Step-by-Step Guide to Become CMMC Certified
With An Expert by Your Side

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CMMC 2.0 is the Department of Defense’s (DoD) updated cybersecurity framework aimed at protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

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Step 1: Determine Your Required CMMC Level

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The first step in preparing for CMMC 2.0 is understanding the certification level your organization needs. This is determined by the type of information you handle:
 

• CMMC Level 1 (Foundational) – Applies to contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI). Requires 17 security practices based on basic cyber hygiene and an annual self-assessment.

• CMMC Level 2 (Advanced) – Applies to companies handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Requires 110 security practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171. Some organizations will need a third-party certification every three years, while others may only require a self-assessment.

• CMMC Level 3 (Expert) – Applies to organizations working on the most critical defense programs. Based on NIST SP 800-172, this level requires a government-led assessment every three years.
   

📌 Key Takeaway: The level required depends on the sensitivity of the data you handle and the specific contract requirements from the DoD.
 

Step 2: Conduct a Gap Assessment

 

Before implementing security controls, assess your current cybersecurity posture against CMMC requirements.
 

• Review your IT infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities.

• Compare existing policies and practices to NIST SP 800-171.

• Identify missing security controls that must be implemented.

• Develop a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) to outline gaps and a timeline for remediation.
   

📌 Best Practice: Conduct an internal assessment or work with a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) to get an objective evaluation.
 

Step 3: Implement Security Controls

Once you've identified compliance gaps, the next step is to implement cybersecurity measures to meet CMMC requirements. Some of the key controls include:
 

• Access Controls & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data.

• Encryption & Data Protection – Encrypt data at rest and in transit to prevent unauthorized access.

• Endpoint Security & Firewalls – Deploy tools to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats.

• Incident Response Plan – Establish a documented plan to respond to and recover from cybersecurity incidents.

• Security Awareness Training – Educate employees on phishing, social engineering, and cybersecurity best practices.

• Regular Vulnerability Scanning & Patch Management – Continuously monitor systems for weaknesses and apply security updates promptly.
   

📌 Best Practice: Security controls must be fully documented, implemented, and tested to pass a CMMC audit.
 

Step 4: Document Compliance (System Security Plan - SSP & POA&M)

 

To achieve CMMC compliance, organizations must maintain detailed documentation proving their security controls are implemented and effective.

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📌 Key Documents Required:

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• System Security Plan (SSP): A comprehensive document outlining your cybersecurity policies, procedures, and technical controls.

• Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M): A document identifying remaining security gaps and a plan for remediation.

• Incident Response Plan (IRP): A plan outlining how your organization will detect, contain, and recover from cybersecurity incidents.
   

📌 Best Practice: Keep documentation up to date and ensure leadership and IT teams understand and follow security policies.

 

Step 5: Conduct a Self-Assessment

Organizations seeking CMMC Level 1 and certain Level 2 certifications must conduct an annual self-assessment to verify compliance.

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Key Actions:
 

• Use the DoD’s assessment methodology to evaluate cybersecurity practices.

• Ensure all 17 (Level 1) or 110 (Level 2) required security controls are implemented.

• .-mSubmit results to SPR Score (Supplier Performance Risk System) if required.

 

📌 Best Practice: Even if you only need a self-assessment, having a third-party consultant review your compliance can help avoid mistakes.

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Step 6: Schedule a C3PAO Assessment (For Level 2 & 3)

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For organizations requiring a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization) audit, follow these steps:

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• Select an authorized C3PAO from the Cyber AB marketplace.

• Prepare all compliance documentation (SSP, POA&M, training records, logs, etc.).

• Undergo the official CMMC 2.0 assessment conducted by the C3PAO.

• Address any deficiencies if found during the audit.

 

     Receive certification if you pass—valid for three years.

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📌 Best Practice: Prepare well in advance, as the C3PAO assessment process can take several months to complete.

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Step 7: Continuous Monitoring & Compliance Maintenance

CMMC 2.0 certification is not a one-time effort—organizations must continuously monitor and maintain their cybersecurity posture.

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📌 Ongoing Requirements:

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• Annual self-assessments for all CMMC levels.

• Keep security policies and documentation updated to reflect changes.

• Regularly test and update cybersecurity controls to prevent vulnerabilities.

• Train employees on cybersecurity threats and best practices.

 

📌 Best Practice: Treat CMMC compliance as a continuous process—not just a checkbox before an audit.

 

Why Act Now?

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• CMMC 2.0 compliance will soon be a contract requirement.

• The certification process takes time—waiting could put your business at risk.

• Failure to comply may result in lost contract opportunities with the DoD.

 

🚀 Start your compliance journey today to protect your business and stay competitive in the defense supply chain.

 

Don’t wait until you start losing DoD business. The CMMC certification is more than just a requirement; it’s a prerequisite to securing your current and future business in the defense industry supply chain. The stakes are high, but so are the rewards. Bluestreak Compliance™ will partner with you to streamline and successfully complete this process, ensuring you achieve CMMC certification efficiently and effectively. 

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​​​​​​​​At Bluestreak Compliance™, we recognize the challenges you may encounter on your journey to compliance. Download our Free Compliance eBook to gain more insights about compliance achievement, management, and assurance. 

 

Bluestreak Compliance™ provides affordable and effective compliance solutions for businesses with services delivered by CMMC Registered Practitioners Advanced (RPAs). Bluestreak Compliance™ is a CMMC Registered Practitioners Organization (RPO) designed to help your company achieve compliance through our proven methods. Support can be tailored to your unique requirements, whether leading your project or collaborating with your Project Manager. Partner with Bluestreak Compliance™ for answers to your cybersecurity, DFARS, NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2, and CMMC 2.0 questions.

 

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Contact Joe Coleman, Director, Cybersecurity Compliance, CMMC RPA 

joe.coleman@go-throughput.com (513-900-7934) or visit www.go-bluestreak.com

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Check out my latest article from Cyber Defense Magazine: CMMC 2.0 Final Rule Released - Get Prepared Now!

 

Also, From Heat Treat Today: CMMC vs. NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2: Understanding the Differences

 

Heat Treat Radio Podcast #113: NIST And CMMC: What Heat Treaters Need to Know