FAQs About CMMC Assessment
Find answers to some of the top questions about CMMC assessment. If we didn’t cover yours here, contact us to learn more.
What Is a CMMC Assessment?
A CMMC assessment is required by the DoD for contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and wanting to comply with the CMMC program at Level 2. The assessment needs to be conducted by a CMMC Third Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) authorized by The Cyber AB.
Is the CMMC Certification for You?
Achieve the CMMC certification if:
- Your contract requires a CMMC compliance certification.
- You are looking to secure federal contracts in the future.
- You want to build a robust cybersecurity framework.
- You want to build trust with partners and clients.
How Many Levels of CMMC Certification Are There?
The CMMC program has three levels that correspond to different tiers of expertise:
- Level 1 (Foundational): The first level is the primary step of CMMC compliance that lays the groundwork for the key cybersecurity practices within the organization.
- Level 2 (Advanced): At this stage, organizations need to build an advanced cybersecurity posture to enhance their ability to protect crucial data.
- Level 3 (Expert): As the highest tier of the certification program, this level solidifies an organization’s expertise in protecting the most sensitive government information.
How Much Does It Cost to Get CMMC Certified?
The cost of complying with the CMMC certification process is dependent on several factors, including:
- CMMC level
- Organization size
- Existing cybersecurity posture
- Scope of CUI
What Is the Process for CMMC Certification?
When Implementing a CMMC program, you need to follow a tried-and-true process for a streamlined and successful path:
- Preparation: Determine the appropriate CMMC level and evaluate your scope and assessment readiness.
- Assessment: Identify the most suitable assessment method based on your organization’s needs.
- Final assessment results: Evaluate the assessment results and issue a certificate that corresponds to your CMMC status.
- Closing out: Develop Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) in case of assessment failure and conduct the second assessment.
Can You Self-Certify for CMMC?
With the implementation of CMMC 2.0, self-assessment is only a part of Levels 1 and 2 of the certification program. Organizations taking the Level 2 path need to be assessed by Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) like BTI as a requirement of the compliance process.
Who Performs Third-Party CMMC Assessments?
The DoD gives C3PAOs the authority to conduct the CMMC assessment. These organizations are endorsed by The Cyber AB and are equipped with extensive knowledge and experience in government information sensitivity.
Who Needs CMMC Level 3?
As the pinnacle of the CMMC program, Level 3 is tailored for organizations that need to achieve an elite level of cybersecurity readiness. The CMMC expert level is a mandatory assessment for those dealing with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and highly sensitive DoD projects. Most of these are organizations part of critical infrastructure sectors like energy, water, and transportation. CMMC Level 3 assessments are conducted by the DIBCAC.
How Long Does a CMMC Assessment Take?
The duration of the CMMC assessment depends on the level the organization is pursuing. Level 1 typically runs for a few months, while Levels 2 and 3 may go beyond a year because of the extensive preparation and assessments. At BTI, we’ll help you determine an appropriate time frame to streamline the process.
What Are the Common Lapses in Compliance Efforts?
Organizations sometimes fail in staying compliant because of the following:
- Incomplete implementation of NIST SP 800-171 security requirements
- Self-assessment gaps
- Lack of ongoing compliance
What Happens if an Organization Fails the CMMC Assessment?
If an organization fails to meet the requirements for the CMMC assessment, it needs to identify and address areas that need remediation. The process can include implementing appropriate cybersecurity controls and practices before undergoing a reassessment by a C3PAO.
Is CMMC Compliance a One-time Effort, or Does It Require Ongoing Monitoring?
Just as cybersecurity threats continuously evolve, CMMC compliance requires regular monitoring and further assessments. Your compliance is not a one-time effort but a constant conformance to ensure adherence to the regulations while staying current with the cybersecurity landscape.
Why Trust BTI for CMMC Assessment?
From our data-driven approach to technical expertise, we at BTI are ready to make your CMMC assessment journey more efficient and effective. We will guide you through the certification process, from preparation through assessment, result reporting, and POA&Ms close-outs. You can count on us to create a practical path to CMMC certification, aligning security requirements with your specific needs.
With authorization by The Cyber AB to conduct CMMC Assessments, we have an edge in keeping you on track with your progress while staying compliant with the highest levels of government sensitivity. We were part of the original working group that developed the certification to protect confidential government information systems from increasing cyberattacks. Our commitment to objective, transparent assessments and integrity in reporting helps minimize non-value-added consumption of time and resources.