The Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI) is a process improvement approach developed specially for the software process improvement. It is based on the process maturity framework and used as general aid in business processes in the Software Industry. This model is highly regarded and widely used in software development organizations.
An organization is certified at CMMI level 1 to 5 based on the maturity of their Quality Assurance Mechanisms.
| CMMI Level | characteristics |
| Level 1 | Initial: This is the initial stage and at this level the quality environment is usually unstable. There are no processes that have been followed or documented. |
| Level 2 | Repeatable: In the second level, some processes are followed which are repeatable. This level ensures processes are followed at the project level. |
| Level 3 | Defined: Here a set of processes are defined and documented at the organizational level. However, these defined processes are subject to some degree of improvement. |
| Level 4 | Managed: This level uses process metrics and effectively controls the processes that are followed. |
| Level 5 | Optimizing: This level focuses on the continuous improvements of the processes through learning and innovation. |
