How to Get CMMC Certification: A Complete Guide to CMMC Compliance

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMCC) is no longer optional. If your business handles controlled Unclassified Information or Federal Contract Information, CMMC is a requirement.

The Final Rule was submitted in July 2025 and from Octover 2025, most new Department of Defense contracts need CMMC. From October 31, 2026 CMMC will be required to ensure all businesses in the DoD supply chain meet its cybersecurity requirements. This could impact upwards of 300,000 businesses in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

At Workstreet, we’ve helped a number of companies build comprehensive defense-grade security programs that meet Level 2 requirements. This guide helps you navigate CMCC compliance, with clear, actionable steps to achieve certification so you can stay eligible and competitive.

CMMC Compliance: Why Does It Matter?

The CMCC is the DoD’s framework to ensure organizations within its supply chain meet its cybersecurity standards and adequately protect sensitive cybersecurity information, including Federal Contract Information (FCI),  Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

The DoD and its supply chain, known as the DIB, is constantly trying to safeguard sensitive data and intellectual property. For organizations wanting DoD contracts, you’ll have to meet CMMC requirements and get certified.

In short:

• Who needs CMCC: All defense contractors, subcontractors, and MSPs involved with the DoD.
• The purpose of CMMC: Verifies that the organization is secure and compliant enough to handle important cybersecurity information. CMCC also formalizes the process with required assessments and certification levels.
• The evolution of CMMC: Over time, CMCC has gone through revisions. CMMC 2.0 simplifies and streamlines the process and includes a 3-tiered certification model.

The CMMC Certification Levels

CMMC 2.0 has three certification levels, each based on the type of information your organization handles and the level of cybersecurity and sensitivity required.

• CMMC Level 1 - Foundational: Requires 17 practices from FAR 52.204-21 (Basic Safeguarding). You should aim for this level if you’re an organization handling only Federal Contract Information (FCI). You can achieve Level 1 through an annual self-assement.
• CMMC Level 2 - Advanced: Applies to organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). It requires implementing all 110 controls from NIST SP 800-171, as referenced in DFARS 252.204-7012. To achieve Level 2 you’ll need to pass a third-party assessment with a C3PAO every 3 years, though some non-prioritized programs may be able to complete an annual self-assessment.‍
• CMMC Level 3 - Expert: Covers contractors supporting the most senstive DoD data and programs. It requires a subset of enhanced security requirements from NIST SP 800-172 security controls. To achieve Level 3 you needs to pass a Government-led assessment conducted by DoD.

How to Become CMMC Compliant: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how your business can achieve CMMC certification:

1. Identify Your Required Level

First, determine which CMCC level your organization needs. This will depend on the type of data your handle and the specific security requirements in your DoD contracts.

Level 1 generally applies to organizations handling FCI, whereas Level 2 is for those working with CUI. Level 3 is only needed by companies handling the most sensitive data on behalf of the DoD.

Most small and mid-sized defense contractors needing CMMC will fall under Level 2.

If you need assistance with this step or the following, consulting with compliance experts like Workstreet can help you identify exactly what CMMC Level fits your needs.

2. Perform a Self-Assessment

Next up, perform a self-assessment covering your current cybersecurity practices  to help you determine where your organization stands against the CMCC compliance requirements.

To achieve Level 1 self-assessment, you’ll need to meet the 17 foundational safeguards in FAR 52.204-21.

For Level 2, you must meet the 110 controls in NIST SP 800-171. Though a self-assessment isn’t enough to be certified for Level 2, it’ll help you identify any gaps in your policies, processes, and technical controls as you develop a System Security Plan (SSP) to achieve compliance.

3. Engage a Registered Provider Organization (RPO)

Engaging a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) isn’t a CMMC requirement but we strongly recommended it. An RPO knows the CMMC process and can help your busines achieve the correct level of CMMC compliance in a smooth and timely fashion.

