System Access), the guide specifies that assessors should verify documented policies, system configurations, and audit logs.

CMMC Model Overview (Official DoD Documents)

Emphasizes thatCMMC Assessment Guidesare the official reference for determining sources of evidence.

Detailed Justification:References from Official CMMC Documents:Conclusion:TheCMMC Assessment Guideis the most authoritative source for determining the required evidence for a given practice in CMMC assessments. It provides detailed breakdowns of assessment objectives, required artifacts, and verification steps necessary for compliance.

1. Understanding Basic Safeguarding Requirements for FCI in CMMC Level 1

Federal Contract Information (FCI) is defined as information provided by or generated for the government under a contract that isnot intended for public release.

CMMCLevel 1is designed to ensurebasic safeguardingof FCI, aligning with15 security requirementsfound inFAR 52.204-21 (Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems).

Contractors handlingonly FCImust meetCMMC Level 1, which alignsdirectlywith the safeguarding requirements set inFAR 52.204-21.

2. FAR 52.204-21 and Its Role in CMMC Level 1 Compliance

FAR 52.204-21establishes the baseline cybersecurity controls that contractors must implement to protectFCI.

The15 basic safeguarding requirementsinclude:

Limiting information accessto authorized users.

Identifying and authenticating usersbefore allowing system access.

Protecting transmitted FCIfrom unauthorized disclosure.

Monitoring and controlling connectionsto external systems.

Applying boundary protectionand cybersecurity measures.

Sanitizing mediabefore disposal.

Updating security configurationsto reduce vulnerabilities.

Providing physical securityprotections.

Controlling physical accessto systems that process FCI.

Enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA) where applicable.

Patching vulnerabilitiesin software and hardware.

Limiting the use of removable media.

Creating and retaining system audit logs.

Performing risk-based security assessments.

Developing an incident response plan.

These 15 practices form thefoundationof CMMCLevel 1 Self-Assessment, ensuring contractorsmeet minimum cybersecurity expectationsfor handling FCI.

3. Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

B. 22 CFR 120-130:

This refers toInternational Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which controls the export of defense-related articles and services,notFCI safeguarding requirements.

C. DFARS 252.204-7011:

This clause refers toalternative line item structuresand does not pertain to cybersecurity or safeguarding FCI.

D. DFARS 252.204-7021:

This clause enforcesCMMC requirementsbut doesnot definebasic safeguarding controls. It requires compliance with CMMC but does not specify the foundational requirements (which come fromFAR 52.204-21for Level 1).

4. Official CMMC 2.0 Reference & Study Guide Alignment

TheCMMC 2.0 model documentationconfirms that Level 1 is focused on the15 practices from FAR 52.204-21.

TheDoD’s official CMMC Assessment Guidefor Level 1 explicitly states that meeting FAR 52.204-21 is therequirement for passing a Level 1 Self-Assessment.

TheCMMC 2.0 Scoping Guideclarifies that contractors handling onlyFCIand seekingLevel 1 certificationmust implementonly FAR 52.204-21security controls.

Final Confirmation:The correct answer isA. FAR 52.204-21, as it directly governs the basic safeguarding ofFCIand is the foundational requirement for aLevel 1 Self-Assessmentin CMMC 2.0.

Understanding the Role of a CCP in CMMC AssessmentsACertified CMMC Professional (CCP)is responsible for assistingCertified CMMC Assessors (CCA)in evaluating anOrganization Seeking Certification (OSC)during a CMMC assessment. One key aspect of this process isconducting interviewswith Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to verify security practices.

Ensuring that interviewees canspeak freely without fear of retaliationiscriticalto obtainingaccurate and unbiased informationabout the implementation of security controls.

CMMC Assessment Process and the Role of Interviews

TheCMMC Assessment Guide (Level 2)outlines that interviews are conducted to confirm that security practices are effectively implemented.

Interviewees mustfeel comfortable sharing candid responseswithout concern that their statements will lead tonegative consequenceswithin the organization.

Ensuring Confidentiality and Non-Attribution

DoD Assessment Methodologyspecifies that interviews should be conductedconfidentiallytoprotect the identity of interviewees.

