Class A, B, & C Appraisals
This topic contains questions and answers about SCAMPI Class A, B, and C appraisal methods.
Contents:
- What is an appraisal class?
- Will there be more than one SCAMPI Class A appraisal method?
- Are there official SCAMPI Class B and Class C appraisal methods?
What is an appraisal class?
For benchmarking against other organizations, appraisals must ensure consistent ratings. The SEI has developed a document to assist in identifying or developing appraisal methods that will be compatible with the CMMI Product Suite. This document is the Appraisal Requirements for CMMI (ARC).
The ARC describes a full benchmarking class of appraisal as Class A. Other CMMI-based appraisal methods may be more appropriate for a given set of sponsor needs, including self-assessments, initial appraisals, quick-look or mini-appraisals, incremental appraisals, and external appraisals.
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Will there be more than one SCAMPI Class A appraisal method?
No. The SCAMPI appraisal method is an ARC Class A appraisal method, meaning it is suitable for benchmarking performance against the model. After undergoing this rigorous appraisal, an organization can be assigned a maturity level to rate their performance against the model. The SCAMPI family has expanded to include an ARC Class B and an ARC Class C method defined to complement the SCAMPI Class A method. These methods, by definition, will not be suitable for benchmarking, but will be tools for an organization's process improvement journey.
An objective of the CMMI Project was to reduce the number and diversity of models and methods. If additional Class A methods emerge, they would be separate and distinct from SCAMPI and the SEI authorization program for SCAMPI.
SEI maturity levels and capability levels can only be reported as results of SCAMPI Class A appraisals.
return to topAre there official SCAMPI Class B and Class C appraisal methods?
The SEI Appraisal Program has provided Class B and C appraisal methods as part of the toolkit for SEI-authorized SCAMPI B&C Team Leaders. The SEI has worked with industry and government partners toward the goal of establishing SCAMPI B and SCAMPI C methods. This family of integrated SCAMPI methods (SCAMPI A, B, and C), using common artifacts and being upward compatible, will have significant advantages as organizations pursue process improvement in a systematic fashion.
return to topIf you have a question that is not answered within this FAQ, check the CMMI FAQ Main Page or send email to an SEI person at cmmi-comments@sei.cmu.edu. You will receive a response within 48 hours.