RP, CCA, CCP Certification: A Comparison of the CMMC Roles

Disclaimer: This article was originally published on April 17, 2024 and has since been updated for comprehensiveness. 

The right CMMC role for your business depends on your company size, contract needs, and security goals. Small businesses usually need Registered Practitioners (RPs) for basic compliance, while larger companies handling sensitive government data benefit from Certified CMMC Professionals (CCPs) or Certified CMMC Auditors (CCAs). 

Your choice affects your ability to win Department of Defense contracts. It also impacts how well you protect sensitive information. 

Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) is a managed security service provider. We specialize in CMMC compliance and have guided hundreds of businesses through federal cybersecurity requirements. 

Sean Harris, Chief Security Risk Officer at ITS, holds both RP and CCP certifications. Harris notes how new these credentials are: "The CMMC certifications are so new that even the people who should be looking for them are not aware they exist." 

This article breaks down the three main CMMC roles. To help you understand the difference between RPs, CCPs, and CCAs, we'll tackle topics such as: 

• What Is a CMMC Certified Auditor (CCA)? 
• How Do RPs, CCAs, and CCPs Compare? 

By the end, you'll learn what each certification requires. You'll also discover which one makes sense for your business size and government contract goals. 

What is a Registered Practitioner (RP)? 

Being a Registered Practitioner (RP) is your entry point into CMMC. This basic certification teaches you about cybersecurity compliance for federal contracts. 

The RP path is simple and affordable. You pay between $500 and $600 each year. Training takes just four to five hours in an open-book format. You also complete a background check as part of the process. 

This works well for businesses starting their compliance journey. Not only do you gain an essential understanding, but time and money commitments also remain low. 

The certification teaches you basic CMMC standards. It helps you identify key compliance gaps and explains why compliance is important for your business. 

What is a Certified CMMC Professional (CCP)? 

Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) certification is a big step up from RP. The CCP shows a deep understanding of complex cybersecurity requirements. 

Getting your CCP certification requires serious work and commitment. You must complete 40 hours of training with an approved provider. After that, you take a strict, proctored exam that thoroughly tests your knowledge. 

The cost runs to several thousand dollars. This reflects the extensive knowledge and skills you gain through the program. 

CCPs can implement advanced security protocols. These professionals understand CMMC assessment processes. They also guide companies through detailed requirements for meeting DoD contract needs. 

This certification sits one level below the highest CMMC credential: the CCA certification. 

What is a CMMC Certified Auditor (CCA)? 

A CMMC Certified Auditor represents the highest level of CMMC expertise. They show complete mastery of cybersecurity auditing. 

After you complete the CCP certification, you tackle 30 more hours of training. This training focuses on CMMC audit methods. Afterwards, you take a proctored exam that tests your deep understanding of assessment techniques. 

The total cost reaches several thousand dollars, which includes the CCP certification cost. 

CCA accreditation opens valuable opportunities for senior roles in: 

• Cybersecurity governance 
• Compliance 
• Risk management 

Read More: CMMC Assessment vs. CMMC Audit: What’s the Difference? 

How Do RPs, CCAs, and CCPs Compare? 

Harris uses a helpful comparison to explain the differences. "I once got a CPR certification years ago," he said. "It was a couple hours online with an exam. But then I went and became an EMT too. That was weeks and weeks of training." 

He adds: "Knowing CPR versus becoming an EMT is similar to the differences between RP, CCP, and CCA."

Think of RPs as first aid responders. They have basic knowledge. They recognize problems. They know when to get help.

In contrast, CCPs are like emergency medical technicians (EMTs). They bring extensive training. They handle complex situations. They implement detailed solutions.

CCAs go even further: they're like paramedics or emergency room doctors. They possess the highest level of expertise. They can conduct full audits. They assess entire cybersecurity programs against federal standards.

The time commitment differs significantly between these roles. RPs complete training in hours. CCPs invest weeks in coursework and dedicate extra time to exam preparation. CCAs add another 30 hours of specialized audit training on top of the CCP requirements.

The cost gap also reflects this difference. RPs pay hundreds of dollars yearly. CCPs and CCAs invest thousands in further expertise.

Most importantly, the knowledge depth separates these roles. RPs understand the basics. CCPs can build complete cybersecurity frameworks that align with federal standards. CCAs can evaluate those frameworks through comprehensive audits and qualify for senior governance roles.

Which CMMC Role Does Your Business Need? 

Your company's size and complexity should guide your decision. This helps you choose between these certifications. 

If you own a small to medium business (SMB), you may find RPs enough for your needs. RPs work well for basic awareness. They help you start your compliance journey. 

RP certification makes sense when you need a basic understanding across your team. It creates security awareness without causing technical overload. 

However, if you own a larger company or handle sensitive government contracts, you should consider investing in CCPs or CCAs. These professionals help you address complex cybersecurity needs. They also provide stronger implementation. 

These professionals excel at technical challenges. They can implement the NIST cybersecurity framework. They manage advanced protocols and stay current with evolving cybersecurity protocols. This helps them better prepare you for assessments. 

Also, carefully consider your contract requirements. If you handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or work on sensitive defense projects, then CCP or CCA certification becomes especially valuable. 

Learn More: What Types of Businesses Need CMMC Compliance? 

Why RP, CCA, and CCP Certifications Strengthen Your Compliance Strategy 

Understanding these CMMC roles helps you build the right team. The differences between RP, CCP, and CCA directly influence your security and compliance success. 

Your decision should align with your company's size, business needs, and certification levels. This ensures you have the right expertise at the right time. 

RP certification builds awareness throughout your organization. It helps your team understand compliance requirements. 

Meanwhile, CCP and CCA certifications bring technical depth to your team. You gain professionals who can implement and document complex protocols. You also get support for preparing for CMMC compliance and certification. 

As a managed security service provider (MSSP) committed to our clients’ cybersecurity success, ITS has guided hundreds of businesses through CMMC compliance. We understand the practical challenges. We know federal cybersecurity standards inside out. 

Want to know the benefits of partnering with the right CMMC expert? Download our eBook: Everything You Need to Know about CMMC for detailed guidance. 

You can also schedule a meeting with our compliance experts to discuss your specific needs. 

For more information on CMMC, check out these other resources in our Learning Center: 

• CMMC Assessment vs. CMMC Audit: What’s the Difference? 
• How to Improve Your CMMC Maturity Level (6 Best Practices) 
• eBook: CMMC 2.0 Compliance Made Simple: A 7-Step Guide for Executives