TheCMMC Code of Professional Conduct (CoPC)for assessors and professionals reinforces the requirement to maintain theconfidentialityof assessment participants.

Non-attributionensures that responses are used for evaluation purposeswithout linking statements to specific individuals.

Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:

(A) Performed in groups for more efficient use of resources:

Group interviews may prevent individuals from speaking openly.

Employees might be hesitant to contradict leadership or peers.

(B) Recorded for inclusion in the Final Recommended Findings report:

Interviews arenot directly recorded or attributedin assessment reports.

Instead, findings are documentedwithout identifying specific individuals.

(D) Mapped to specific CMMC practices to clearly delineate which practice is being evaluated:

While responsesinformwhich practices are being assessed, theprimary goalof an interview is to ensure accurate,unbiased information gathering.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:Final Validation from CMMC Documentation:According to theCMMC Assessment Guide and DoD Assessment Methodology, interview confidentiality iscrucialto gatheringaccurateandunbiasedresponses. This makesconfidentiality and non-attributionthe correct answer.

Thus, the correct answer is:

C. Confidential and non-attributable so interviewees can speak without fear of reprisal.

In the context of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, particularly at Level 2, organizations are required to implement stringent controls to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This includes adhering to specific practices related to media protection and physical security.

Media Protection (MP):

MP.L2-3.8.1 – Media Protection:Organizations must protect (i.e., physically control and securely store) system media containing CUI, both paper and digital. This ensures that sensitive information is not accessible to unauthorized individuals.

Defense Innovation Unit

MP.L2-3.8.3 – Media Disposal:It is imperative to sanitize or destroy information system media containing CUI before disposal or release for reuse. This practice prevents potential data breaches from discarded or repurposed media.

Defense Innovation Unit

Physical Protection (PE):

PE.L2-3.10.2 – Monitor Facility:Organizations are required to protect and monitor the physical facility and support infrastructure for organizational systems. This includes ensuring that areas where CUI is processed or stored are secure and access is controlled.

Defense Innovation Unit

Application to the Scenario:

Given that the Organization Seeking Certification (OSC) operates within a shared, multi-tenant building and utilizes a common conference room for assessments, the following considerations are crucial:

Reviewing the Evidence File:The evidence file, which contains CUI, should be reviewed on a secure, authorized device to prevent unauthorized access or potential data leakage.

Printing the Evidence File:If printing is necessary, ensure that the printer is located in a secure area, and the printed documents are retrieved immediately to prevent unauthorized viewing.

Making Notes:Any notes derived from the evidence file should be treated with the same level of security as the original document, especially if they contain CUI.

Disposal of Printed Materials:After the assessment, all printed materials and notes containing CUI must be destroyed using a cross-cut shredder. Cross-cut shredding ensures that the information cannot be reconstructed, thereby maintaining confidentiality.

totem.tech

Options A and D are inadequate as they involve leaving sensitive information in unsecured locations, which violates CMMC physical security requirements. Option B, while secure in terms of digital handling, does not address the proper disposal of any physical copies that may have been made. Therefore, Option C is the best practice, aligning with CMMC 2.0 guidelines by ensuring that all physical media containing CUI are properly reviewed, securely stored during use, and thoroughly destroyed when no longer needed.

A Restricted Information System (IS) is defined as an asset that cannot meet modern security controls but is still needed for contract performance. These systems may be declared out of scope if they are properly isolated, mitigated, and documented. A legacy Windows 95 computer meets the definition of a restricted IS.

Supporting Extracts from Official Content:

CMMC Scoping Guide (Level 2): “Restricted IS assets are those that cannot reasonably apply security requirements due to legacy or operational constraints. They are not assessed but must be identified and protected by alternative methods.”

Why Option B is Correct:

The Windows 95 system is an example of a restricted IS, so it can be scoped out.

Option A is incorrect — the asset is not handling CUI in this case.

Option C is incorrect — government property designation does not define scope.

Option D is incorrect — while it is “legacy,” it is not classified as OT; the correct CMMC term is restricted IS.

