hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CAS-004 Practice Question: A security architect is designing a system that…
A security architect is designing a system that must comply with FedRAMP Moderate controls. The system will use a cloud service provider (CSP) that is already FedRAMP Authorized. What is the primary benefit of using this CSP?
⚠ Common exam trap
The CAS-004 exam often tests the misconception that FedRAMP authorization absolves the agency of all compliance work, when in fact the agency must still perform a system-specific risk assessment and maintain its own ATO for the overall system.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The CSP's authorization can be reused, reducing the agency's assessment burden
The primary benefit of using a FedRAMP Authorized CSP is that the CSP has already undergone a rigorous third-party assessment and continuous monitoring process. This allows the agency to reuse the existing authorization (via the 'JAB' or agency Provisional Authorization), significantly reducing the time, cost, and effort required for the agency's own assessment and authorization (ATO) process. It does not eliminate the agency's responsibility for risk management or compliance with FedRAMP Moderate controls, but it leverages the CSP's proven security posture.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The agency no longer needs to conduct any risk assessments
Why it's wrong here
Agency retains responsibility
- ✗
The CSP guarantees 100% security
Why it's wrong here
No guarantee
- ✗
The system automatically complies with all international regulations
Why it's wrong here
Only FedRAMP
- ✓
The CSP's authorization can be reused, reducing the agency's assessment burden
Why this is correct
Leverages existing authorization
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This CAS-005 question is part of Courseiva's 968-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAS-005 exam.