Frequently Asked Questions

CMMC Framework

What is CMMC Framework?

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification(CMMC) is a framework developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to enhance the cybersecurity posture of companies in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It is a major shift in cybersecurity regulations that increases cyber hygiene rigor with process and practice requirements, and audits via third-party assessors, known as CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs).

The primary goal of the CMMC is to safeguard sensitive information, such as Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and control access to critical data, thereby reducing cyber threats and protecting the Defense Supply Chain (DSC).The full implementation of CMMC across all relevant DoD contracts is expected to take several years. The DoD had indicated that all new contracts would include some level of CMMC requirement by 2025 or 2026.

What are Certified CMMC Professionals and Certified CMMC Assessors?

Certified CMMC Professionals (CCPs) and Certified CMMC Assessors (CCAs) are key roles in the CMMC ecosystem.

Certified CMMC Professionals (CCPs) - Are trained professionals who have a deep understanding of the CMMC framework. They are qualified to advise and assist organizations in preparing for CMMC assessments. However, they are not authorized to conduct official CMMC assessments. They can assist organizations with their Level 1 Self-Assessments and work as part of a CMMC Assessment Team reviewing only Level 1 practices. To become a CCP, an individual typically needs to complete specific training courses and pass the CCP examination.

Certified CMMC Assessors (CCAs) - Are professionals who are authorized to conduct formal CMMC assessments. They evaluate an organization's compliance with the CMMC requirements and determine if the organization meets the criteria for the certification level they are seeking. A CCA can assess organizations seeking CMMC certification at any Level. To become a CCA, one must meet more stringent requirements than a CCP. This typically includes having a certain amount of cybersecurity experience, completing advanced CMMC training, and passing a rigorous assessment exam. They must also adhere to a strict code of professional conduct and must meet U.S. Citizenship requirements.

How do I purchase CMMC Curriculum?

CMMC curricula can only be purchased and utilized by authorized CMMC Licensed Training Providers (LTP) to leverage while educating and preparing individuals and organizations for the CMMC certification process.

Captiva Solutions is both a Licensed Publishing Partner (LPP) and an LTP. We develop comprehensive CMMC curricula and provide all-inclusive CMMC Training Courses both for general CMMC awareness and certification training for CCP and CCA roles. More information on our training courses can be found by following the link above or clicking here:
https://academy.captivasolutions.com

Apart from formal training, we provide additional resources and information for DIB organizations or groups involved in cybersecurity and defense contracting. These resources provide supplementary information and updates.

To purchase our CMMC curricula, you would need to complete an LTP Application, which can be found here (LTP Application). Once your application is complete, our Training Team will review it and you will receive a response within 48 hours.

To use or implement our curricula there are several key steps and requirements to consider. These steps ensure that the curriculum is effectively integrated into your educational setting. Some of these steps include the following: understand the curriculum before implementation, adequately train your instructors on the curriculum, ensure all necessary resources are available, and the curriculum aligns with relevant standards, professional accreditation standards, or specific competency frameworks; pilot test it, and develop a plan to implement the curriculum, and regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum through assessments, feedback from instructors and learners.

If you have additional questions, contact our Training Team to discuss your unique needs and the best way to implement our curricula.

Do you provide additional support or services?

We provide a Learning Management System (LMS) that can be set up with restricted access to meet your unique needs.

Where do I find CMMC Training?

To find CMMC training, look for courses offered by authorized CMMC Licensed Training Providers (LTPs), like Captiva Solutions, that are listed on the Marketplace on the Cyber AB’s Website. These providers offer courses that are consistent with the Cyber AB's standards and curriculum requirements.

How do I take my CMMC certification exam?

Official certification exams are administered by the Cyber AB through one of their testing agencies. You can visit their website to learn more about the CMMC exam registration process.

Do I need to take CMMC training courses in a specific order?

