How Long Does it Take to Get CMMC Certification?

If your organization plans to work with the Department of Defense, getting Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a requirement. Certification is essential for protecting sensitive federal information and staying eligible for DoD contracts, whether you need Level 1, Level 2, or the more advanced Level 3.

But how long does CMMC certification actually take? The answer depends on several factors, including your current cybersecurity posture, the level you’re pursuing, and the complexity of your systems. 

From initial gap analysis to final assessment, each step in the process can impact your timeline. Getting full CMMC certification at the highest level can take up to 18 months or longer, but there are ways to help streamline the process, such as by employing a CMMC compliance expert.  

In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the time it takes to become CMMC certified so you can plan, prepare, and get ahead.

Key Takeaways

• CMMC certification is required for any organization working with the Department of Defense.
• Timelines vary based on level, complexity, and your starting cybersecurity maturity.
• Level 1 certification can be completed in a few months with a self-assessment.
• Level 2 often requires 6 to 12 months and may need a third-party assessment.
• Level 3 takes 18+ months and involves a formal government-led review.
• BEMO helps streamline the entire certification process with expert guidance and proven tools.

Why Is CMMC Certification Important?

If your organization wants to do business with the Department of Defense, achieving CMMC compliance is essential. Without the proper certification, you may be disqualified from bidding on or participating in contracts that involve sensitive government data.

Aside from eligibility, CMMC helps you build a stronger cybersecurity foundation. The framework provides clear, structured guidance for implementing best practices that protect both Federal Contract Information and Controlled Unclassified Information. This reduces your risk of data breaches, operational disruption, and reputational damage.

CMMC compliance also sets your organization apart from competitors. It signals to government agencies, partners, and clients that you take cybersecurity seriously and are prepared to handle sensitive information carefully.

While achieving compliance takes time and planning, the return on investment is substantial. It opens the door to new business, ensures long-term viability in the defense sector, and reinforces your organization’s reputation as a trustworthy, secure partner.

How Long Does It Take To Get CMMC Certification

The timeline for achieving CMMC certification depends on several key factors, including your target level, your organization's current cybersecurity posture, and the resources available for preparation. 

Each level of certification builds on increasing levels of complexity and security maturity, so naturally, the time investment grows with each.

CMMC Level 1

For CMMC Level 1, the process is typically the quickest. Since it requires only a self-assessment and 17 basic security practices, many organizations can complete it in one to three months, especially if they already follow basic cybersecurity hygiene.

CMMC Level 2

CMMC Level 2 is significantly more involved. It requires adherence to 110 security practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171, plus either a self-assessment or a third-party assessment depending on the contract. 

Most organizations can expect a 6 to 12 month timeline, which includes conducting a gap analysis, remediating weaknesses, implementing technical controls, and compiling documentation.

CMMC Level 3

CMMC Level 3 is the most rigorous and time-consuming. Due to its heightened security standards and the need for formal government-led assessments, achieving this level may take 18 months or more.

Typical CMMC Certification Timelines

• Level 1: 30 to 90 days
• Level 2: 6 to 12 months
• Level 3: At least 18 months

Keeping this in mind, what factors affect the CMMC certification timeline? 

Factors That Affect the CMMC Certification Timeline

The time it takes your organization to achieve CMMC certification can vary widely. While some businesses may complete the process in a few months, others may require a year or more depending on several key factors. 

Here’s a list of the most important elements that influence how long certification will take.

Starting Point: Existing Cybersecurity Practices

Your current cybersecurity maturity level significantly impacts the timeline. If your organization already follows frameworks like NIST SP 800-171, which forms the foundation of CMMC Level 2, you’ll likely need fewer adjustments to meet requirements. 

On the other hand, if you're starting from scratch with minimal security controls, expect to invest considerable time in gap analysis, remediation, and implementation.

Organization Size and Complexity

Smaller businesses often progress more quickly due to simpler infrastructures, fewer users, and centralized management. Larger organizations typically face longer timelines because of complex networks, legacy systems, and the need for consistent implementation across multiple departments or locations.

Internal Resources and Staffing

The pace of progress also depends on your internal capacity. Organizations with dedicated IT and compliance teams tend to move faster through the process. Limited staff or lack of experience may slow things down, especially if resources are stretched thin by daily operational demands.

Budget and Technical Support

Another key factor is the available budget. Allocating funds for consultants, tools, and training can accelerate compliance. Without sufficient financial or technical resources, critical updates may be delayed, extending your certification timeline.

Third-Party Assessor Availability

The availability of Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations is essential for CMMC Level 2 and Level 3 certifications that require third-party assessments. High demand and limited assessor capacity can create scheduling backlogs, particularly during peak periods or when many companies rush to meet contractual deadlines.

So, how do you get CMMC certified?

How to Achieve CMMC Certification

If your organization works with the Department of Defense (DoD), you’ll need to be CMMC certified. Whether that means Level 1, 2, or 3 depends on the type of data you handle—but every level requires a clear plan, focused preparation, and an ongoing commitment to cybersecurity. 

Here’s how to achieve and maintain CMMC certification.

1. Identify Your Required CMMC Level

The first step is determining which of the three CMMC levels your organization must meet:

• Level 1 (Foundational) applies to contractors handling Federal Contract Information only. It requires basic security practices to safeguard non-public government data.
• Level 2 (Advanced) is for organizations that manage Controlled Unclassified Information and includes all 110 practices from NIST SP 800-171.
• Level 3 (Expert) applies to companies working on high-priority contracts and introduces additional protections against advanced persistent threats.

Review your current and upcoming contracts to confirm the required level. Consult your contracting officer or legal counsel if it's not clearly specified. Remember, future opportunities may demand a higher level, so plan with long-term goals in mind.

