Why Organizations Should Consider a Mock CMMC Level 2 Assessment

In 2025, the Department of Defense (DoD) will begin to add Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) third party assessor organizations (C3PAO) certification requirements to their contracts. Contractors that are part of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), are realizing that compliance with the DoD’s CMMC Level 2 Assessment certification requirements will become a reality in 2025. CMMC security requirements are not new since the DIB has been required to comply with NIST 800 SP-171 since 2017. For over seven years, contractors have been required to perform cybersecurity self-assessments. With the increasing threat of cyberattacks targeting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI), DoD contractors must adhere to strict cybersecurity requirements to maintain their eligibility for defense contracts.

One highly effective way for organizations to prepare for the formal CMMC Level 2 Assessment is by engaging a third-party organization to conduct a mock CMMC Level 2 assessment. This practice helps gauge readiness and facilitates a smooth transition to full certification.

1. Preview of Compliance Readiness and Early Identification of Gaps

A mock CMMC Level 2 assessment allows an organization to obtain feedback from a simulated assessment and preview its compliance score as if it were undergoing a CMMC 2.0 assessment by a C3PAO. The assessment can cover all or a portion of the 110 controls. This is an opportunity for an informal review of specific practices that are of concern. Another area of risk is the System Security Plan (SSP) which is included in the mock assessment scope. This early identification of gaps is invaluable because it gives businesses time to address deficiencies before they engage a C3PAO. This may reduce time for certification and limit impacts to contract eligibility.

2. Building Team Competence and Reducing the Risk of Failure

For organizations undergoing a formal CMMC Level 2 Assessment, this is a new and potentially stressful experience. A mock assessment provides a realistic simulation of the assessment process, helping the team acclimate to the procedures, questions, and documentation requirements involved in the formal assessment. By simulating the assessment environment, the mock assessment helps organizations build familiarity with what to expect, which can lead to a more seamless certification experience.

Preparing for a formal CMMC assessment is not just about having the right controls in place, it is also about ensuring that the right evidence is prepared and that staff are equipped to navigate the assessment process. Mock assessments serve as a rehearsal, allowing teams to practice answering assessors’ questions in a setting that mimics the real assessment experience. This not only helps reduce anxiety but also builds team competence by providing a safe space for employees to familiarize themselves with the certification process.

A well-prepared team is essential to ensuring a smooth assessment. Organizations can reduce the risk of certification failure by ensuring that all personnel involved in the cybersecurity process understand how to communicate the organization’s compliance with NIST 800-171.

3. Time and Cost Savings

The current NIST 800-171 self-assessment process does not require evidence. Achieving CMMC Level 2 compliance goes beyond having the proper controls implemented. Compliance includes presenting the correct evidence and being able to demonstrate compliance. CMMC Level 2 preparation is a time-consuming and costly endeavor. It often takes at least 6 to 12 months for organizations to prepare for a CMMC Level 2 certification, depending on the complexity of their systems. Conducting a mock CMMC Level 2 assessment helps organizations identify and address compliance gaps early, reducing the time and cost required to meet the standards of the C3PAO Level 2 assessment.

In addition, mock assessments are generally less expensive than the C3PAO Level 2 Assessment and can be performed prior to the implementation of the final rule. This provides an affordable way for businesses to gauge their readiness without the financial pressure of a full-scale C3PAO Level 2 assessment. By identifying areas that need improvement in advance, organizations can avoid costly remediation efforts under tight deadlines.

Considering CMMC

For businesses aiming to secure DoD contracts and protect sensitive information, conducting a mock CMMC Level 2 assessment is an indispensable step in achieving CMMC certification. With its ability to identify compliance gaps, build team competence, save time and costs, and prepare organizations for the formal certification process, a mock assessment ensures that companies are well-prepared to meet the DoD’s stringent cybersecurity requirements.

To learn more about CMMC Level 2 mock assessments, be sure to visit our CMMC page, and don’t hesitate to contact Elaine Nissley or Mike Murray regarding our services.

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