Let’s walk through the key milestones on the path to CMMC Level 2, so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Why CMMC Level 2 Matters
CMMC Level 2 applies to many contractors who handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). CUI is sensitive information that’s not classified but still requires protection. Unlike Level 1, which allows for self-assessment, Level 2 often requires a third-party certification from a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization). Without Level 2 certification, you may be disqualified from bidding on or supporting many DoD contracts.
How Long Does It Take to Get CMMC Level 2 Certified?
The timeline varies by organization, but here’s a general breakdown:
| Phase | Estimated Time |
| Initial Readiness Assessment | 2–4 weeks |
| Gap Remediation & Documentation | 2–6 months (varies widely) |
| Internal Review & Validation | 2–3 weeks |
| Scheduling the C3PAO Assessment | 1–2 months wait time |
| C3PAO Assessment | 1–2 weeks |
| Final Report | Up to 90 days post-assessment |
Total Time: 4–9 months (depending on your starting point and resources)
CMMC Level 2 Requirements at a Glance
To earn CMMC Level 2 certification, your organization must implement and demonstrate compliance with all 110 security requirements from NIST SP 800-171. These span multiple control families, including:
- Access control
- Audit and accountability
- Configuration management
- Incident response
- System and communications protection
- And more
While 110 may sound like a manageable number, the formal C3PAO assessment is based on 320 individual assessment objectives derived from these requirements. Each objective must be verifiably documented.
In addition to the technical controls, you’ll need to maintain clear documentation such as:
- A System Security Plan (SSP) that outlines how you meet each requirement
- A Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M), approved only for select requirements scored as NOT MET
- Policies and procedures, while not explicitly required under NIST SP 800-171 Revision 2, are considered a best practice and often help demonstrate repeatable, institutionalized practices
Together, these elements create a defensible posture for your assessment and increase your chance of passing on the first attempt.
What to Expect During a C3PAO Assessment
The C3PAO will evaluate not just what you’ve written down, but what you can prove in action. Expect:
- Interviews with key personnel
- Review of documentation and evidence
- Observation of technical environments
- Verification of control effectiveness
The process is rigorous, but with strong preparation, it’s manageable.
Start Your Road to Certification Today
Don’t wait for a contract deadline to discover you’re not ready for CMMC. Book your CMMC Readiness Call today or send us an email to CMMCC3PAO@ibsscorp.com to start the path toward certification with a team that knows the process inside and out.
About IBSS
Since 1992, IBSS has provided transformational consulting services to the Federal defense, civilian, and commercial sectors. Our services include cybersecurity and enterprise information technology, environmental science and engineering (including oceans, coasts, climate, weather, and satellite), and professional management services.
Our approach is to serve our employees by investing in their growth and development. As a result, our employees bring greater capabilities and provide an exceptional level of service to our clients. In addition to creating career development opportunities for our employees, IBSS is passionate about giving back to the community. We strive to leave something better behind for the next generation.
We measure our success by the positive impact we have on our employees, clients, partners, and the communities we serve. Our tagline, Powered by Excellence, is a recognition of the employees that make up IBSS and ensures we deliver results with quality, applying industry best practices and certifications. Read more About Us.
Keywords: CMMC, C3PAO, DoD Requirements, NIST SP 800-171
