CMMC C3PAO Assessment
Achieve CMMC Level 2 certification with a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO)
C3PAO Service Overview
Most organizations seeking Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 are required to undergo an official assessment conducted by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). These accredited assessors are authorized by the Cyber AB (the accreditation body for CMMC) to verify whether contractors meet the Department of Defense’s cybersecurity requirements.
Unlike readiness consulting, a C3PAO assessment is the formal certification step. It determines whether your organization has properly implemented and documented the 110 practices in NIST SP 800-171, as required under CMMC 2.0 Level 2. Successful certification is mandatory for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and for maintaining eligibility for many DoD contracts.
Partnering with a C3PAO ensures your assessment is conducted efficiently and in full alignment with DoD requirements. Beyond verifying compliance, C3PAO assessors often provide advisement that helps organizations strengthen their security posture, reduce risks, and sustain compliance long term. Achieving certification through a C3PAO unlocks access to more lucrative DoD opportunities while demonstrating trust, resilience, and readiness at scale.
Strengthen Compliance
Achieving CMMC certification means aligning your cybersecurity program with the Department of Defense’s strict standards. It requires protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), closing gaps across overlapping frameworks, and embedding security into daily operations so compliance becomes part of your organization’s culture.
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How to Achieve CMMC Compliance with a C3PAO
Achieving CMMC compliance requires more than just meeting technical requirements, it’s about preparing properly, implementing controls, and proving alignment through a formal assessment. By working with a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) or trusted advisor, the process becomes streamlined and repeatable.
Scoping
Define your compliance boundary and determine which CMMC level applies. Identify which controls, practices, and testing are required now, and what may be needed in the future.
Implementation
Acquire, develop, or update cybersecurity policies, tools, and controls to meet your target CMMC level (15 practices for Level 1, 110 for Level 2, or 110+ for Level 3).
Assessment Preparation
Conduct a readiness review to uncover gaps and ensure evidence is in place. Then, schedule your official assessment with a C3PAO or DoD agency.
Certification
Undergo the formal C3PAO assessment. Findings are validated, results documented, and certification submitted to the DoD to confirm compliance.
Re-Certification
Maintain compliance through ongoing monitoring and periodic re-assessments. Depending on your level, this may include annual affirmations or triennial C3PAO/government-led assessments.
How Are C3PAOs Different from Other Assessors?
A Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) is an independent assessor that has been rigorously vetted and authorized by the Cyber AB (formerly the CMMC Accreditation Body). To qualify, C3PAOs must:
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Achieve and maintain ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation within 27 months of authorization.
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Undergo Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) reviews and background risk checks, including a Dunn & Bradstreet profile.
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Successfully pass a CMMC Level 2 assessment conducted by the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC).
These requirements ensure C3PAOs are fully capable of evaluating and certifying that defense contractors meet CMMC standards. Once authorized, C3PAOs are listed in the Cyber AB marketplace, giving DoD contractors a centralized and trusted source for approved assessors. Under CMMC 2.0, organizations at Level 2 that require third-party certification can only work with an accredited C3PAO.
Why Work with a C3PAO for CMMC Compliance
CMMC compliance is essential for protecting sensitive defense information, including Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), from cyber threats. By aligning with CMMC requirements, contractors and subcontractors across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) demonstrate strong cybersecurity practices, build lasting trust with the Department of Defense, and contribute to safeguarding national security.
Failing to comply can lead to:
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Loss of eligibility for DoD contracts
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Exposure and compromise of sensitive government data
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Legal and contractual consequences
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Lasting damage to reputation and credibility
Organizations pursue CMMC compliance not only to satisfy DoD mandates, but also to prove their commitment to defense readiness, secure competitive opportunities, and reduce the risk of costly cyber incidents.
Benefits of C3PAO Assessments
Your Trusted C3PAO Compliance Partner
RSI Security is a trusted leader in cybersecurity and compliance, helping organizations across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) prepare for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Our team brings deep expertise in DoD contracting requirements, guiding you through the complexities of aligning with CMMC.
We support you at every stage, from readiness assessments and gap remediation planning to policy development, control implementation, and pre-assessment preparation. Acting as your partner and liaison, we simplify the path to compliance while strengthening your organization’s overall security posture.
Our proven track record spans a wide range of frameworks and regulations, including CMMC, DFARS, NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-172, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. This breadth of experience ensures we deliver practical, efficient solutions tailored to your mission-critical needs.