2. Conduct a Gap Analysis

Once you’ve identified your target level, assess your current cybersecurity posture. A gap analysis will show where your existing practices fall short of CMMC requirements.

Evaluate your systems, policies, access controls, training programs, and incident response capabilities. Compare them to the practices outlined for your CMMC level. Document any deficiencies you find, as these will guide your remediation plan.

At this stage, it’s often helpful to bring in a cybersecurity consultant or MSSP. Their experience with CMMC and NIST frameworks can ensure a thorough assessment and provide clear direction.

3. Build a Remediation Plan

Use your gap analysis to develop a detailed remediation plan. This should outline the actions needed to close the identified gaps, including updated policies, technical safeguards, and staff training.

Prioritize based on risk and complexity. Break larger efforts into manageable phases and assign responsibilities to specific team members. Include clear timelines and deadlines to keep your team accountable.

Revisit your plan regularly as you make progress, and adjust it as needed to reflect new findings or shifting requirements.

4. Implement Security Controls

Next, begin putting the required security controls in place. This includes:

• Deploying tools like firewalls, encryption, or intrusion detection systems.
• Updating or creating policies for access management, data handling, and incident response.
• Providing training to ensure employees understand and follow your security protocols.

Use real-world testing, like vulnerability scans and penetration tests, to confirm that your controls are working. This step is about more than checking boxes: it’s about making sure your organization is genuinely protected.

Ongoing awareness training is also crucial. Every employee plays a role in protecting your data, so make sure everyone, from interns to leadership, is informed and involved.

5. Conduct Internal Audits

Before your official assessment, conduct internal audits to test your readiness. These self-assessments help you identify any last-minute issues and give your team valuable practice.

Audit your systems, processes, and documentation against your target CMMC level. Flag anything that’s incomplete, outdated, or non-compliant.

Use audit findings to refine your remediation efforts. The more thoroughly you self-audit, the smoother your official assessment will go.

6. Schedule Your CMMC Assessment

When your team is confident you meet all requirements, it’s time to schedule your formal CMMC assessment with a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization.

Choose a C3PAO with experience in your industry and ensure the CMMC Accreditation Body authorizes them. Provide them with your System Security Plan, policies, network diagrams, and evidence of control implementation.

The assessment includes documentation reviews, interviews, and technical tests to confirm your cybersecurity maturity.

• For Level 1, you’ll submit a self-assessment annually. 
• For Level 2, you’ll need a third-party assessment if your contracts are tied to national security. Otherwise, you can complete an annual self-assessment. 
• Level 3 assessments will always be conducted by government-led teams.

After the assessment, the C3PAO will issue a report. If your organization meets all criteria, you’ll be awarded CMMC certification at your target level.

7. Maintain Your Certification

CMMC certification is a continuous commitment to upholding cybersecurity. You’ll need to stay compliant through regular reviews, system updates, and staff training.

Here’s how to maintain your certification:

• Regularly revisit your policies and update them to reflect new threats or best practices.
• Keep your training programs current, and hold refresher sessions at least annually.
• Monitor for new vulnerabilities and patch systems quickly.
• Conduct ongoing internal audits to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

You should also maintain detailed documentation of your cybersecurity practices. This makes annual self-assessments (or future third-party audits) much easier.

Tips for a Smooth CMMC Certification Process

A smooth path to certification starts with preparation and smart planning. Small decisions early in the process can prevent delays later.

• Start Early: Begin well before contract deadlines. Gap analysis, remediation, documentation, and assessment all take time. Rushing introduces errors and missed requirements.
• Engage Experienced Partners: Work with a team like BEMO that understands CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, and defense contracting. 
• Encourage a Culture of Cybersecurity: Everyone in your organization plays a role. Training should cover access control, incident reporting, and acceptable use.
• Use Tools to Track Progress. Map each requirement to evidence, responsible owners, and deadlines. Documenting everything upfront saves time during the third-party assessment.

Don't wait until you're "ready" to contact an assessor. Schedules fill quickly, and early outreach helps you understand timing and expectations.

Final Thoughts

CMMC certification requires strategic planning, technical upgrades, and continuous effort. How long it takes depends on the level you’re pursuing, your current cybersecurity posture, and the complexity of your organization.

Level 1, which covers basic safeguarding of Federal Contract Information (FCI), can often be completed in 30 to 90 days. Level 2, required for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), typically takes 6 to 12 months. Level 3, the most advanced, can take 18 months or longer due to its rigorous requirements and formal government assessments.

Key factors that influence your timeline include your starting point, staffing, available resources, and assessor availability. Planning ahead, conducting an early gap analysis, and bringing in the right expertise can keep your project on track.

Need help with CMMC certification? BEMO’s cybersecurity experts help you prepare, assess, and stay compliant faster, with less stress and lower risk. Book a demo today and take the first step toward confident compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If We Miss a CMMC Certification Deadline?

You may become ineligible to bid on or renew DoD contracts, putting your current and future work at risk.

Can We Start Bidding on DoD Contracts Before We’re Certified?

In most cases, no. Many DoD contracts require proof of CMMC certification at the time of award or even during bidding.

Is CMMC Certification Valid Indefinitely?

No. Level 1 requires annual self-assessments. Levels 2 and 3 require periodic reassessments, typically every three years or sooner based on contract terms.

How Can Small Businesses Afford CMMC Certification?

Starting with Level 1, leveraging grants or working with MSSPs like BEMO can help reduce costs while achieving compliance faster.

What If Our Contract Requires a Higher Level Later?

You can move from Level 1 to 2 (or 2 to 3) with additional gap analysis and remediation work. Planning ahead saves time later.