References (Official CMMC v2.0 Content):

CMMC Scoping Guide, Level 1 and Level 2 – Restricted IS definition.

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Understanding SI.L2-3.14.6: Monitor Communications for AttacksThe practiceSI.L2-3.14.6fromNIST SP 800-171(aligned with CMMC Level 2) requires an organization tomonitor organizational communications for indicators of attack. This typically includes:

✅Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)andIntrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

✅Log analysis and network monitoring

✅Incident response planningfor detected threats

As part of aCMMC Level 2 assessment, theCertified CMMC Assessor (CCA)must ensure that theOSC (Organization Seeking Certification)hasproperly implemented and documenteditsmonitoring capabilities.

TheCCA must collect sufficient objective evidenceto determine compliance.

Reviewing anartifact(such as system configurations, IDS/IPS logs, or security policies)helps validatethat intrusion detection is properly implemented.

Configuration settings providedirect evidenceof whethermonitoring for attacksis effectively applied.

Why "Review an artifact to check key references for the configuration of the IDS or IPS" is Correct?Breakdown of Answer ChoicesOption

Description

Correct?

A. Conduct a penetration test

❌Incorrect–Penetration testing isnot requiredfor CMMC Level 2 assessments and falls outside an assessor's responsibilities.

B. Interview the intrusion detection system's supplier.

❌Incorrect–Thesupplier does not determine compliance; the assessor needs evidence from theOSC’s implementation.

C. Upload known malicious code and observe the system response.

❌Incorrect–This would beinvasive testing, which isnot part of a CMMC assessment.

D. Review an artifact to check key references for the configuration of the IDS or IPS practice for additional guidance on intrusion detection and prevention systems.

✅Correct – Reviewing system artifacts provides direct evidence of compliance with SI.L2-3.14.6.

NIST SP 800-171 SI.L2-3.14.6– Requires monitoring communications for attack indicators.

CMMC Assessment Process Guide (CAP)– Describesartifact reviewas an essential assessment method.

Official References from CMMC 2.0 and NIST SP 800-171 DocumentationFinal Verification and ConclusionThe correct answer isD. Review an artifact to check key references for the configuration of the IDS or IPS practice for additional guidance on intrusion detection and prevention systems.

This aligns withCMMC 2.0 Level 2 assessment requirementsandSI.L2-3.14.6 compliance verification.

Understanding Federal Contract Information (FCI)Federal Contract Information (FCI) is defined by48 CFR 52.204-21(Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems). FCI refers to information that:

Is NOT intended for public release.

Is provided by or generated for the government under a contract.

Is necessary to develop or deliver a product or service to the government.

Excludes publicly available government information(such as information on public websites).

Excludes simple transactional information(e.g., necessary to process payments).

In the context ofCMMC 2.0, organizations thatprocess, store, or transmit FCImust meetCMMC Level 1 (Foundational), which requires implementing17 basic safeguarding practicesoutlined inFAR 52.204-21.

A. CDI (Controlled Defense Information)→ Incorrect

This term was used inDFARS 252.204-7012but has been replaced byCUI (Controlled Unclassified Information)in CMMC discussions.

B. CTI (Cyber Threat Intelligence)→ Incorrect

This refers to intelligence on cyber threats, tactics, and indicators, not contractual data.

C. CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information)→ Incorrect

CUI is sensitive information requiring additional safeguarding but is a separate category from FCI.

D. FCI (Federal Contract Information)→Correct

The definition of FCI explicitly matches the description given in the question.

Why is the Correct Answer FCI (D)?

FAR 52.204-21 (Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems)

Defines FCI and the required safeguards.

Establishes17 cybersecurity practicesfor FCI protection.

CMMC 2.0 Framework

Level 1 (Foundational)is required for contractors handlingFCI.

Ensures compliance withbasic safeguarding requirementsoutlined inFAR 52.204-21.

NIST SP 800-171 and DFARS 252.204-7012

FCI doesnotrequire compliance withNIST SP 800-171, butCUI does.

CMMC 2.0 References Supporting this Answer: