What is a C3PAO?
Understanding the Role of a C3PAO
A Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) plays a critical role in the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) process, ensuring that Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors meet DoD-mandated cybersecurity standards.
Organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI) must obtain CMMC certification before securing or renewing DoD contracts. C3PAOs are the official entities authorized to conduct third-party CMMC assessments at Level 2 and Level 3.
.png "C3PAO Responsibilities in the CMMC Certification Process")
.png?width=50&height=50&name=MAD%20SEC%20-%20CMMC%20Assessment%20Guide%20Images%20(13).png "Conduct Formal CMMC Assessments")
.png?width=50&height=50&name=MAD%20SEC%20-%20CMMC%20Assessment%20Guide%20Images%20(17).png "Submit Findings to the CMMC-AB")
.png?width=50&height=50&name=MAD%20SEC%20-%20CMMC%20Assessment%20Guide%20Images%20(11).png "Ensure Compliance with DFARS 7021")
.png?width=50&height=50&name=MAD%20SEC%20-%20CMMC%20Assessment%20Guide%20Images%20(22).png "Maintain Independence")
C3PAO vs. Self-Assessments:
What’s the Difference?
CMMC Level 1 allows self-assessments, but organizations seeking CMMC Level 2 must undergo a third-party assessment conducted by a C3PAO. A C3PAO cannot conduct CMMC Level 3 assessments; only the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC), a part of the DCMA, is authorized to perform CMMC Level 3 assessments.
.png "C3PAO versus Self-Assessments")
| ASSESSMENT TYPE | WHO CONDUCTS IT? | WHEN IS IT REQUIRED? |
| Self-Assessment | The contractor (internally) | CMMC Level 1 |
| Third-Party Assessment | C3PAO | CMMC Level 2 |
| Third-Party Assessment | DIBCAC | CMMC Level 3 |
A third-party CMMC audit ensures objectivity, compliance verification, and risk mitigation, reducing the likelihood of security gaps.
.png "How to Select a C3PAO for a CMMC Assessment")
.png?width=50&height=50&name=MAD%20SEC%20-%20CMMC%20Assessment%20Guide%20Images%20(1).png "Verify C3PAO Accreditation")
.png?width=50&height=50&name=MAD%20SEC%20-%20CMMC%20Assessment%20Guide%20Images%20(2).png "Assess Their Experience and Industry Knowledge")
.png?width=50&height=50&name=MAD%20SEC%20-%20CMMC%20Assessment%20Guide%20Images%20(3).png "Understand Their Assessment Timeline and Pricing")
.png?width=50&height=50&name=MAD%20SEC%20-%20CMMC%20Assessment%20Guide%20Images%20(4).png "Review Assessor Credentials")
.png?width=50&height=50&name=MAD%20SEC%20-%20CMMC%20Assessment%20Guide%20Images%20(5).png "Avoid Fraudulent C3PAOs")
.png "How to Become a C3PAO")
C3PAO Certification Requirements
100% U.S. Citizen-Owned or pass a Foreign Ownership, Control, or Interest (FOCI) investigation
Achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance before conducting assessments
Pass an Organizational Background Check (via Dun & Bradstreet)
Obtain ISO 17020 certification
Maintain Cybersecurity Insurance (including errors & omissions and breach policies)
Be listed in the official CMMC-AB Marketplace
.png "How MAD Security Works with C3PAOs")
.png?width=50&height=50&name=MAD%20SEC%20-%20CMMC%20Assessment%20Guide%20Images%20(15).png "Pre-Assessment Evaluations")
.png?width=50&height=50&name=MAD%20SEC%20-%20CMMC%20Assessment%20Guide%20Images%20(24).png "Policy and Documentation Support")
.png?width=50&height=50&name=MAD%20SEC%20-%20CMMC%20Assessment%20Guide%20Images%20(18).png "Remediation Assistance")
.png?width=50&height=50&name=MAD%20SEC%20-%20CMMC%20Assessment%20Guide%20Images%20(23).png "SOC and Continuous Monitoring")
We also assist C3PAOs in meeting their accreditation requirements. Our Managed Security Services help C3PAOs achieve CMMC compliance, pass audits, and maintain ongoing security operations.
.png "C3PAO versus RPO")
| ROLE | C3PAO | RPO |
| Conducts CMMC Audits? | YES | NO |
| Provides CMMC Consulting? | NO | YES |
| Prepares Organizations for Certification? | NO | YES |
| Works with CMMC-AB? | YES | YES |
Since C3PAOs cannot provide both consulting and certification services to the same organization, many DoD contractors partner with an RPO (like MAD Security) for compliance preparation before engaging with a C3PAO.
