CISM Information Security Governance Practice Question
Which capability maturity model (CMM) level indicates that security processes are measured and controlled?
⚠ Common exam trap
CISM often tests the subtle difference between CMM levels, and candidates confuse 'Defined' (Level 3) with 'Managed' (Level 4), forgetting that Level 4 specifically involves quantitative measurement and control.
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
✓
Level 4: Managed
In the Capability Maturity Model (CMM), Level 4 is 'Managed,' where processes are quantitatively measured and controlled using statistical and other quantitative techniques. This level focuses on using metrics to manage and adjust processes to achieve specific performance goals.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Level 3: Defined
Why it's wrong here
Level 3 standardizes processes but does not measure quantitatively.
- ✗
Level 5: Optimizing
Why it's wrong here
Level 5 focuses on continuous improvement.
- ✓
Level 4: Managed
Why this is correct
Level 4 processes are quantitatively measured and controlled using metrics and statistical techniques, enabling predictable performance. This satisfies the stem's requirement by distinguishing it from Level 3, where processes are merely defined and documented, and Level 5, which adds continuous optimisation rather than measurement itself.
- ✗
Level 2: Repeatable
Why it's wrong here
Level 2 has basic process discipline but no measurement.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This CISM question is part of Courseiva's 924-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 and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISACA exam blueprint
This CISM practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISM exam.