Software Engineering Institute Carnegie Mellon


Successful completion the CMMI v1.2 Upgrade Examination is required for CMMI Instructors and Lead Appraisers. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of the differences between CMMI v1.1 and 1.2 as well as key concept areas of CMMI.

Update, May 1, 2007:

  • Effective May 7, 2007, all registrations will be processed through the SEI Certification program. See exam availability for more details.
  • The CMMI v1.2 Upgrade Training Exam will sunset at 11:59 p.m. on August 31, 2007.

Read about how the exam was developed.

Item Development
Item development was done in accordance with the testing guidelines set forth by the American Educational Research Association, the American Psychological Association and the National Council on Measurement in Education as presented in Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (1999). An expert panel of item writers was assembled to create fair, objective, and reliable questions.

CMMI v1.2 Upgrade Examination questions:

  • are developed and validated by an expert panel
  • are monitored through psychometric analysis
  • satisfy the test specifications.

Test Specifications
Two different forms of the exam are available:

  • CMMI v1.2 Upgrade Exam for Instructors - (45 questions)
  • CMMI v1.2 Upgrade Exam for Lead Appraisers - (42 questions)

2.0 hours will be allotted for each individual to complete the closed-book exam. (Lead Appraisers who are CMMI Instructors must register for the Instructor exam only.)

Each participant will be allowed a total of three attempts to successfully complete the exam. Should a participant fail their first re-take, they will need to successfully complete a remedial training event provided by the SEI. Only then can the candidate take the exam for a third time.

Exam content tests a candidate's knowledge of the differences in v1.1 to 1.2 and key concept areas of CMMI including the following:

  • Appraisal Updates and Changes
  • Concepts and Nuances of Representations
  • Training Updates and Changes (only presented in Instructor Exam)
  • GP/PA Relationships / PA/PA Relationships
  • Generic Practices
  • Institutionalization
  • ML 4 & 5 Topics
  • SAM Scope / Non-applicable PA’s
  • Terminology Unique to Process Areas / Glossary Terms
  • Architecture Constellations
  • Model Familiarity
  • Process Areas (current and former)

Remember, you must take the exam before attending an SEI "face-to-face" session.

Study Tips
 Each participant is highly encouraged to review the training materials thoroughly before an exam attempt. These materials are available online and are designed to accommodate many different styles of learning.

The training materials are designed to not only provide insight into the differences between v1.1 and v1.2, but they also provide refresher materials on important CMMI concepts.

Pay close attention to the questions and answers at the end of each training module as they will give each participant a feel for the type and depth of questions provided on the exam.

Exam Delivery
The SEI has partnered with a testing services provider to support a candidate's requirement to complete the CMMI v1.2 Upgrade Exam.

Exam Registration
Each participant will register for the CMMI v1.2 Upgrade Exam separately from the training registration. The exam is available at testing centers located in major cities and regional locations. Email cmmiupgradetrainingexam-info@sei.cmu.edu to begin coordinating your testing. Exam results are available immediately after you complete the exam.

(Note: Each participant must present two forms of identification at the testing site.)

Exam Retake Policy
 If you fail the v1.2 upgrade exam on your first attempt, you will be permitted to retake the exam the next time it is offered. Email cmmiupgradetrainingexam-info@sei.cmu.edu to retake the exam.

If you fail the CMMI v1.2 Upgrade Exam on your second attempt, you must attend remediation training administered by the SEI before you will be allowed to take the exam a third time.

Exam Scoring
 Passing scores are set according to industry standard procedures. At the completion of the exam, candidates will receive their score on-site. Candidates who fail the exam will receive a score report along with a breakout of sections via email.