This blog was updated January 2025.
If you’re eyeing a Department of Defense (DoD) tender, you’ve likely encountered the CMMC – a three-stage puzzle you must conquer to access these lucrative government contracts. Navigating the CMMC landscape can feel like maneuvering through a maze, especially if you’re new to CMMC certification levels and requirements.
This guide will help you make sense of it all. Read on to understand CMMC Compliance and its associated costs to answer the burning question, “How long does it take to get CMMC certified?”
What Is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework the DoD uses to assess the cybersecurity hygiene of its contractors and subcontractors. It’s like a ladder, with three rungs leading to the summit of robust cybersecurity.
To partner with the DoD, you must earn the appropriate certification level for the proposed work. For example, you’ll likely need level 3 CMMC certification to handle the most sensitive DoD data.
Each rung of the ladder demands increasingly stringent security practices and controls. This means that getting to the topmost rung makes you the most attractive to the DoD. As of July 2021, the previous 5-tier framework was replaced with a 3-stage model. The current CMMC final rule 2.0 certification levels include the following.
Level 1: Foundational
Think of this as the solid foundation on which your cybersecurity journey begins. Level 1 focuses on essential controls like access management, password policies, and basic incident response. It’s a self-assessment level, ideal for companies already practicing fundamental security hygiene. Think email encryption, multi-factor authentication, and vulnerability scanning.
There are a total of 15 requirements you’ll need to pass to complete this level.
Level 2: Advanced
Level 2 demands documented security practices, requiring you to formalize your existing controls. Third-party assessments also come into play here. They ensure your processes meet the CMMC’s rigorous standards, such as the NIST SP 800-171.
Expect to delve deeper into data encryption, secure logging, and malware defense – building a robust shield against cyber threats. If you can meet the 110 requirements of this level, you’ll be cleared to handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Level 3: Expert
This is the pinnacle of CMMC 2.0 maturity, reserved for those entrusted with the DoD’s most sensitive information. The third level requires advanced and continuous security measures like threat hunting, penetration testing, continuous monitoring, and incident response exercises.
You’ll need to meet 134 requirements to achieve this level.
What Is Required for CMMC Certification?
The requirements for CMMC certification depend on the level you’re working toward, as detailed below:
- Level 1: Complete an annual self-assessment and affirmation of compliance with 15 security requirements outlined in FAR clause 52.204-21.
- Level 2: Complete either a self-assessment or C3PAO assessment every three years (depending on DoD request). Also, complete an annual affirmation you comply with 110 security requirements in NIST SP 800-171 Revision 2.
- Level 3: Achieve CMMC Level 2 status, undergo a DIBCAC security assessment every three years, and provide an annual affirmation of compliance with 24 NIST SP 800-172 requirements.
You can review the DoD’s website for more details about the CMMC level you’re applying for.
How To Become CMMC Certified
The steps to getting CMMC certified can vary based on where your organization is at today. The more advanced your security posture, the more of the following steps you may be able to skip:
- Conduct a self-assessment according to NIST 800-171 standards.
- Create a plan for security improvement based on your score and identified areas of weakness.
- Choose the scope of certification you’d like to achieve.
- Complete a gap assessment to find the missing pieces of your security plan. Integrate those findings into your policies and procedures.
- Choose a C3PAO to complete your CMMC assessment.
The CMMC assessment process can have up to four phases. It begins with pre-assessment planning and ends with suggestions for remediation. You’ll earn CMMC certification after fixing any problems noted in the remediation work.
How Long Does It Take To Get CMMC Certification?
The length of time it takes to achieve CMMC Certification depends on the level you seek:
- Level 1: If you’re already security-savvy and handling basic FCI, this basic level with access controls and password policies can be conquered in 30-90 days.
- Level 2: This level demands documented practices, risk assessments, and third-party audits, requiring a 6-12 month experience through the CMMC wilderness.
- Level 3: Mastering advanced measures like threat hunting and continuous monitoring takes at least 18 months. It’s reserved for those protecting the DoD’s most sensitive data.
Remember, these are just estimates. The actual time can vary depending on your organization’s size, complexity, and existing security infrastructure. To streamline the process, you should assess your current cybersecurity practices and align them with the specific CMMC certification requirements for your chosen level.
How Much Does It Cost To Become CMMC Certified?
The Pentagon recently estimated the average cost of Level 2 CMMC certification. It says small businesses spend $37,000+ on self-assessments and affirmations. The figure rises to $49,000 for larger entities. The Pentagon goes on to note that the actual Level 2 assessment process can cost over six figures for small and large companies alike.
However, your price may vary based on where you’re at with security today. CMMC certification cost is broken down into the following components:
- Soft costs: This category includes expenses related to assessments, planning, budgeting, training, documentation, and audit preparation.
- Remediation costs: This segment covers the substantial expenses of upgrading IT systems, facilities, and relevant technologies. It often constitutes the largest portion of the overall cost.
- The cost of time: Time is a significant cost factor, as it will take time for IT support, management, and employees to prepare for CMMC certification.
- Assessment costs: An assessment is mandatory for most Level 2 (formerly Level 3) companies. In such cases, a third-party assessor, known as a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization), conducts the formal CMMC assessment. While official assessment costs have yet to be published, estimated figures are predicted to start at around $3,000.
- Maintenance costs: Sustaining the implemented measures, including soft costs, remediation efforts, and ongoing assessments, adds to the long-term expenses of maintaining CMMC compliance.
How Long Does a CMMC Assessment Take?
So, how long does it take for a professional to determine that you meet CMMC certification requirements? It depends on the level.
Level 1
It will take several days to a few weeks for the C3PAO to assess your completion of all CMMC level 1 requirements. However, your organization’s size and complexity impact the exact timeline. Expect interviews, documentation reviews, and basic technical tests.
Level 2
Level 2 requires a more thorough examination. Be prepared for weeks to months of in-depth interviews, rigorous documentation reviews, and comprehensive technical tests conducted by the C3PAO. This deep dive ensures your systems comply with NIST SP 800-171 standards and are robust enough to protect CUI.
Level 3
Think months or even longer of intense scrutiny, with ongoing monitoring, threat-hunting simulations, and continuous reviews by the C3PAO. This grueling process ensures your defenses are impregnable, safeguarding the DoD’s most sensitive data.
The Bottom Line on CMCC Certification
If you’re considering working with the DoD, obtaining CMMC certification levels is both a necessity and a strategic investment. The best way to start is by assessing your organization’s cyber-readiness. This will tell you how far away you are from CMCC certification and help you identify the next steps.
Trava Security can guide you there. We specialize in helping SMBs advance their security postures to achieve goals like CMCC certification. Book an intro call to learn more about how we can help.
CMCC Certification FAQs
Is CMMC certification worth it?
Is CMMC certification worth it? The cost of CMMC certification can be high. However, the benefits of working with the DoD can be transformative for a business.
How long does it take to get CMMC certified?
It may take anywhere from several days to a full year to achieve CMMC certification, based on the level you’re working toward.
How much does it cost to get CMMC certified?
Achieving Level 2 CMMC certification can cost over $100,000. However, it can vary based on your company’s current security posture.