Who can be CMMI certified, an individual or a company?

Hey, CMMI Appraiser, we’re confused about CMMI certification. Who gets CMMI certified, an individual or a company? ~ Lou F.

Hey, Lou – until recently, my answer would have been, “neither.” That’s because, until recently, the CMMI Institute has not used the phrase “CMMI certified,” “CMMI certificate” or “CMMI certification.” This term is commonly used in "certification environments" (companies who must earn and keep various ISO and/or US Government certifications).  In this case, CMMI is sometimes thought of as "just another certification." We have always thought that focusing solely on certification is a misguided interpretation of what actually needs to be done, which is to drive the transformation of the culture of your company.

So while companies don't get "certified" in CMMI (they get "rated"), there has been a change on the individual front. Finally, individuals CAN now be CMMI certified!

The CMMI Institute has recently announced a new certification: the Certified CMMI AssociateTM. This certification helps individuals committed to excellence in process improvement to identify themselves for professional career growth and advancement. The CMMI Associate certification also allows organizations to be confident in hiring credible practitioners.

There are thousands of job listings that list "CMMI" as a desirable skill, and this certification can be used to help match applicants with hiring organizations, much like the PMP or CSM certifications do. That’s what’s cool about the CMMI Associate certification – it helps both individuals and the organizations that hire them. The CMMI Associate certification is a win-win.

For individuals – the CMMI Associate certification provides confirmation of your knowledge of basic and intermediate concepts of CMMI. When you are a certified CMMI Associate, you are demonstrating your dedication to elevating organizational performance.

For organizations – the CMMI Associate certification helps organizations that are looking to hire experienced employees and partners.  You will be able to rely on the new accreditation to help identify those who are best qualified to help you cultivate and enhance internal strategies for process improvement.

How does it work?

You are eligible to apply to become a CMMI Associate after completed an official offering of the Introduction to CMMI course or the Fundamentals of CMMI elearning course. Once you have completed the course work, you can take the CMMI Associate exam. The 30 question, 1-hour examination is composed of multiple choice, true/false, and multiple select questions.

How much does it cost?

The CMMI Institute offers the CMMI Associate exam for $250.  In order to meet the training pre-requisite,  you can attend one of our "Introduction to CMMI" training courses in cities around the country, and we'll even provide a discount code that allows you to take the exam for less.

For more information about the CMMI Associate role and requirements, please contact us at info@broadswordsolutions.com.

Like this blog? Forward to your nearest engineering or software exec!

Jeff Dalton is a Certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser, Certified CMMI Instructor, author and consultant with years of real-world experience with the CMMI in all types of organizations. Jeff has taught thousands of students in CMMI trainings and has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students.

Visit www.broadswordsolutions.com for more information about engineering strategy,performance innovation, software process improvement and running a successful CMMI program.