20+ practice questions focused on System Compliance — one of the most tested topics on the (ISC)2 Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC) (CGRC) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you learn why the right answer is correct.
Start System Compliance PracticeWhich role is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of security controls after an ATO is granted?
Explanation: The Information System Security Officer (ISSO) is the role designated in the RMF (NIST SP 800-37) to perform continuous monitoring of security controls after an Authorization to Operate (ATO) is granted. The ISSO maintains the system's security posture by tracking control effectiveness, managing POA&Ms, and reporting status to the Authorizing Official. This ongoing operational responsibility is distinct from the authorization decision itself.
Which TWO documents are essential for an Authorizing Official to make an informed risk-based decision?
Explanation: The Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) (C) is essential because it documents known weaknesses, the planned remediation actions, resources required, and milestone dates, giving the Authorizing Official the residual-risk picture needed to decide whether to grant an authorization. The Security Assessment Report (SAR) (D) is essential because it presents the independent assessor's findings on the effectiveness of implemented controls, including the severity of deficiencies, which the AO must weigh against the POA&M and SSP to make a risk-based decision. Together these two artifacts supply the assessment results and the remediation/risk-acceptance data that directly inform the authorization decision. The System Security Plan (A) is important context but describes the control implementation rather than the assessed risk posture, so it is not one of the two essential decision documents here. The Hardware inventory list (B) and Network diagram (E) are supporting artifacts that feed into the SSP and assessment process but do not by themselves provide the risk findings and remediation commitments the AO needs.
During the compliance determination phase, you discover that a legacy application lacks multi-factor authentication (MFA) but is isolated within a physically secured enclave. Which action should you take to document this in the Security Assessment Report (SAR)?
Explanation: When a required control (MFA) is absent but an alternative control (physically secured enclave) provides equivalent or compensating protection, the correct action is to document the compensating control and assess whether it effectively mitigates the risk. The SAR should record the gap, the compensating control, the assessment of its effectiveness, and any residual risk so the Authorizing Official can make an informed risk decision.
An Authorizing Official (AO) is reviewing a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) for a high-impact system. What is the AO's primary responsibility regarding this document?
Explanation: The Authorizing Official (AO) is the senior official who formally accepts the residual risk of operating a system, and the POA&M documents known weaknesses and planned mitigations. The AO's primary responsibility is to review the POA&M and decide whether the residual risk is acceptable, granting or denying authorization to operate. This risk-acceptance role is the core of the RMF authorization decision.
An Authorizing Official grants an 'ATO with Conditions.' What does this mean for the system owner?
Explanation: An 'ATO with Conditions' means the Authorizing Official permits the system to operate, but only if the system owner implements and maintains specific security controls, mitigations, or reporting requirements within defined timeframes. Continued authorization is contingent on satisfying those conditions; failure to do so can result in revocation.
+15 more System Compliance questions available
Practice all System Compliance questions1. Baseline your knowledge
Start with 10 questions to gauge your current understanding of System Compliance. This tells you whether you need a concept refresher or just practice.
2. Review every explanation
For each question — right or wrong — read the full explanation. Understanding why an answer is correct is more valuable than knowing the answer itself.
3. Focus on exam traps
System Compliance questions on the CGRC frequently use trap wording. Look for subtle differences in answers that test your precision, not just general knowledge.
4. Reach 80% consistently
Do repeated sessions until you score 80%+ three times in a row. Then move to mixed-mode practice to test cross-topic recall under realistic conditions.
The exact number varies per candidate. System Compliance is tested as part of the (ISC)2 Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC) (CGRC) blueprint. Practicing with targeted System Compliance questions ensures you can handle any format or difficulty that appears.
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Difficulty is subjective, but System Compliance is a high-priority exam concept tested in multiple ways — direct recall, scenario analysis, and command-output interpretation. Consistent practice is the best way to build confidence.
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