.png "Next Steps: Get CMMC-Ready with MAD Security")
.png "Certified Third-Party Assessor Organizations")
What is a C3PAO?
A Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) is an organization authorized by the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB) to conduct official CMMC Level 2 assessments for DoD contractors. They evaluate cybersecurity compliance to ensure organizations meet NIST 800-171 and DFARS 7021 requirements.
What is the role of a C3PAO in CMMC certification?
C3PAOs play a critical role in the CMMC certification process by:
✅ Conducting third-party cybersecurity assessments
✅ Verifying compliance with NIST 800-171 / 800-172
✅ Submitting assessment results to CMMC-AB for certification approval
✅ Ensuring organizations meet DoD cybersecurity requirements before bidding on contracts
Do all DoD contractors need a C3PAO assessment?
Not all contractors need a third-party C3PAO assessment. It depends on the required CMMC level:
| CMMC Level | Assessment Type | Who Conducts It? |
| Level 1 | Self-Assessment | The organization |
| Level 2 | Third-Party Assessment | C3PAO |
| Level 3 | Third-Party Assessment | DIBCAC |
If your contract requires CMMC Level 2, you must undergo a formal C3PAO assessment.
How do I choose the right C3PAO?
To select a reliable C3PAO, follow these steps:
1. Verify Accreditation – Check if they are listed on the CMMC-AB Marketplace
2. Review Industry Experience – Choose a C3PAO that has assessed similar organizations
3. Assess Their Credentials – Ensure they employ Certified CMMC Assessors (CCAs)
4. Ask About Pricing & Timeline – Understand assessment costs and scheduling
How much does a C3PAO assessment cost?
C3PAO assessment costs vary based on the size and complexity of your organization.
Estimated pricing:
1. Small businesses: $45,000 – $60,000
2. Medium businesses: $50,000 – $75,000
3. Large enterprises: $60,000+
Some factors affecting cost include:
1. Number of locations & employees
2. IT infrastructure complexity
3. Time required for assessment
Pro Tip: Work with an RPO (like MAD Security) to prepare in advance and reduce costly delays.
Can a C3PAO also provide CMMC consulting?
No. C3PAOs cannot provide consulting services to the same company they assess. This ensures an unbiased evaluation.
1. C3PAOs conduct official assessments & certifications
2. RPOs (Registered Provider Organizations) provide CMMC consulting & pre-assessment support
MAD Security is an RPO that helps organizations prepare before engaging a C3PAO.
How long does a C3PAO assessment take?
The CMMC assessment process typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on:
1. Pre-Assessment Readiness – Are your cybersecurity controls already in place?
2. Size of the Organization – More systems = longer assessment time
3. Documentation Preparedness – Proper NIST 800-171 documentation speeds up the process
Pro Tip: Work with an RPO like MAD Security to avoid delays and ensure a smooth assessment.
What happens if I fail my C3PAO assessment?
If your organization fails a CMMC assessment, the C3PAO will:
1. Identify gaps & deficiencies in security controls
2. Provide a remediation plan outlining areas for improvement
3. Allow you to correct issues before reapplying for certification
How to Avoid Failing:
1. Conduct a Pre-Assessment Readiness Check (MAD Security can help!)
2. Address compliance gaps before the official audit
3. Work with an RPO for CMMC consulting & remediation
What is the difference between a C3PAO and an RPO?
A C3PAO and an RPO have different roles in the CMMC certification process:
| Function | C3PAO | RPO |
| Conducts official CMMC certification assessments? | YES | NO |
| Provides compliance consulting? | NO | YES |
| Prepares businesses for CMMC certification? | NO | YES |
| Can offer both assessment and consulting? | NO | YES |
MAD Security is a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) that helps companies prepare before engaging a C3PAO.
How can MAD Security help with CMMC certification?
MAD Security is a CMMC Registered Provider Organization (RPO) specializing in CMMC readiness, compliance, and cybersecurity solutions.
1. Pre-Assessment Gap Analysis – Identify weaknesses before the audit
2. CMMC Documentation Support – Ensure NIST 800-171 compliance
3. Remediation Assistance – Fix security gaps to avoid failing your C3PAO audit
4. 24/7 Managed Security Services – Continuous compliance & threat monitoring
📞 Get a Free CMMC Consultation Today
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