CGRC Scope OF System Practice Question
Which TWO statements regarding FIPS 199 'High Water Mark' are accurate? (Select TWO)
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 overall system categorization is the highest of the three individual security objectives.
The high water mark ensures that the entire system is protected at the level of its most sensitive component.
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 overall system categorization is the highest of the three individual security objectives.
Why this is correct
This is the definition of the high water mark principle.
- ✗
The high water mark only applies to federal systems with 'High' impact data.
Why it's wrong here
It applies to all federal systems, regardless of the final rating.
- ✗
Categorization must be performed by averaging the impact scores.
Why it's wrong here
Averaging is not permitted under NIST guidance.
- ✗
The high water mark is only determined by availability.
Why it's wrong here
It is determined by the highest of all three objectives.
- ✓
The high water mark must be applied to all security controls within the boundary.
Why this is correct
All controls must meet the baseline for the system's highest categorization level.
About these practice questions
One of 199 original CGRC practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. 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 August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint
This CGRC practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² 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 CGRC exam.