CMMC – Why Now is the Time to Start Your Certification Journey 

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) has become a critical requirement for organizations within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). With the final rule published and the phased rollout beginning with the publication of the 48 CFR rule, now is the ideal time to embark on your CMMC certification journey. This blog post will guide you through the key phases of the certification process—scoping, readiness, remediation, and the certification audit—and explain how these align with the CMMC rollout timeline. 

What is the Process for CMMC Certification? 

1. Scoping 

• What it is: Scoping involves identifying the parts of your organization that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This step is crucial as it determines the boundaries of your CMMC assessment. 
• Why it matters: Proper scoping ensures that you focus your resources on the areas that need to comply with CMMC requirements, making the certification process more efficient and cost-effective. 

2. Readiness 

• What it is: Readiness involves assessing your current cybersecurity posture against the CMMC requirements. This phase includes conducting a gap analysis to identify areas that need improvement. 
• Why it matters: A thorough readiness assessment helps you understand where you stand and what steps you need to take to achieve compliance. It sets the foundation for a successful remediation phase. 

3. Remediation 

• What it is: Remediation is the process of addressing the gaps identified during the readiness phase. This may involve implementing new security controls, updating policies and procedures, and training staff. 
• Why it matters: Effective remediation ensures that your organization meets the necessary CMMC requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance and enhancing your overall cybersecurity posture. 

4. Certification Audit 

• What it is: The certification audit is conducted by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). During this audit, the C3PAO will evaluate your compliance with the CMMC requirements. 
• Why it matters: Achieving CMMC certification demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity and is essential for securing DoD contracts. With a limited pool of C3PAOs, it’s crucial to schedule your audit as soon as possible to avoid delays. 

How to Align with the CMMC Rollout Timeline 

The CMMC rollout is being implemented in four phases, with specific timelines for different levels of certification: 

• Phase 1: Inclusion of Level 1 and Level 2 self-assessments in contracts. This phase began with the publication of the final rule in December 2024. 

• Phase 2: Introduction of third-party assessments for certain Level 2 certifications, starting in January 2026. 

• Phase 3: Requirement for Level 2 C3PAO certification for the renewal or extension of existing contracts, beginning in January 2027. 

• Phase 4, full implementation: Begins one calendar year following the start date of Phase 3.  

Given the phased rollout and the limited availability of C3PAOs, it’s imperative to start your certification journey now. Simply put, there are too many organizations needing CMMC Certification and not enough C3PAO’s to handle the demand.  Early preparation will not only ensure compliance but also position your organization as a trusted partner in the defense supply chain.