Levels of Capability Maturity Model (CMM) (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 28 Feb, 2026

**Capability Maturity Model (CMM)

is a methodology used to develop, refine maturity of an organizations software development process. It is developed by SEI (Software Engineering Institute) in mid 1980. It is a process improvement approach. To assess an organization against a scale of 5 process maturity levels. It Deals with the what processes should be implemented & not so much with the how processes should be implemented. Each maturity level comprises a predefined set of process areas called KDA (Key Process Area), these KDA - Goals, Commitment, Ability, measurement, verification. Levels of Capability Maturity Model (CMM) are as following below.

**1. Level One : Initial -

Work is performed informally. A software development organization at this level is characterized by AD HOC activities (organization is not planned in advance.).

**2. Level Two : Repeatable -

Work is planned and tracked. This level of software development organization has a basic and consistent project management processes to TRACK COST, SCHEDULE, AND FUNCTIONALITY. The process is in place to repeat the earlier successes on projects with similar applications.

**3. Level Three : Defined -

Work is well defined. At this level the software process for both management and engineering activities are DEFINED AND DOCUMENTED.

**4. Level Four : Managed -

Work is quantitatively controlled.

• **Software Quality management - Management can effectively control the software development effort using precise measurements. At this level, organization set a quantitative quality goal for both software process and software maintenance.
• **Quantitative Process Management - At this maturity level, The performance of processes is controlled using statistical and other quantitative techniques, and is quantitatively predictable.

**5. Level Five : Optimizing -

Work is Based Upon Continuous Improvement. The key characteristic of this level is focusing on CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING PROCESS performance. Key features are:

• Process change management
• Technology change management
• Defect prevention