As of August 2025, there were about 80 authorized CMMC C3PAOs on the Cyber AB website. That represents an acute shortage, considering that most of the 100,000+ Defense Industrial Base (DIB) businesses will be seeking to renew their CMMC certifications in line with the program’s newly revamped CMMC 2.0.
But that’s only half the picture. Most of the 80 duly accredited C3PAOs are already booked well into 2026. Besides, there’s a growing number of aspiring defense contractors.
When you consider all these factors, it’s evident that existing defense vendors risk missing crucial CMMC compliance deadlines unless they prioritize assessments.
However, you can’t settle for any C3PAO that comes up on every recommendation. It’s important to conduct due diligence and ensure you’re hiring a qualified and experienced auditor.
This post highlights the various factors to consider when looking for a reliable C3PAO.
Who Are C3PAOs?
C3PAOs stands for CMMC third-party assessor organizations.
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is a framework developed by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to safeguard its supply chain from unforeseen cyber-attacks.
The DoD mandates CMMC compliance for all Defense Industrial Base businesses. Contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) can self-audit. However, those that deal with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must undertake independent assessments led by C3PAOs.
A CMMC C3PAO ensures that defense contractors fulfill the minimum cybersecurity controls for processing, storing, and disseminating controlled unclassified information. Their assessment reports enable the DoD to determine if a company is eligible for defense contracts.
How to Spot a Reliable C3PAO
1. Determine If You Need One
Not all defense contractors require C3PAO-led assessments. Before hiring a C3PAO, understand the CMMC maturity level that your business falls under.
CMMC 2.0 has three maturity levels.
Level 1 DIBs only deal with FCI. The DoD allows such companies to self-audit and affirm their compliance through the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).
However, C3PAO assessments are mandatory for most contractors applying for Level 2 certifications.
What of Level 3?
CMMC Level 3 audits are reserved for officials appointed directly by the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC). However, you must fulfill all Level 2 cybersecurity requirements (plus other controls) to obtain CMMC Level 3 certification. That means you’ll technically require C3PAO-led assessments at some point before applying for Level 3 assessments.
Simply put, only Level 1 defense contractors are exempt from C3PAO-led audits.
2. Know What’s Expected in Your Maturity Level
CMMC Level 2 requires compliance with 110 security controls. Those requirements are spelled out in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171.
With each CMMC Level 2 assessment, a C3PAO seeks to determine if your organization meets the threshold for obtaining Level 2 certifications. The audits can result in a “Met” or “Not Met” verdict.
Depending on the number of security gaps that emerge from each evaluation, you may be granted up to 180 days to remediate the weaknesses.
3. Define the Role of C3PAOs
Knowing that you require a C3PAO for CMMC Level 2 assessments isn’t enough. To find the right auditor, it’s important to understand what these agencies can and cannot do.
A C3PAO’s primary role is auditing defense contractors in line with CMMC’s 110 cybersecurity controls applicable for Level 2 businesses.
Contrary to misconception, C3PAOs don’t offer advisory opinions to the firms they evaluate. The agencies don’t provide CMMC certification either.
These safeguards are necessary to uphold the integrity of each assessment. Beware of a C3PAO that claims to expedite your CMMC Level 2 certification process.
4. Select From the Cyber AB
The Cyber Accreditation Body (Cyber AB) is responsible for authorizing C3PAOs. So, it’s the only place to search for a duly accredited C3PAO.
Now, you can find a qualified C3PAO via word-of-mouth or online referrals. But before engaging the agency, ensure they have a presence on the Cyber AB marketplace.
It’s also worth noting that the Cyber AB website maintains a list of fully authorized C3PAOs and those awaiting approvals. Insist on the former.
5. Check Additional Credentials
The C3PAO certification process is quite rigorous, and only a few applicants make the cut. Therefore, sourcing a C3PAO from Cyber AB should provide enough peace of mind knowing you’re engaging a qualified cybersecurity assessor.
However, it doesn’t hurt to conduct additional credential checks. Asking for proof of relevant documentation can help validate that a C3PAO is truly what they claim to be.
Some key requirements include;
- An ISO 17020 compliance certificate
- A Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) analysis clearance certificate
- Proof of active membership in the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
6. Inquire About Personnel Size
CMMC audits are intensive processes that require all hands on deck. So, look out for a team of assessors rather than a jack of all trades.
There’s no standard rule on how large a C3PAO should be. However, consider an agency that maintains at least one lead assessor, an assistant assessor, and a quality assurance professional.
The lead assessor oversees the entire process while their assistant performs all delegated duties. Meanwhile, the quality assurance staffer ensures the audit is conducted in line with the industry standards.
7. Insist On Vast Industry Experience
Receiving Cyber AB accreditation isn’t enough. To offer quality CMMC assessments, a C3PAO must acquire practical experience.
The following criteria may help you hunker down on an experienced C3PAO;
a. Read Online Reviews
Online reviews can provide useful glimpses into a C3PAO’s expertise.
If the organization offers unparalleled audits, they’ll inevitably rack up positive feedback from their previous clients.
b. Examine Multi-Framework Knowledge
The DoD’s CMMC program works hand-in-hand with other cybersecurity frameworks, including the State Risk and Authorization Management Program (StateRAMP) and the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP®).
Choose a C3PAO that can draw clear parallels between CMMC and other cybersecurity frameworks.
c. Assess Their Work Methodology
An experienced C3PAO should provide a detailed approach to CMMC assessments, which typically begins with pre-audits and final reporting.
This enables you to agree on key audit dates and assign responsible personnel. Besides, you can prepare and update relevant policy documents ahead of the scheduled evaluation.
Avoid C3PAOs with choppy methodologies, as that indicates they’re probably newbies.
Beating CMMC Compliance Deadlines By Prioritizing C3pao Assessments
C3PAOs play a critical role in streamlining CMMC compliance for DIB companies. Findings from their rigorous assessments can help the DoD to determine if a contractor poses risks to its supply chain.
If your business handles controlled unclassified information, you must schedule triennial C3PAO-led cybersecurity audits. Implementing the above tips can help you find a C3PAO that aligns with your business’s needs.
Remember, time is fast-ticking and the consequences of CMMC non-compliance are simply too grim to contemplate.
