What Happens in Phase 4 of the CMMC Assessment Process?
Phase 4 of theCMMC Assessment Process (CAP)is theFinal Reporting and Decision Phase. During this phase, theLead Assessormust:
Review all assessment findings
Determine the Organization Seeking Certification’s (OSC) eligibility for certification
Make a recommendation to the C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization)
Key Responsibilities of the Lead Assessor in Phase 4:
Ensure that the OSC hasmet the required practices and processes.
Confirm that anydeficiencieshave been corrected or appropriately documented.
Recommendwhether the OSC is eligible for certificationbased on assessment results.
Since theLead Assessor must determine and recommend the OSC’s eligibilityto the C3PAO, the correct answer isB. Eligibility.
Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect
A. Ability
❌Incorrect. While assessing an OSC’s ability to meet CMMC requirements is part of the process, the final determination in Phase 4 is abouteligibilityfor certification.
C. Capability
❌Incorrect. Capability refers to an organization'stechnical and operational readiness. The Lead Assessor is making a recommendation oneligibility, not just capability.
D. Suitability
❌Incorrect. Suitability is not a defined term in theCMMC CAP processfor final assessment recommendations. The correct term iseligibility.
CMMC Official References
CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document– Specifies that the Lead Assessor must determine and recommend theeligibilityof the OSC in Phase 4.
CMMC 2.0 Model– Defines the assessment process, including certification decision-making.
Thus,option B (Eligibility) is the correct answer, as per official CMMC guidance.
