A CMMC assessment is the process in which a company’s IT network is assessed against the cybersecurity controls required for each specific level of CMMC compliance. There are a few different versions of the CMMC assessment available: self-assessment, assessment by a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) or assessment by a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO)

Being CMMC compliant means that your organization has successfully implemented the required cybersecurity practices and processes outlined by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for your designated maturity level.

Organizations who are CMMC level 1 and go through the self-certification process must do so on an annual basis. Organizations who are CMMC level 2 and work with a C3PAO have their certification valid for three years. After three years, your organization must undergo another third-party assessment to renew the certification.

A CMMC RPO is a Registered Provider Organization who provides pre-assessment consulting services to government contractors and other organizations who are looking to become CMMC certified.

A CMMC C3PAO is a Third-Party Assessor Organization that has been authorized by the CMMC Accreditation Body to conduct official assessments for CMMC certification.