Yes, Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) certification is the starting point if you plan to become a Certified CMMC Assessor (CCA) or Certified CMMC Instructor (CCI). In fact, the CCP certification is required to receive the CCA or CCI certification. You must earn the CCP credential to move on to the CCA or CCI credential. Think of each level as a prerequisite before you can move on to the next. The good news is that Captiva Solutions, as a CMMC Licensed Publishing Partner (LPP) designed our training courses to follow this trajectory, so you can go as far as you want on the CMMC journey — all within a single platform.

What can I do with a CMMC CCP Certification?

As a Certified CMMC Professional (CCP), you have the training to understand the requirements of CMMC and help prepare a DoD contractor for assessment. You are authorized to participate as an assessment team member under the supervision of a Certified CMMC Assessor (CCA). You are also eligible to continue training to become a CCA or a Certified CMMC Instructor (CCI).

Curricula

What is included as part of the instructor kit?

Instructor kits for our specialized training include courseware in the form of slide decks or presentation materials; a carefully designed Instructor Guide with detailed lesson plans, teaching strategies, student handouts, and an overview of the course content, and it provides answers to exercises and explanations for key concepts. Instructor kits for some of our courses include supplementary reading materials, such as additional articles, case studies, or books that provide deeper insight into the subject matter, as needed. Finally, our instructor kits include assessment tools, that include quizzes, tests, assignments, and/or projects, along with guidelines for grading and assessment criteria.

Do I still need to create lesson plans?

No. Our instructor kits are packaged with Lesson Plans, teaching strategies, and an overview of the course content, and copies of handouts or worksheets to be distributed to students during the course.

Can you describe your curricula development process?

Our curricula are developed by seasoned cybersecurity subject matter experts (SMEs), instructional designers, and instructors; and are built on extensive research and information found in the respective regulation, policy, or authoritative source with input from SMEs and other industry practitioners. Based on learning objectives and key outcomes for the intended audience, our curricula are supplemented as necessary with relevant industry best practices and key concepts; and are aligned with the exam objectives of the respective certification, if applicable. We ensure lesson plans are well structured and sequenced in a logical way to maximize learning. This approach guarantees students master fundamentals and can acquire more detailed knowledge and skills from the start.

Prior to the initial offering of a course, the curriculum is reviewed by experts who have knowledge in the subject matter but who are not responsible for design nor instruction. The updated content is then pilot tested, by an independent instructor, whose input is incorporated. The final curriculum is then modified, and the course is made ready for delivery. When developing curricula, we utilize the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation), targeting the intended audience, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Each module goes through multiple reviews by developmental editors, instructional designers, and content area SMEs.

Does your curricula include hands-on activities and interactive materials?

Each lesson comes with hands-on activities simulating real life experiences. At the heart of our curricula are the mock assessments, case studies and a capstone project. The capstone project is a unique, hands-on interactive training tool that puts course participants in the proverbial “driving seat.”

How often will your curricula be revised to take into consideration regulatory updates?

Our curricula are reviewed at the very least annually to ensure they meet updated standards and knowledge requirements. To address an imminent regulatory update our curricula will be reviewed to establish a baseline and thereafter a plan to address the updates will be established. Once ratified, the Captiva team will review the regulatory update, identifying the changes between our baseline and the new regulation and then proceed to implement the changes with guidance from SMEs in the respective field. Once all the updates have been incorporated, we will then review, pilot, and recertify the curriculum, as necessary, ensuring it meets the rigorous requirements that have been established.

What is required of us to use/implement your curricula?

If you have additional questions, contact our Training Team to discuss your unique needs and the best way to implement our curricula.

Do you provide additional support or services?

We provide a Learning Management System (LMS) that can be set up with restricted access to meet your unique needs.

Training

How do I enroll in a course?

We encourage you to enroll at our Training Academy at https://academy.captivasolutions.com. You may also register by phone, by contacting the Captiva Solutions Training Team at 202-770-2120 or by email at training@captivasolutions.com.
You may also register by phone, by contacting the Captiva Solutions Training Team at 202-770-2120 or by email at training@captivasolutions.com.

