What do you think is the best approach towards CMMI Certification?

CMMI FAQ 0

28th May, 2014

CMMI is a process model framework developed by SEI (Software Engineering Institute). The body of knowledge within CMMI is containing software engineering best practices like project management, software lifecycle selection and management, requirements management and development, technical solution management and development, product integration, quality management, configuration management, supplier management. CMMI Model has got three constellations – CMMI-DEV, CMMI-SVC and CMMI-ACQ. DEV stands for Development (suitable for software and systems development companies, etc.), SVC stands for Services (suitable for companies delivering services like IT Services, Helpdesk services, Staff-augmentation services, etc.), ACQ stands for acquisition and is for those companies interested in large scale procurements of product and product components. Typically, DEV and SVC models are more popular with small and medium sized companies.

The first step will be to deliberate on which model has to be deployed – “DEV” or “SVC”.  Second step, is to select the Maturity Level Target. The suitable maturity level would be the Maturity Level 2 or Maturity Level 3 at the initial stage. The CMMI Model is deployed in the following phases: Gap Assessment (also called Diagnosing), Documentation, Implementation (also called Execution), and Assessment (consisting of Pre-assessment and Final Assessment). Under the broad framework of these phases, a Detailed Road-map is prepared. It is spread over 09-18 months when we are targeting CMMI Maturity Level 2 or 3. Depending upon the company’s implementation status, this roadmap is appropriately tailored. Further steps: The CMMI Model is deployed in the following phases: Gap Assessment (also called Diagnosing), Documentation, Implementation (also called Execution), and Assessment (consisting of Pre-assessment and Final Assessment).

CMMI Assessments globally are managed now by CMMI Institute which is located in Pittsburgh. The cost for CMMI Assessment activity is variable – depends on which service provider you select. CMMI Institute has made a policy of limiting the number of appraisals that can be conducted by CMMI Institute Certified Lead Appraiser. This policy is applicable globally. The limit is 14 appraisals per year without any exception for one Certified Lead Appraiser.  Appraisal Planning in advance helps to overcome any constraint with respect to the availability of the Lead Appraiser at the time you need.

DQS India is leading service provider in the field of CMMI and has experience of more than 20 years working with small and medium type of companies. We provide ISO Certifications in the IT field like ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 27001 (Information Security Management), ISO 20000-1 (IT service management), etc. We have performed CMMI Assessment with a large number of companies in USA, Europe, South Asia and Africa. We can provide you our work reference and quality of our service from the top management of such companies. Hope this will give a reasonable idea on the subject to take the next steps. You can also visit our blog, www.cmmi-assessment.com for CMMI related questions or our website www.dqsindia.com

[This question is asked by a prospective client (an IT Company) based in South India. I have pasted the question verbatim]