CMMI Training

SteelToad provides CMMI-certified training courses to organizations to communicate the CMMI Model (s) and describe its processes and the benefits and potential effects of implementation on increasing a business’ investments. Through SteelToad’s CMMI training courses, students will be able to recognize and define the CMMI Model(s), the key process areas in the CMMI Models and gain a better understanding of the benefits of what benefits are attributed to organizations aligning with CMMI standards.

In terms of instruction, When numerous business personnel in an organization learn the CMMI Model, they approach the Model’s application jointly, increasing the likelihood of adoption and engagement with the process areas. The collaborative approach to CMMI adoption within an organization, guided by business team members who have completed SteelToad’s CMMI courses and have mastered the CMMI paradigm and its benefits, has been proven to speed up and boost its acceptance.

Students at SteelToad will learn about the CMMI Model and standards as well as the requirements for achieving the various CMMI Professional Certifications. Many of the students who enroll in our courses do so intending to participate in a CMMI appraisal and ultimately become CMMI Appraisal Team Members (ATMs).

In SteelToad’s CMMI training course(s), students will understand how to connect the CMMI Development, Service, and/or Supply models and processes to your business values and goals.

CMMI Instructor Qualifications

SteelToad’s CMMI Instructor is Dean Rock. He brings solid and impeccable qualifications to the classroom, understanding the CMMI Models, and the CMMI Appraisal Process (as a CMMI certified lead appraiser for over ten years), and adds an experienced capability of delivering solutions in the technology and business environments where most of our students “live”. He consistently achieves five-star ratings in feedback from students, with comments such as, “Outstanding course and instructor (Dean Rock)” and “Excellent class! Dean was very knowledgeable, patient, and supportive. His examples for learning concepts were exemplary. I recommend Steelhead and Dean’s instruction to anyone needing to understand CMMI and how to apply it.”

The instructor’s passion for meeting students where they are, and imparting information in a way that is received and understood, is his most important skill for successfully instructing his students. No matter if the student is a highly technical engineer or an intern who is compelled to learn CMMI as an investment in their organization, he is successful in providing SteelToad students with a great education.

Dean Rock teaches the following courses for SteelToad:

• Certified Instructor – Building Development Excellence V2.0
• Certified Instructor – Building Service Excellence V2.0
• Certified Instructor – Building Supplier Management Excellence

In addition to being a certified CMMI Lead Instructor, Dean Rock is a CMMI lead appraiser and, since 2013, has completed over 120 CMMI appraisals in the following CMMI Models:

• Certified Lead Appraiser in the Medical Device Discovery Appraisal Program
• Certified CMMI Institute Enterprise Data Management Expert -DMM
• Certified Lead Appraiser – Supplier Management V2.0 – SPM
• Certified Lead Appraiser – Development V2.0 -DEV
• Certified Lead Appraiser – Services V2.0 – SVC

Additional relevant certifications for Dean Rock include:

CMMC – Appraiser and Instructor

• CMMC Professional (#43) October 2020
• CMMC Lead Assessor (#43) October 2020
• CMMC Instructor June 2021

CISA- Assessor

• High-Value Asset Assessor
  • CISA Cybersecurity Resilience Review Assessor
  • CISA External Dependency Review Assessor

• ISO – Lead Auditor
  • ISO Lead Auditor 20000:2018 #Exemplar Global Customer number: 206382
  • ISO Lead Auditor 27001:2018 #Exemplar Global Customer number: 206382
  • ISO Lead Auditor 13485:2018 #Exemplar Global Customer number: 206382
• ISO – Professional Evaluation and Certification Board PECB – Certified Trainer
  • ISO 9001 Trainer
  • ISO 20000 Trainer
  • ISO 27001 Trainer
  • ISO 13485 Trainer
• ISACA – Certified Instructor
  • 2018 ISACA Certified information system auditor CISA # 16130036
  • 2018 ISACA Certified Information Security Manager CISM #1736029
  • 2021 ISACA CDPSE—Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer #2115325

Why Choose SteelToad?

There are several choices when selecting a CMMI Training Course. SteelToad aims to meet our students in a space where convenience, communication, instructor expertise, and organization place our training courses up front and center. Why register for SteelToad’s CMMI Training courses?

SteelToad’s Instructor Is Also A CMMI Appraiser

SteelToad will share its CMMI expertise, including both the CMMI Model and specifically how the information is evaluated during the appraisal process. SteelToad provides CMMI Instruction by incorporating and understanding the connection between the people, process, evidence, content, technology environment, how actual work is performed in the organization and the actions that occur throughout a CMMI appraisal are understood by all.

