CMMI Institute

Certified CMMI® Lead Appraiser 

Organizations around the world work diligently to achieve performance excellence based on CMMI’s benchmark practices. When they are ready to measure their accomplishments against the CMMI, they call a Lead Appraiser to determine their capability or maturity level.

Certified CMMI Lead Appraisers are able to:

Use best practice outcome-based instructional techniques to effectively support student mastery Understand how to plan and prepare for an appraisal using the CMMI Method Definition Document (MDD).

  • Understand how CMMI® appraisal quality and ethics are critical for maintaining the reliability of the CMMI appraisal method.
  • Understand the Appraisal Team Leader (ATL) role and the application of CMMI appraisals using the Method Definition Document (MDD).
  • Understand how CMMI appraisals are used along with the CMMI Model to evaluate and improve the business performance of an organization.
  • Understand how to plan and prepare, conduct, and report an appraisal using the Method Definition Document (MDD)

Certification Process

  1. Prerequisites

  2. Confirmation of CMMI Partner Sponsorship

    Be sure your sponsoring organization is an ISACA Partner that is licensed for CMMI Performance Solutions.

    Not a Partner? Learn more about partnership today.

  3. Submit Lead Appraiser Application 

    Applicants must:

    • Complete the Partner Candidate Sponsorship Form
    • Non-native English speakers should send their TOEFL score demonstrating their ability to read, write, and speak understandable English
    • Use the button below to submit your application, and choose a domain specialization: Development or Services 
    • View CMMI Application Guidance here. Note applications must include a resume, cover letter and written scenario. 
    • Applicants may apply for more than one domain, see step #8 if you wish to add more domains.
    Apply Now
  4. Required Experience

    Each application will be reviewed by the Lead Appraiser Application Review committee.

    Candidates will be reviewed on the following selection criteria:

    • Teaching Experience and Skills

       

      Candidates must have training and/or experience in classroom presentations and management skills.

       

      Required: One year of experience presenting information (procedural and conceptual) in a clear concise, and engaging manner. May overlap with discipline area experience.

       

      Discipline Area Experience and Skills

       

      The candidate must have at least 8 years of experience in their desired domain of the model. In addition to the experience and skills listed below, candidates must also have served in at least one of the following roles: member of engineering process group (EPG), member of process improvement (PI) team, or process improvement coach.

       

      Development:

      • 8 years of experience related to product development, showing clear evidence of expertise in applicable areas
      • At least 3 years of experience related to interpreting or applying the CMMI model in a development work environment
       

      Services:

      • 8 years of experience related to service delivery, showing clear evidence of expertise in applicable areas
      • At least 3 years of experience related to interpreting or applying the CMMI model in a service delivery work environment
       

      Appraisal Experience and Skills

      Within 24 months of desired training date, candidates must have participated on 2 registered/reported appraisals including Benchmark, Evaluation, or Sustainment appraisals only. APRs are not eligible.

      Language Experience and Skills

      Fluency in English is required

  5. Complete Training & Assignments

    Applicants must:

    View Course Calendar
  6. Schedule & Complete an Observation

    • Students will receive observation criteria during Lead Appraiser Training
    • Candidate and Partner organization must be in good standing
    • Refer to the CMMI Appraisal - Benchmark Appraisal Observation Policy for observation requirements and additional details
    • Candidate must demonstrate the ability to deliver an appraisal according to the MDD and observation guidelines
    • Not applicable for currently certified CMMI Lead Appraisers
  7. Receive & Maintain Certification

    • Upon successful completion of all steps, candidates will receive their certification(s)
    • Certified individuals can market their certification via:
            - Partner Directory
            - Email signatures
            - Credentials on LinkedIn and other social media            pages
  8. Current Lead Appraisers Wishing to Add New Domains​

    Apply Now

Price Breakdown

Certification Step Fees
Building Organizational Capability Course View All Courses
Advancing Organizational Capability: Applying CMMI $5,000
Lead Appraiser Training $10,000
Observation Visit the Candidate Information Page

Questions about becoming a Certified CMMI Lead Appraiser?

Submit this form and a Training & Certification specialist will be happy to help!

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