easyMultiple Choice
CAS-004 Practice Question: A security team is adopting the NIST risk…
A security team is adopting the NIST risk management framework. Which step should they perform first?
⚠ Common exam trap
In CASP+, candidates often confuse the order of NIST RMF steps, incorrectly assuming 'Select' comes first. However, the RMF mandates categorization first to establish the impact level, which then guides control selection. Without categorization, control selection lacks a baseline.
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
✓
Categorize.
The NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) begins with the Categorize step, where the information system and the information it processes, stores, and transmits are categorized based on an impact analysis (low, moderate, high) per FIPS 199. This initial step establishes the security categorization that drives all subsequent RMF steps, including control selection, implementation, and assessment. Without proper categorization, the organization cannot determine which baseline controls from NIST SP 800-53 are appropriate for the system's risk profile.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Categorize.
Why this is correct
Categorize comes first in the NIST RMF, establishing the system's impact level by assessing confidentiality, integrity and availability. This determines the baseline controls selected in later steps, so performing it first satisfies the framework's mandated sequence.
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Select.
Why it's wrong here
Selecting controls requires an established categorisation and baseline, which the RMF produces in earlier steps. It is tempting because selection feels like concrete progress, and it would be correct immediately after the prepare and categorise steps have defined the system's impact level.
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Implement.
Why it's wrong here
Implementing controls comes after the earlier NIST RMF steps, so no risk context or control baseline exists yet. It is tempting because implementation is the visible, tangible work, and it would be the right focus once controls have been selected and assessed against the organisation's requirements.
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Assess.
Why it's wrong here
Assessing controls happens after they are implemented, so nothing exists to evaluate at the outset. It is tempting because assessment sounds like an early discovery activity, and it would be correct once controls are in place and evidence of their operation needs testing.
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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.