The Instructor’s Expertise Is Vast

SteelToad’s CMMI instructor has spent over 25 years as an entrepreneurial executive with senior-level expertise in the implementation of technology solutions; and a range of technological and social abilities, including management, teaching, and communication. Dean Rock also has 10 years of comprehensive knowledge in CMMI best practices, ISO, and experience in the field of cyber technology, including the new Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMMC) Certification, as well as holding cyber certifications as a CISSP and an accredited ISACA professional instructor for Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM).

Experience Teaching The CMMI Model

LOTS of happy students! SteelToad has taught CMMI best practice models to over 1100 students from 47 states and 18 countries. Our CMMI “end of course survey” is packed with “5-star reviews”!

Affordable

SteelToad’s CMMI training courses are comprehensive and reasonably priced. Students can be confident that we will meet them where they are – and provide them with the required knowledge and skills to begin their CMMI journey.

Benefits Of CMMI Training

• You will be the coolest CMMI student on the block.
• Students learn the foundations of the CMMI Model and how it applies to a real-world business organization.
• Students learn how to become and function as Appraisal Team Members (ATMs).
• With successful CMMI Associate exam results, and all training courses completed, students will have a pathway for participating as an ATM with a CMMI lead appraiser on a CMMI appraisal.
• Students will learn how to assist their organizations in adopting CMMI best practices.
• Students will learn ways to encourage stakeholders within their organization to adopt and promote CMMI best practices.
• Students will learn how to track measurable results through the adoption of the CMMI model practices.
• Students will learn the components of the CMMI Model.
• Students will use a Capability Maturity Model Viewer as a tool for improving performance within an organization.
• Students will learn the business and performance high-level values of creating an environment for process improvement.
• With the correct course enrollment and exam success, students will begin the process of becoming a CMMI Appraisal Team Member (ATM) and/or a Certified CMMI Professional and/or a Certified CMMI Lead Appraiser (additional training requirements are needed).
• Students will learn how organizations implementing CMMI are statistically proven to be more effective, efficient, and successful.

Preparation for CMMI Training Course

After students register for a Steeltoad CMMI training course, students will receive:

• Welcome email from SteelToad (within 3 days of registration)
• Confirmation of the CMMI training course dates and times
• Email from the CMMI Institute/ISACA with an enrollment link to register in the CMMI Institute online portal. (within 3 days of registration)
• Email from SteelToad (the week before class starts). This email provides you with the Microsoft Teams Link to attend the training course virtually.
• Students must Access/Log in to the CMMI online portal to download course materials. The course materials are not available on your CMMI Institute student account until just before the course starts (course materials are available 24-48 hours before the start date).
• Issues during this timeframe? Contact Julie@SteelToad.com
• Technical issues on the day of training? We will provide a point of contact with your email, prior to the start of class, to ensure any last-minute issues are resolved!

CMMI Institute Registration

After enrolling in a SteelToad CMMI training course, students receive an email (check your spam folder) from the CMMI Institute/ISACA with a link to register for an account on the CMMI Institute portal.

Here is how to register on the CMMI Institute student portal:

1. A separate email from the CMMI Institute/ISACA is sent to the email you have included with your order.
2. Upon receipt of the email from the CMMI Institute/ISACA, Click on the “Confirm Enrollment Link” in your email (from the CMMI Institute)

1. Log in (if you have an account from the CMMI Institute) or if you have never registered with the CMMI Institute, create an account.
2. You need to log in to the CMMI account you created.
3. Go back to each of the original emails you received from the CMMI Institute, and for each one, click “Complete Enrollment” for each CMMI class you have purchased with SteelToad.
4. Confirm your registration has been accepted by going to the Account Management page. Select “Quick Links.” Select “Course Management.”
5. Each class purchased should be listed on this page. Students should see the CMMI Course name, instructor, and dates of the course. If you have any questions, please email julie@steeltoad.com

What to Expect On The Day Of Training

Before the training day, students will have created a CMMI Institute portal account (or signed into an existing account) and downloaded the CMMI training course materials from their CMMI Institute account (24 to 48 hours before the course start date).

One week before training, SteelToad sends each student a link to attend the virtual training (via Microsoft Teams). On the day of the training session, the instructor starts the morning by making sure every student has no problems with account setup, downloading course materials, or any other technical virtual platform difficulties. If there are issues with Microsoft Teams, the welcome email provides a phone number and contact to reach out to in case of any online difficulties.

