CMMI and the Capability Maturity Model｜IT Passport Exam Prep
An overview of CMMI (5 maturity levels), the characteristics of each level, and how it is used, organized for the IT Passport exam.
What is CMMI?
CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) is a model developed by the SEI (Carnegie Mellon University) in the United States. It was integrated from the earlier CMM in 2000 and evaluates an organization's software development process maturity across 5 levels.
The 5 Maturity Levels
| Level | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Initial | Processes are ad hoc and dependent on individuals |
| 2 | Managed | Basic management processes are established |
| 3 | Defined | Organization-wide standard processes are defined |
| 4 | Quantitatively Managed | Processes are managed using statistical methods |
| 5 | Optimizing | Continuous improvement is part of the organizational culture |
Characteristics of Each Level
Level 1: Initial
At Level 1 (Initial), project success depends on individual effort. The same problems recur repeatedly, and processes are ad hoc and person-dependent.
Level 2: Managed
At Level 2 (Managed), project management (planning, progress tracking, quality) is established. Lessons from past projects can be applied.
Level 3: Defined
At Level 3 (Defined), standard processes are shared across the entire organization. Standards can be tailored to fit each project.
Level 4: Quantitatively Managed
At Level 4 (Quantitatively Managed), processes are statistically analyzed and predicted. Improvements are driven by data.
Level 5: Optimizing
At Level 5 (Optimizing), innovation and improvement are continuous and organization-wide. The goal is to achieve industry-leading maturity.
How CMMI Is Used
CMMI is used for evaluating software vendors, especially by the U.S. government and large corporations. It is also used for self-assessment and improvement of in-house development processes, and may be required as a condition for participating in international bids.
Key Points for the IT Passport Exam
The IT Passport exam asks about the names and order of the 5 levels. The contrast between Level 1's ad hoc state and Level 5's optimizing state is especially important. Understand that CMMI's purpose is to evaluate process maturity.
Typical Past Exam Question Patterns
- "Which model evaluates an organization's process maturity?" → CMMI
- "Which correctly describes the state of CMMI Level 1?" → Ad hoc and person-dependent
Related Terms
- ISO standards (ISO9001, 14001, 27001)
- System development lifecycle (System Development Process Flow)
- ITIL (What is ITIL?)
Study Tips
A handy mnemonic for the 5 levels is: "Initial, Managed, Defined, Quantitatively Managed, Optimizing." Remember that the level number and the degree of process abstraction go hand in hand. At a minimum, knowing "ad hoc = Level 1" and "optimizing = Level 5" will get you the points.
Summary
If you master the 5 levels and their purpose, you can reliably score points on CMMI-related questions. For comprehensive practice on the Management domain, check out the Management summary, and for a full-length simulation, try the mock exam.
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