How many maturity levels are there in the CMMI model?

The CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) framework comprises five maturity levels. These levels provide organizations with a structured path for improving their processes and practices. Each maturity level builds on the previous one, establishing a foundation for greater capability and improved performance.

The five maturity levels are as follows:

1. Initial: At this level, processes are unpredictable and reactive. Success depends on individual effort rather than established processes.

2. Managed: Processes are planned and executed in accordance with policy, and adherence is tracked. This level focuses on project management and the essential practices that help ensure effective process execution.

3. Defined: At this stage, processes are well characterized and understood, and they are described in standards, procedures, tools, and methods.

4. Quantitatively Managed: This level involves controlling processes using statistical and other quantitative techniques, which allows for more predictable and reliable outcomes.

5. Optimizing: The focus here is on continuous improvement and innovation, leveraging quantitative feedback to enhance processes and eliminate the root causes of problems.

Understanding these five levels not only emphasizes the progression of process maturity but also highlights the goals organizations should strive for in order to achieve higher levels of capability and efficiency. These levels collectively