How do I pay for the course?

You can pay for a course online at our website on the Course Catalog page, or at our Training Academy athttps://academy.captivasolutions.comPayment can also be accepted by credit card when you call the Captiva Solutions training Team on 202-770-2120. Payment is due upon registration and prior to the first day of class.

How do I register?

For registration information and to learn how you can immediately benefit from our training programs and/or Transformational Change services, contact us through one of these methods:

Online: https://academy.captivasolutions.com

Email: training@captivasolutions.com

Phone: 202-770-2120 | Toll Free: 888-560-9280

Can someone else from my organization be substituted for me if I am unable to attend a class?

Yes. Just contact the Captiva Solutions Training Team at 202-770-2120 or training@captivasolutions.com, You will need to provide notice of the substitution to us via email or in writing to Captiva Solutions, 8201 Corporate Dr, Ste 365 Landover, MD, 20785 and Attention: Training Team.

Will I get a certificate of completion for taking a Captiva Solutions Training Course ?

Yes. Captiva Solutions provides certificates of course completion for all training classes. Typically, certificates are handed out on the last day of class. If you were not present at the last class, you may contact the Captiva Solutions Training Team at 202-770-2120 upon completing the course for information on how to get your certificate.

For live classes in specific locations, am I or my company responsible for hotel, air and ground transportation?

Yes. Hotel, airfare, transportation, and meals are the financial responsibility of class participants. We will communicate nearby hotels and ground transportation directions to you as part of a “Course Registration Information” and/or “Travel Planner,” notification email.

If I sign up for a class and then I’m unable to attend, can I take the class at another time?

Yes. We understand that work, personal demands, and conflicts happen. Just contact the Captiva Solutions Training Team at 202-770-2120 or training@captivasolutions.com. We ask that you send notice of the switch to us via email or in writing to 8201 Corporate Dr, Ste 365 Landover, MD, 20785 and Attention: Training Team.

Why do I need to attend one of your classes?

Captiva Solutions utilizes a “Real-Skills-for-Real-Jobs® training methodology. Our courses are aligned to the exam objectives of recognized certifications required by many roles today; thereby maximizing your training investment. We provide critical knowledge and hands-on skills that are required to accomplish your certification goals and can be implemented on your job. You will learn about the latest cybersecurity threats and IT challenges, skills required to protect and secure your organization, earn relevant certifications that will propel your career, and gain the value and trust of your organization.

Who should attend?

Captiva Solutions training is for professionals who are responsible for implementing, administering, supporting, securing or auditing IT systems, sub-system, infrastructure, and network device security and compliance and those who are interested in becoming cybersecurity professionals. Both new and experienced cybersecurity professionals, as well as recent entrants, can benefit from our training courses.

Can I earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits?

Yes. Captiva Solutions is approved by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a CPE sponsor. We offer CPE-eligible courses, and the number of CPE credits earned vary by course and are subject to the rules laid out by the governing body for the title you hold (e.g. (ISC)2, ISACA, etc.). Contact them after you have completed the course for more details. Typically, attendees earn one CPE credit for every 50 minutes of training.

Can a class that I signed up for be cancelled or postponed by Captiva Solutions?

While we strive to administer every class we schedule, it is possible for a class to be postponed due to insufficient enrollment or instructor conflicts. Should this occur, you will be contacted by the Training Team as soon as possible. All Captiva Solutions training course dates, times, schedules, topics, and prices are subject to change.

If a group of people from my company want to enroll in a class, are group discounts offered?

Yes. Captiva Solutions offers military, group or multi-course discounts. Please contact our Training Team at 202-770-2120 or training@captivasolutions.com and a team member will provide more details on our specials and group discounts.

Does Captiva Solutions hold classes at other locations besides your Landover, MD location?

