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CMMC certification takes between 30 days and 24 months and depends on which level you need. Most defense contractors pursuing Level 2 should expect 6 to 12 months.
As a business owner working with the Department of Defense, you've probably heard about CMMC requirements coming to contracts. The challenge is knowing when to start preparing.
You don't want to miss bidding opportunities. You also don't want to scramble at the last minute.
Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) is a managed security services provider. We have over 20 years of experience helping defense contractors meet compliance requirements. Our Certified CMMC Professionals have guided dozens of organizations through successful certification.
In this article, we asked our Chief Risk Security Officer and in-house CMMC expert, Sean Harris, MBA, CISSP, PMP CCSP, MCSE, RP, CCP, to help us explore the following:
After reading, you should know how to achieve your desired certification in a timely manner.
What Is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) verifies that defense contractors protect sensitive government information. The DoD published the final CMMC rule in October 2024, which took effect on December 16, 2024.
Harris explains the scope: "Any organization that wants to do work with the Department of Defense is going to be subject to CMMC. At the very least, they'll be subject to identifying and scoping if their data is subject to it."
According to the US Department of Defense Chief Information Officer (DoD CIO), the first of four phases of CMMC implementation is scheduled to begin on November 10, 2025.
Which CMMC Level Do You Need?
The CMMC Program has three levels. Your level is based on the type of government information you handle.
Level 1: Basic Safeguarding of FCI
Level 1 applies when you work with Federal Contract Information (FCI). You'll implement 17 basic security practices from FAR Clause 52.204-21.
Assessment method: Annual self-assessment.
Level 2: Broad Protection of CUI
Most defense contractors need Level 2. This level is for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). You must implement all 110 security requirements outlined in NIST SP 800-171, Revision 2.
Assessment method: Annual self-assessment for non-prioritized acquisitions or contracts with less sensitive CUI; triennial third-party certification by a C3PAO for higher-priority acquisitions and contractors handling defense-related technical information.
Read More: Can You Perform a CMMC Self-Assessment?
Level 3: Higher-Level Protection of CUI Against Advanced Persistent Threats
Level 3 targets the DoD's most critical programs. You need all 110 requirements from NIST SP 800-171. You also need 24 additional controls from NIST SP 800-172.
Assessment method: Government-led assessment by DIBCAC.
How Long Does Each CMMC Level Take?
Timelines vary based on your starting point. They also depend on available resources.
Level 1 Timeline: 30 Days to 4 Months
Organizations with solid security basics can achieve Level 1 in as little as 30 days. Most take several months to implement and document all 17 required controls.
Level 2 Timeline: 6 to 12 Months
Level 2 represents significant work. You're implementing 110 security controls. You're also preparing for a third-party audit.
Harris explains the variation: "CMMC certification cost and time can vary significantly from one organization to another. Much of this depends on the existing state of an organization's cybersecurity infrastructure."
Here's how 6 to 12 months typically break down:
- Months 1-2: Conduct gap analysis. You'll identify which controls you're missing.
- Months 3-6: Implement missing controls. This is usually the longest phase. You're establishing new policies, training employees, and reconfiguring systems to support these changes.
- Months 7-9: Organize documentation and evidence for your C3PAO assessment.
- Months 10-12: Complete your C3PAO assessment.
Harris notes an essential factor: "At this level, a CMMC third-party assessment organization (C3PAO) will be auditing and certifying those practices. Since there is scarcity in the number of available C3PAOs, it may even take much longer to achieve Level 2."
Level 3 Timeline: 18 to 24 Months Minimum
Level 3 requires a minimum of 18 to 24 months. You must first achieve Final Level 2 status, then you implement 24 additional security controls from NIST SP 800-172. Finally, you coordinate with DIBCAC for a government-led assessment.
What Impacts Your CMMC Timeline?
Several key factors determine your certification timeline.
Your Current Security Posture
Organizations with strong existing cybersecurity practices move faster. Harris said this about starting the process: "[Getting a price] starts with a thorough gap analysis." You can't estimate timelines until you understand how far you need to go.
Organization Size
A small business with one location moves faster. A multi-location enterprise with hundreds of users takes longer.
Available Resources
Organizations that treat CMMC as a strategic priority finish faster. Those who squeeze compliance into overloaded schedules take longer.
Existing IT Infrastructure
Legacy systems or outdated software need fundamental rebuilding. Harris describes this challenge well: "The road to CMMC certification could be particularly lengthy and costly. This is because retrofitting an existing system to meet CMMC standards often involves not just incremental adjustments but a fundamental rethinking of the architecture and controls."
Your CMMC Certification Roadmap
Follow this roadmap to move from planning to certification.
Step 1: Identify Your Required CMMC Level
Review your DoD contracts. What information do you handle? Is it FCI, CUI, or critical program data? Your data type determines your level.
Step 2: Run a Gap Analysis
A thorough gap analysis identifies which security controls you're missing. Harris recommends getting expert help.
He says to pay "for an expert to dive deep into your network, point out the specific projects you'll need for CMMC compliance, and explain the associated costs with those projects."
Step 3: Create Your Remediation Plan
Build a realistic timeline and budget. Prioritize critical controls first. Assign clear ownership for each task.
Step 4: Implement Required Controls
Start implementing missing security controls one by one. Document your policies and procedures, as well as the evidence that shows compliance.
Step 5: Train Your Team
Conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training. Make sure employees understand their role. They need to know how to protect sensitive government information.
Step 6: Prepare for Assessment
For Level 2 and 3, organize all documentation. Test your controls before your official audit.
What Is the Timeline for CMMC Certification?
CMMC certification timelines range from 30 days for Level 1 to 24 months for Level 3. Most defense contractors pursuing Level 2 should plan for 6 to 12 months. This depends on their current security posture.
ITS has helped dozens of defense contractors navigate CMMC certification successfully. Our Certified CMMC Professionals provide expert guidance throughout your certification journey.
Ready to understand your timeline?
Schedule a free cybersecurity assessment with our CMMC experts to evaluate your security posture.
Learn More About CMMC Compliance
- eBook: Everything You Need to Know About CMMC
- What CMMC Level Do I Need? A Step-by-Step Guide
- CMMC Assessment vs. CMMC Audit: What's the Difference?
Frequently Asked Questions About CMMC Certification Timeline
Q: How long does Level 2 CMMC certification take for a small business?
A: Small businesses typically need 6 to 12 months for Level 2 certification. The timeline depends on your current cybersecurity posture and available resources.
Q: Can I speed up the CMMC certification process?
A: Yes, you can speed up certification by dedicating more resources and working with experienced CMMC consultants. However, implementing 110 security controls properly still takes time.
Q: How long does a CMMC certification last?
A: Level 2 and Level 3 certifications are valid for three years. You must submit annual affirmations to confirm ongoing compliance with NIST 800-171 requirements.
Q: What happens if I fail my CMMC assessment?
A: You cannot bid on contracts requiring that CMMC level nor renew them. You'll need to address the deficiencies, then undergo reassessment.
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