Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised May 30, 2026

Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement

The Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI) is the official Software Engineering Institute (SEI) method to provide benchmark-quality ratings relative to Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) models. SCAMPI appraisals are used to identify strengths and weaknesses of current processes, reveal development/acquisition risks, and determine capability and maturity level ratings. They are mostly used either as part of a process improvement program or for rating prospective suppliers. The method defines the appraisal process as consisting of preparation; on-site activities; preliminary observations, findings, and ratings; final reporting; and follow-on activities.

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The Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI) is the official Software Engineering Institute (SEI) method to provide benchmark-quality ratings relative to Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) models. SCAMPI appraisals are used to identify strengths and weaknesses of current processes, reveal development/acquisition risks, and determine capability and maturity level ratings. They are mostly used either as part of a process improvement program or for rating prospective suppliers. The method defines the appraisal process as consisting of preparation; on-site activities; preliminary observations, findings, and ratings; final reporting; and follow-on activities.1

Class A, B, and C Appraisals

The suite of documents associated with a particular version of the CMMI includes a requirements specification called the Appraisal Requirements for CMMI (ARC),2 which specifies three levels of formality for appraisals: Class A, B, and C. Formal (Class A) SCAMPIs are conducted by SEI-authorized Lead Appraisers who use the SCAMPI A Method Definition Document (MDD) 3 to conduct the appraisals. Class A, the most formal, is required to achieve a rating (Level 1 (lowest) to Level 5 (highest)), using the Staged Representation, for public record or for response to U.S. Department of Defense requirements.

See also

See also

References

References

  1. Ahern, Dennis; Jim Armstrong; Aaron Clouse; Jack Ferguson; Will Hayes; Kenneth Nidiffer (2005-03-02). CMMI SCAMPI Distilled: Appraisals for Process Improvement. Addison-Wesley Professional. p. 240. ISBN 0-321-22876-6.
  2. SCAMPI Upgrade Team (April 2011). "Appraisal Requirements for CMMI, Version 1.3 (ARC, V1.3)" (PDF). Technical Report CMU/SEI-2011-TR-006. Software Engineering Institute. Retrieved 2011-04-01.
  3. SCAMPI Upgrade Team (March 2011). "Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement(SCAMPI) A, Version 1.3: Method Definition Document" (PDF). Handbook CMU/SEI-2011-HB-001. Software Engineering Institute. Retrieved 2011-03-01.