The instructor teaches the CMMI course topics using slides, created by the CMMI Institute, during the course. These slides will be available to students for review. Small group interaction, question and answer sessions, instructor-led review, and straightforward instructional “games” are all used to teach the course subject. Short Breaks are provided throughout the course, in addition to a longer break, at 12:00 noon, for lunch.

The course(s) are typically scheduled from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.

Is There A CMMI Exam?

The CMMI Institute provides the Associate exam, based on the learner objectives associated with the CMMI Foundations of Capability training course. When a student registers with SteelToad, students will receive one exam voucher to take the CMMI Associate exam/ The exam must be completed within 30 days of taking the SteelToad CMMI training course.

Students may access the CMMI Foundations of Capability exam by logging into the student’s account with the CMMI Institute. The exam is available on the CMMI portal site. The CMMI exam is an “open book” exam, and students will have three hours to complete the online exam. Our students do not need to go to a test-proctored exam facility.

SteelToad will provide a practice test exam at the end of the Foundations of Capability training course to assist our students in reviewing and practicing for the exam.

Reschedule CMMI Training Course

We get it! Stuff happens and you may not be able to attend the course on the dates you originally selected.

Please contact julie@steeltoad.com. She will be happy to change your registration to a future date that works for you! It is merely an administrative task on our part. After we move your registration, we will send you an email to confirm all changes.

CMMI Courses Offered

The three CMMI training courses are scheduled by SteelToad throughout the year.

SteelToad provides CMMI 2.0 accredited courses developed by the CMMI Institute. SteelToad is a recognized CMMI Institute Partner, and Dean Rock, SteelToad’s CMMI instructor, is a certified CMMI appraiser and instructor in the CMMI Service, Development, Supplier, and Medical Device Discovery models.

The courses are available online and are delivered in person utilizing an interactive teaching method to include presentations and small-group discussions. Courses run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time.

SteelToad offers the following three certified CMMI Training Courses:

CMMI Foundations Of Capability Training Course (Version 2.0)

SteelToad offers the Foundations of Capability v.2.0 training course throughout the year. There is an option to provide this course for an organization privately (a minimum of eight students required). If interested in private training, please contact Julie@steeltoad.com. This course is two(2) days in length and is followed by an exam (to be scheduled at a convenient time for the student within 30 days of the course start date).

This two-day course teaches students how to use CMMI version 2.0 models and achieve business value through capability improvement. Skills gained after completing the course include:

• Connecting the CMMI model to business value.
• Describing the components of CMMI.
• Using CMMI as a performance improver.
• Advanced understanding of CMMI assessment.

During the course, participants can ask questions and participate in discussions. The training format requires students to participate throughout the course without missing class time actively. The system is suitable for anyone interested in improving business. This course requires no prior knowledge. Training for this course is provided by qualified and approved CMMI course trainers which are authorized by the CMMI Institute.

Building Development Excellence Training Course (Version 2.0)

SteelToad offers the Building Development Excellence Training Course (version 2.0) throughout the year. There is an option to provide this course for an organization privately as well (a minimum of eight students is required). If interested in private training, please contact Julie@steeltoad.com. This course is one (1) day in length. There is no exam associated with this training course. Prior to registering for this course, a student must have completed the CMMI Foundations of Capability Training course. It is not required to have successfully passed the CMMI Foundations of Capability Course exam before taking this course; however, the Foundations course must be completed prior to attending this class. A brief course description follows:

This one-day course teaches students how to develop or design products and services. Most one-day courses are scheduled immediately following “CMMI 2.0 FUNDAMENTALS AND EFFECTS COURSE”. Participants interested in improving their business and product development team members are encouraged to attend the course. The skills acquired during the course include, for example, the ability to find information in the CMMI model related to planning and development best practices and the ability to use the CMMI Development 2.0 view to assess, improve and maintain process capability and efficiency effectively. The course consists of lectures and exercises, with time for questions and discussions by participants. Every student must have skills.CMMI Institute designed the course material, with permission granted to partner organizations to provide qualified and approved CMMI course trainers.

Building Service Excellence Training Course (Version 2.0)

SteelToad provides the Building Service Excellence Training Course (version 2.0) all year. There is also the possibility of offering this course privately to an organization (a minimum of eight students is necessary). Please contact Julie@steeltoad.com if you are interested in private instruction. This course lasts one (1) day. There is no exam associated with this training course. Prior to registering for this course, a student must have completed the CMMI Foundations of Capability Training course. It is not required to have successfully passed the CMMI Foundations of Capability Course exam before taking this course; however, the Foundations course must be completed prior to attending this class. A brief course description follows:

This one-day course will teach students how to build capabilities in the service industry. All one-day courses follow the “CMMI 2.0 FOUNDATIONS AND CAPABILITY COURSE,” which targets service team members and anyone interested in improving business performance.

Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to locate information in the CMMI model related to best practices in services, and to apply the CMMI Services 2.0 view to efficiently assess, improve, and sustain process capability. Participants in this course can ask questions and discuss topics during lectures and class exercises. In order to succeed in this course, students must actively participate throughout the whole duration of the course without missing any classes. In order to qualify for this course, students must have taken Foundations of Capability (or CMMI Version 2.0 Upgrade Training).The course material is designed by CMMI Institute, with the authority and permission granted to partner organizations to provide qualified and approved CMMI course trainers to teach this course.

Who Should Take CMMI Training Courses?

Everyone. The CMMI market is adaptable to everyone in a variety of industries. The CMMI appeals to a broad audience of technology, quality, and other professionals in environments striving to improve their potential for business efficiency and best practices.

SteelToad’s CMMI training course is open to all students interested in learning about the CMMI Model, its best practices, how to improve business performance, and how processes interact to increase corporate efficiency and process improvement.

The CMMI Model can be applied to businesses of all sizes, industries, and competencies. SteelToad’s teachers concentrate on teaching process improvement principles to improve business performance, as well as how best practices may help businesses become more effective and productive in their operations.

Because of its versatility, the CMMI model enables individuals in various business roles to take training courses and learn about the model’s features and advantages without needing any prior experience with the best practices model. Registration for the Foundations of Capability training course has no prerequisites.

The CMMI training program provides SteelToad CMMI students with an understanding of the CMMI model(s) and how to effectively enhance their business operations and processes, and it can be applied to many different industries.

Requirements: CMMI Appraisal Team Member

CMMI defines an Appraisal Team Member (ATM) as an individual in charge of conducting the appraisal tasks assigned to them by the lead appraiser.  SteelToad encourages organizations, if it has the available resources, to provide Appraisal Team Members from within the organization. ATMs work with the SteelToad Lead Appraiser and assist in the appraisal process. The team of ATMs must be independent, objective, neutral, and inquisitive when performing their role.

If businesses do not have the time or resources to commit students to ATM training, exams, and certification, then as an option, SteelToad is able to provide external ATMs. SteelToad has ATMs within our company, and we have relationships with other ATMs working independently outside of our company. All ATMs we utilize have been trained, certified by the CMMI Institute and proven to be knowledgeable and professional based on previous working engagements.

The Appraisal Method Definition Document (MDD), published by the CMMI Institute, specifies the experience, education, and minimums required to be an Appraisal Team Member (ATM).

1. The CMMI ATM must have at least three years of experience in the type of work being appraised. The lead appraiser may accept one team member with less than three years of experience, but the appraisal plan must justify this choice.
2. The Certified CMMI Associate credential (V2.0) is required for all ATMs. A certified CMMI Associate credential is achieved by passing the Certified CMMI Associate Exam (V2.0). Credentials are valid for three years after passing. Members of the CMMI Appraisal Team must hold an active Certified CMMI Associate (version 2.0) certification in order to take the Certified CMMI Associate Exam. Students who complete the CMMI Foundations of Capability Training Course and pass the Associate exam are certified.
3. CMMI Appraisal Team Members, participating in a CMMI Development Model Appraisal, must have completed the Building Development Excellence course associated with this Model view. For a CMMI Development Model Appraisal, the ATM must have completed the CMMI Foundations of Capability training course, passed the CMMI exam, and completed the one-day course, CMMI Building Development Excellence.
4. CMMI Appraisal Team Members participating in a CMMI Service Model Appraisal must have completed the Building Service Excellence course associated with the Model view. For a CMMI Service Model Appraisal, the ATM must have completed the CMMI Foundations of Capability training course, passed the CMMI exam, and completed the one-day course, CMMI Building Service Excellence.
5. CMMI Appraisal Team Members, participating in a multi-model appraisal, CMMI Service and Development Model views, must have completed both courses associated with the CMMI Model. For a CMMI Service and Development Model Appraisal, the ATM must have completed the CMMI Foundations of Capability training course, passed the CMMI exam, and completed both one-day courses, CMMI Building Development Excellence and Building Service Excellence training courses.
6. The CMMI ATM certification is valid for three years, beginning on the date of the exam’s successful completion.