We regularly conduct day, evening, and weekend classes at our head office in Landover, MD which is central to the DC Metro area. If you are unable to attend a live instructor-led course, Captiva Solutions provides virtual (online) instructor-led training (VILT) and on-demand learning options which are designed to meet your training needs. If you would like to request a class in a specific location or a custom training course, contact the Captiva Solutions training Team at 202-770-2120 or training@captivasolutions.com and a team member will assist you.

What is the format of the courses that Captiva Solutions Academy offers?

The CS Academy offers courses that are taught online both in a live instructor-led and virtual instructor-led format. We also offer certain courses in a self-paced (on-demand) format as well as a guided learning format, which incorporates guidance from a certified instructor at periodical intervals. Some courses may include access to a hands-on area for doing practical exercises.

What is Captiva Solutions Refund Policy?

Although we aim to provide our customers with the highest quality products, there may be times when our products do not meet your expectations. If you are dissatisfied with the purchase of a training product, such as curriculum, documentation templates or other digital content, we are unable to offer a refund due to the nature of such products, which are generally consumed immediately upon download.

For tuition and fees paid for training courses, the following policy will apply:

For virtual instructor-led or instructor-led training courses, all tuition and fees paid by the participant shall be fully refunded if requested within three (3)business days after signing up for a course and before classes start.

For on-demand (self-paced), hybrid, or self-guided courses, refund requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on the type, duration, and amount of course content that has been accessed.

To qualify for a refund, the purchaser must notify the Captiva Solutions Training Team by phone on 202-770-2120 or by email at: training@captivasolutions.com, and must not have accessed or completed more than 5% of the course content.

After the third business day has elapsed, the Captiva Solutions Cancellation Policy shall apply.

An application fee of not more than $150.00 may be retained by Captiva if the application has been processed.

If a participant’s enrolment application is rejected by Captiva Solutions prior to class starting, all tuition fees paid by the participant shall be fully refunded.

No shows and cancellations not made within the specified cancellation period will incur the full cost of registration.

All refunds shall be returned within thirty (30) days.

What is Captiva Solutions Cancellation Policy?

This policy defines how training class cancellations and refunds are handled. This policy covers Captiva’s cancellation of a class and the enrollment cancellation by a student.

Training course registrations will not be confirmed until registration is complete, and payment is received in full.

To cancel or reschedule a confirmed training class please submit an email request to training@captivasolutions.com

To receive a full refund, a request must be received a minimum of three (3) business days after signing up for a course and before classes start, for virtual instructor-led or instructor-led training courses.

Refunds for all other training courses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Class Cancellations (by Captiva Solutions):

Captiva Solutions reserves the right to change pricing, registration terms, and conditions, to make changes to any of our products or programs, or to change a course location or cancel or reschedule a course at least five (5) calendar days in advance of the scheduled course date.

Captiva is not liable for travel arrangements, or any expenses incurred by the customer if a training course is rescheduled or cancelled. Captiva’s sole liability will be limited to the refunding of any fees paid in respect to the course and Captiva Solutions shall not be held responsible for any incidental or consequential loss arising whatsoever.

If Captiva cancels a class, customers will be contacted at the email address they provided during registration. Captiva Solutions will endeavor to give Customers as much notice in advance as possible of any change to their enrollment.

If Captiva cancels or reschedules a training course due to unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather or natural disaster, the Customer is entitled to reschedule for a future training course. Captiva Solutions is not responsible for any expenses incurred by the Customer as a result of such cancellation.

Instructor-led classes are student-enrollment dependent. Classes with insufficient enrollment are subject to cancellation or rescheduling at the discretion of Captiva.

Unless otherwise stated or agreed to in writing, any terms or conditions specified on or referenced within an ordering document shall have no force or effect, and in no event shall Captiva Solutions’ performance of services or provision of products constitute acceptance of any such terms or conditions.

Enrolment Cancellations (by Student):

Captiva Solutions requires that students cancel enrollment as soon as possible if necessary. All classes have limited seating, so in the event that you cannot attend, please allow room for other students to participate, by canceling your enrollment on time.

