To support those using the continuous representation, all CMMI models reflect capability levels in their design and content. A capability level consists of a generic goal and its related generic practices as they relate to a process area, which can improve the organization’s processes associated with that process area. As you satisfy the generic goal and its generic practices at each capability level, you reap the benefits of process improvement for that process area.

The six capability levels, designated by the numbers 0 through 5, are as follows:

0.  Incomplete

1.  Performed

2.  Managed

3.  Defined

4.  Quantitatively Managed

5.  Optimizing

The fact that capability levels 2 through 5 use the same terms as generic goals 2 through 5 is intentional because each of these generic goals and practices reflects the meaning of the capability levels in terms of goals and practices you can implement. (See the Generic Goals and Generic Practices section on page 75 for more information about generic goals and practices.) A short description of each capability level follows.