CMMI Training Certifications

ISACA issues 4 different CMMI certifications:

1. CMMI Associate certification
2. CMMI Professional certification
3. CMMI Instructor certification
4. CMMI Lead Appraiser certification

CMMI Associate Certification

To become CMMI Associate Certified through SteelToad, you first need to purchase the CMMI Foundations of Capability class and select a date that will work for you to join our completely virtual instructor-led classes. The Foundations class is a two-day class where you learn all about the CMMI model and get a better understanding of how it all works together and helps you to build stronger processes within your company. After completing the class, you will study for the Associate Exam. The exam is taken through your CMMI Institute Account. When purchasing the class from SteelToad, you receive 1 exam voucher to take the CMMI Associate exam within 30 days after completing the Foundations course. The exam is completely open-book and student notes are allowed, the exam includes 60 questions, and you have three hours to complete the exam once you begin. After completion, you immediately receive your exam score and your CMMI Associate Certificate is available for download on the CMMI Institute Website.

If you are taking this course to be an Appraisal Team Member (ATM) you need to complete the additional Building Excellence course to be qualified for the appraisal. Depending on the type of appraisal (Development or Services) SteelToad offers these two additional classes in the focus areas of Service and Development. Each of the one-day courses go into more depth and focus on the details Model-Views and Practice Areas. There are no additional exams, other than the CMMI Associate exam to become an Appraisal Team Member (ATM to participate in a Level 2 or Level 3 appraisal.

CMMI Professional

To obtain a CMMI Professional Certification, you must first earn your Associate Certificate. You need to take one of the Building Organizational Excellence Courses that corresponds with your appraisal model view. This could include Building Development Excellence, Building Services Excellence, or Building Supplier Management Excellence. For Level 4 and Level 5 High maturity appraisals, the next course you need to complete is the High Maturity Concepts training course before filling out the Applying CMMI application. When completing this application, you need to select one of the primary focus areas of Development, Services, or Supplier Management. After completing the application, you then complete the Applying CMMI training course. You then have time to prepare and take the CMMI Professional Exam. To prepare for the exam, you will be provided with the CMMI Certification Policy, Certified CMMI Professional Exam Sample Questions, and the Foundations of Capability and Building Excellence Learner Objectives. You have 30 days after completion of the course to schedule and complete your CMMI Professional Exam. After completion of the exam, you will be a Certified CMMI Professional in the CMMI Model you have chosen to focus on in the previous application. To maintain your certification, you must earn 60 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits and keep track of them in the CMMI Professional Renewal Log.

CMMI Instructor Certification

To obtain a CMMI Instructor Certification you must first obtain the CMMI Professional Certification. Next, complete the online Virtual Solution Delivery (VSD) Course and confirm your partnership with ISACA. The next step is to submit your CMMI Instructor Application Package, which will include a Partner Candidate Sponsorship Form, and then choose a specialization of Development (DEV), Services (SVC), or Supplier Management (SPM). You must choose one main model view for the course and observation, but you may choose more than one if you wish. After submitting your application, it is reviewed by ISACA’s Instructors to review your required experience and skills. It is required to have at least one year of experience with presenting information, at least 10 years of experience with the model views of focus they have chosen, and three years of experience interpreting or applying the CMMI models in a work environment. Along with the required experience, you must have served in one of the following positions: Member of the engineering process group (EPG), member of the process improvement (PI) team, or process improvement coach. The final requirement is you have participated in 2 CMMI appraisals within 24 months. This must be a Benchmark, Evaluation, or Sustainment Appraisal. Once your application has been reviewed, you need to complete the three-day CMMI Instructor Training course. Next, you will be observed within 24 months of your class completion and show you are able to follow the observation guidelines. Once all these steps have been completed you receive your certification which is valid for three years.

Lead Appraiser Certification

To obtain a Lead Appraiser Certification, you must first receive the CMMI Professional Certification. Then you need to complete the Virtual Solution Delivery (VSD) Course and confirm your partnership with ISACA. To submit an application for a Lead Appraiser, you need to complete the Partner Candidate Sponsorship Form and select your specialization area. Like the CMMI Instructor Certification, you can choose more than one model view to provide training; however, you need to have one main model view for your focus. It is required to have at least one year of experience with presenting information, at least 10 years of experience with the area of focus they have chosen, and three years of experience interpreting or applying the CMMI models in a work environment. Along with the required experience, you must have served in one of the following positions: Member of the engineering process group (EPG), member of the process improvement (PI) team, or process improvement coach. You then need to complete the CMMI Lead Appraiser Training course, watch a few CMMI Video Series, and complete pre-course assignments. Within 24 months of training, you will be observed to measure and confirm your ability to deliver the necessary areas and the observation guidelines for the model. This certification is valid for three years.