Do you know the difference between a CMMC assessment and a CMMC audit? Or are you uncertain about which one your business needs to achieve compliance?
Navigating CMMC compliance requires clear knowledge of both processes.
Misunderstanding the purpose and timing of assessments and audits lead to unexpected compliance costs, failing audits due to unaddressed security gaps, and ultimately, losing DoD contracts because of inadequate preparation.
At Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS), we help our partners avoid these struggles. We guide them through CMMC compliance with expert assessments, gap analyses, and ongoing cybersecurity support.
Using this knowledge, this article will tackle:
- the differences between a CMMC assessment and a CMMC audit
- explain the importance of an assessment and audit
- provide a plan to ensure successful certification.
We invited Sean Harris, a Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) and ITS’ Senior VP for Cybersecurity, to provide unique insight into the topics.
CMMC Assessment vs. CMMC Audit: What’s the Key Difference?
While both processes relate to CMMC compliance, a CMMC assessment evaluates readiness, whereas a CMMC audit is the final certification step.
What is a CMMC Assessment?
A CMMC assessment is an internal or third-party review that helps businesses determine if they meet cybersecurity requirements before an official audit.
The main goal of an assessment is to identify security gaps and areas for improvement. They’re often done by internal IT teams, consultants, MSPs, and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) before an audit.
An assessment specifically reviews policies, security controls, and compliance risks. Usually, after an assessment, your IT team will create an Operational Plan of Action (OPA) to address deficiencies.
Skipping a CMMC assessment runs the risk of your company having unforeseen vulnerabilities and ultimately failing an official audit.
“Saying you're compliant but never assessing your compliance is not enough,” Harris explained. "If it's important enough to put these controls in place, then it's important enough to test them.”
READ: Can You Perform a CMMC Self-Assessment?
What is a CMMC Audit?
A CMMC audit is a formal evaluation conducted by a certified third-party assessment organization (C3PAO) or the DoD. The audit determines whether a business meets the required cybersecurity standards.
Like an assessment, it’s a thorough compliance review of security controls, policies, and documentation. Unlike an assessment, you’ll receive a pass/fail certification result instead of a list of gaps detailed in an Operational Plan of Action (OPA).
It's also required every three years for contract eligibility.
“The cost of certification through a C3PAO can range between $30,000 to $100,000 every three years,” Harris warned. “Failing means not only losing that investment but also delaying your ability to work with the DoD.”
Businesses that fail their CMMC audit cannot bid on or renew contracts that require compliance. Without proper preparation, you’ll risk additional IT costs and lost revenue.
How do you prepare for a CMMC audit?
No one wants to go through another CMMC audit; you’ll benefit more if you get it right the first time. To do that, here are six steps to help you prepare for a smooth certification process.
1. Conduct a CMMC Assessment as Early as Possible
An assessment identifies security weaknesses before an official audit, and the earlier you do it, the more time you have to fix any issues.
Perform an internal CMMC assessment or better yet, work with a third-party and get fresh eyes on your IT network.
2. Create a Strong Operational Plan of Action (OPA) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
Your OPA is a document on the required action you need to fix the identified gaps to take to reach CMMC security standards. By creating a strong OPA, you give yourself the gift of clearer priorities and peace of mind before an audit.
If you can’t achieve full compliance, you can create a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) that you’ll present during the audit. A POA&M is a complete list of security vulnerabilities and how you’ll get them fixed within 180 days.
Harris warned that you do not want to go into an audit with POA&M items.
"It would have to be extenuating circumstances,” he explained. “Maybe you've already started a big technical project and you're already many, many months into it. You know it's about to end, and therefore you can have it on that POA&M.”
3. Maintain Proper Documentation
While fixing your IT gaps outlined in your OPA, make sure you keep impeccable documentation. Auditors review policies, security logs, and incident response plans; you’ll want to have these all on hand before they start looking for them.
4. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices
“People often focus on systems, but humans are the last firewall,” Harris said. “In several cases, every system safeguard failed, but one employee questioning an unusual request prevented a major security incident.”
Employees play a huge role in preventing cyber threats and shouldn’t be pushed to the side when fixing your IT security. Conduct regular training on phishing, password security, and access controls.
5. Perform a Mock CMMC Audit
After you’re done with your preparation, do one last check by simulating an actual audit. It prepares your team for the actual certification process. It's highly recommended to perform the mock CMMC audit with the C3PAO.
6. Choose the Right CMMC Compliance Partner
A knowledgeable cybersecurity partner simplifies the entire process. Harris stresses the importance of working with the right experts.
“The consultant and the auditor must be different entities. You need an experienced third party to verify your compliance before the official audit.”
Is Your Business Ready for a CMMC Audit?
Now that you know the difference between CMMC assessments and audits, are you up for the challenge of getting CMMC certified?
Start with your CMMC assessment with an expert third-party organization like Intelligent Technical Solutions
At ITS, we help businesses navigate CMMC compliance from assessment to certification. Our experts provide comprehensive evaluations, gap analyses, and cybersecurity solutions to ensure you meet the necessary security standards—without unnecessary delays or costs.
Don’t wait until an audit failure costs you a contract. Contact ITS today to schedule a CMMC assessment and take control of your compliance journey.
If you want more information about the CMMC certification process, here are some free resources:
- Everything You Need to Know About CMMC
- How to Improve Your CMMC Maturity Level (6 Best Practices)
- How Much Does CMMC Compliance Cost? (& Is It Worth It?)
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