At Workstreet, we can help you achieve CMMC compliance, fast. We can automate your CMMC Level 2 compliance, protect CUI, and win contracts with a complete, AI-enabled security program from the only AI-powered RPO.

4. Remediate Gaps

Once gaps are identified, start the process of remediation. This can involve implementing missing security controls, updating policies, training employees, and documenting all completed actions.

Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms) should be created for security controls that cannot be implemented before the audit.

5. Schedule the Assessment

To meet CMMC Level 2, you’ll need to pass an assessment with a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). C3PAO assessors will review your documentation, policies, and procedures, interview staff and verify the implementation of security controls.

Once you’ve passed your CMMC audit, you’ll need to continue to run internal audits to keep on top of any security changes, issues, and overall network security.

How Long Does CMMC Certification Take?

CMMC certification can take anything from a couple of months to more than a year — it depends on:

• The certification level you need (Level 1 can be a lot faster than 2 or 3)
• The availability of CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organizations to schedule your CMMC assessment
• The size of your organization and current security posture

How Much Does CMMC Certification Cost?

CMMC certification costs will vary based on the size and complexity of your organization. But to give you a rough ballpark:

• Level 1: Around $5,000.  
• Level 2: From $35,000 - $100,000, including implementation of security controls and consultation.
• Level 3: $100,000 - $500,000 and over, due to implementation of the most extensive and rigorous security controls.  

Additional expenses can include support costs, implementation, migration and scoping costs, and licensing costs.

Who Performs the Certification Audit?

For CMMC Level 2, certification audits will be performed by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). These are independent organizations accredited and authorized by the Cyber AB (CMMC Accreditation Body).

C3PAOs employ CMMC Certified Assessors (CCAs) to evaluate your organization’s cybersecurity posture against the CMCC requirements.

If you need CMMC Level 3, assessments are performed directly by the Department of Defense (DoD).

Final Thoughts: How To Achieve CMMC Compliance

CMMC certification is a necessary step for any organization in the defense sector. Achieving CMMC compliance ensures eligibility for current and future DoD contracts while also strengthening your cybersecurity posture.

Workstreet's managed security and compliance services can help you streamline your CMMC certification process. From AI-powered SSPs to ongoing automated compliance management, Workstreet helps you get CMMC compliant and win defense contracts in no time.

Schedule a call to learn more.

FAQs: How to Get CMMC Certification

Do Managed Service Providers also need CMMC?

If you’re a Managed Service Provider (MSPs) supporting DoD prime contractors, you must also meet CMMC requirements, as you often handle or extend client systems with CUI or FCI. Follow the steps outlined above or connect with an RPO to get the process in motion

How do I know which CMMC level my organization needs?

In most cases it comes down to the type of infcation you business handles (FCI or CUI). There may also be flow-down requirements in your DoD contracts so you should review your contract clauses thoroughly.

Unsure? Get it touch and we can help.

Can I self-certify for CMMC compliance?

At Level 1 you can self-certify for CMMC compliance. Level 2 generally requires a formal audit with a C3PAO, though in certain contracts if low-priority Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is handled you may be able to self-certify — though this is very much the exception, not the rule.

What common gaps cause organizations to fail CMMC audits?

Generally, incomplete or out-of-date SSPs, missing POA&Ms, and incorrectly implemented security controls are common issues. Gap assessments can reduce audit failure, otherwise consider consulting with a CMMC readiness consultant.

How often do I need to renew or recertify CMMC compliance?

Generally, CMMC certification Level 2 must be renewed every three years. However, this can be more frequent if there are changes to your organization’s security posture. Continuous monitoring, ongoing internal reviews, and updated documentation can help maintain CMMC compliance.

What’s the difference between CMMC and FedRAMP?

CMMC is focused on overall cybersecurity posture for any organization handling sensitive DoD data, whereas FedRAMP is a government-wide program focused on cloud security. Learn more about CMMC vs. FedRamp here.