Cancellation and/or reschedule requests must be received by email at training@captivasolutions.com or by phone at: 202-770-2120. You are responsible for ensuring that Captiva Solutions receives your written cancellation request. Captiva Solutions will reply with a written acknowledgement of receipt. This does not indicate acceptance or agreement to process a refund.

Student cancellations received up to three (3) business days before classes start will receive a full refund.

Student cancellations received 24 hours or less before classes start or students who fail to appear for the class will be billed for the full class tuition.

Student cancellations received after classes start are non-refundable.

There is no credit or refund of tuition due to late cancellation or failure to attend without notice. Substitutions (name changes) are accepted at any time prior to the start of class with advance notice.

Boot Camp Training Cancellation Policy

The Boot Camp Training Cancellation Policy is the same as Captiva's standard Cancellation Policy. However, if participant materials have been developed and emailed in advance of the cancellation, there is no credit or refund of tuition.

What is Captiva Solutions Complaint Resolution Policy?

Although we aim to provide our customers with the highest standards of service, there may be occasions when our service does not meet your expectations. Captiva Solutions Management takes complaints seriously and views them as an opportunity to: (a) maintain and enhance customer loyalty and approval; and (b) enhance our competitiveness by continuous review and improvement.

This guide is intended to communicate the process we will follow should you feel the need to make a complaint.

Customers can make complaints in writing via mail, fax, email, or in person at our Head Office or over the phone with a member of our team. You can tell us about your concern in the following ways:

Point of Contact:

Alannah Vann, Cybersecurity Operations Manager

Email: alannah@captivasolutions.com

Phone: 202-770-2120 | Monday – Friday: 9am –5pm (EST)

Toll Free: 1-888-560-9280 | Fax: 202-770-2121

Email: solutions@captivasolutions.com | training@captivasolutions.com

In person: 8201 Corporate Dr., Ste 635, Landover, MD 20785

We aim to resolve any issue you may have as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours after receiving your complaint. If this isn’t possible, we will contact you within one week to provide you with:

A reason why we have not yet resolved your complaint.

A Point of Contact who is dealing with your complaint.

A timeframe when we will contact you again.

A timeframe when we will contact you again. If your complaint is particularly complicated, it may take longer to resolve. If together, we cannot reach an agreement by the end of four weeks, we will send you a letter giving our reasons for the delay and an indication of when we expect to provide a resolution.

We aim to resolve your complaint as quickly as possible and to your complete satisfaction. If you're not satisfied with our action or explanation, the member of staff dealing with your complaint will be happy to escalate your concerns to Captiva Solutions Senior Management for further discussion.

What is Captiva Solutions Grievance/Appeals Policy?

It is the policy of Captiva Solutions to resolve student concerns in a swift and equitable manner. However, if you experience a problem with a particular class or instructor, you should first discuss the matter with the instructor. If a satisfactory agreement or resolution cannot be reached, you should then contact our Cybersecurity Operations Manager, who will escalate the issue to Captiva Solutions Management.

If you experience a problem with a policy, procedure, or practice of Captiva Solutions Training Program, you should first contact our Cybersecurity Operations Manager, who will escalate the issue to Captiva Solutions Management.

Captiva Solutions Management will review the appeal and notify the student of its final decision in writing.

Appeals should be emailed to Captiva Solutions Training Team at training@captivasolutions.com. All grievances are handled by and presented to Captiva Management by the Captiva Solutions Cybersecurity Operations Manager – Alannah Vann. Ms. Vann can be reached at: 202-770-2120.

Captiva Solutions is your trusted partner for all your IT and cybersecurity concerns. Using cutting-edge technology, adaptive systems, dedicated resources, and the highest levels of skills and expertise, we offer comprehensive IT solutions at competitive rates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

CMMC Framework

Curricula

Training

CMMC Framework

Curricula

Training

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