For nonfederal organizations working with the Department of Defense (DoD), proving that you can protect sensitive data is no longer about just providing your policies and promising that they are effective. Now, it’s about passing through different highly structured gates to get to the main gate: CMMC certification. And navigating these CMMC certifications that exist in the landscape can be complex. In a recent episode of Climbing Mount CMMC, we unpack the ecosystem, providing clarity on who does what, why it matters, and how organizations can move forward towards compliance.
What Is the CyberAB?
The Cybersecurity Accreditation Body (CyberAB) is the infrastructure supporting the implementation and oversight of the CMMC program. It defines the path for companies and individuals to become qualified to support or assess organizations aiming to achieve CMMC certifications.
Breaking Down the Roles Within CMMC Certifications
At the core of our discussion, was the different professionals and organizations that play specific roles in CMMC certifications:
- Registered Practitioners (RPs)
These are individuals who have completed foundational training provided through the CyberAB and are qualified to provide guidance on CMMC compliance. But they are not authorized to conduct assessments. Think of them as advisors who help organizations prepare for certification.
- Registered Practitioners Organizations (RPOs)
RPOs are companies that employ Registered Practitioners (RPs). These organizations are officially listed by the CyberAB and are trusted advisors in the CMMC space. While RPOs don’t perform assessments themselves, they play a crucial role in helping clients interpret requirements, assisting in developing System Security Plans (SSPs), and implementing necessary controls.
- CMMC Certified Professionals (CCPs)
The CCP designation represents a higher level of training than an RP. CCPs are individuals who have passed a rigorous exam and are eligible to participate in CMMC assessments, typically as part of a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO). They often serve as key technical experts on assessment teams.
- CMMC Certified Assessors (CCAs)
CCAs are the professionals certified to actually conduct CMMC assessments. They undergo intensive training and must meet additional prerequisites beyond CCP level. Their assessments determine whether a company meets the cybersecurity requirements necessary for CMMC certification.
- Certified Third-Party Assessors (C3PAOs)
C3PAOs are the only organizations authorized to conduct official CMMC assessments. These firms employ certified CCPs and CCAs and are accredited by the CyberAB and given this authorization by the Department of Defense (DoD). Every C3PAO goes through many different assessments, including a DIBCAC assessment. Their role is central to the CMMC certification process, and their assessment provides the formal validation required for a contractor to continue doing business with the DoD.
The Role of External Service Providers (ESPs)
In addition to those formally recognized by the CyberAB, many organizations rely on ESPs for cybersecurity infrastructure, cloud services, and IT support. In the episode, we stress the importance of ensuring your ESP is also compliant with the federal CMMC requirements and the CMMC certifications requirements. Failing to validate the compliance status of an ESP can jeopardize an organization’s own CMMC standing. As an MSP, Axiom works closely with these individuals and within their environment. This means that we understand the importance of maintaining our own compliance alongside helping organizations achieve theirs.
An ESP can offer:
- Gap assessments and readiness reviews
- SSP development
- Policy and procedure development
- CMMC assessment support
- Remediation assistance
- And so much more!
Why should an OSA hire an MSP to help them during their journey? Since there is a lot of scrutiny on ESPs, it underscores their ability to operate in and maintain secure environments. Axiom assists in CMMC education, implementation, and furthered monitoring that you may not get from other service providers in the industry.
Why Understanding the Difference Between These CMMC Certifications Matter
The climb to these CMMC certifications involves multiple steps and levels of training. Organizations should do their research when deciding who to work with on their journey. Once a qualified professional is chosen, they can work to assist with:
- Initial gap assessments
- Documentation
- Assessments
- Maintenance
- Furthered IT assistance
- And so much more
Each role has unique CMMC certifications requirements, and knowing who to engage, and when, is essential to a smooth and successful certifications process.
A Call for Cybersecurity Literacy
We continue to emphasize that continuous education in cybersecurity is crucial. Not just for IT professionals, but for leadership and compliance officers as well. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, staying informed and aligned with CMMC updates, will be key to maintaining secure operations and meeting federal contracting standards.
The stakes are high, but the roadmap is clear for those who commit to understanding the framework and investing in the right partnerships.
If you are interested in more information, contact us or check out our podcast.
Source: Ecosystem Roles | Cyber-AB