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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Keeping this in mind, what factors 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
The first step is determining which of the three CMMC levels your organization must meet:
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.
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.
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.
Next, begin putting the required security controls in place. This includes:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
You should also maintain detailed documentation of your cybersecurity practices. This makes annual self-assessments (or future third-party audits) much easier.
A smooth path to certification starts with preparation and smart planning. Small decisions early in the process can prevent delays later.
Don't wait until you're "ready" to contact an assessor. Schedules fill quickly, and early outreach helps you understand timing and expectations.
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.
You may become ineligible to bid on or renew DoD contracts, putting your current and future work at risk.
In most cases, no. Many DoD contracts require proof of CMMC certification at the time of award or even during bidding.
No. Level 1 requires annual self-assessments. Levels 2 and 3 require periodic reassessments, typically every three years or sooner based on contract terms.
Starting with Level 1, leveraging grants or working with MSSPs like BEMO can help reduce costs while achieving compliance faster.
You can move from Level 1 to 2 (or 2 to 3) with additional gap analysis and remediation work. Planning ahead saves time later.