SPICE is not only about the improvement of processes in one’s own organization, but also about the assessment of risks, and the capability determination of suppliers. 

SPICE assessments are performed using a two-dimensional process reference and process assessment model. ISO 12207 serves as the process reference model. The processes to be evaluated in the assessment are selected along the process dimension (HIS scope, Automotive SPICE® processes, etc). The capability of these processes is assessed with the capability dimension (levels 0 to 5).  

The assessment determines the capability level for each individual process. Depending on its "capability" (also called "maturity") or efficiency the process reaches/achieves one of the six capability levels (capability levels 0 to 5).

Capability levels in turn are assigned process attributes, which describe the management activities necessary to achieve a particular level. For this the emphasis is placed not only on the existence of an activity, but its performance is evaluated as well.

Depending on the degree of achievement of the process attributes

• 0% - 14%: "not achieved"
• 15% - 49%: "partially achieved"
• 50% - 84%: "largely achieved"
• 85% - 100%: "fully achieved"

each process is assigned a capability level.