In the fast-changing world of cybersecurity, where hackers continually devise new methods to steal sensitive data, protecting important information isn’t just smart, it’s the law for companies all over the country, and even more so, those working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This is what makes the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) important. If you’ve heard about it but aren’t sure how it works, what it costs, or whether your business needs it, this guide will provide a clear explanation.
We’ll go over what CMMC is, the different levels, costs, timeframes, and how it compares to other compliance frameworks, plus what to expect if you’re aiming for CMMC Level 2 certification.
What is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is a set of standards created by the DoD to ensure that contractors and subcontractors protect sensitive information, specifically, Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
The goal is to establish a unified cybersecurity standard for all DoD contractors, rather than the existing patchwork of requirements. CMMC compliance is mandatory for specific defense contracts, and its requirements scale based on the sensitivity of the data you handle.
What Are the Levels 1–3 of CMMC?
The CMMC framework is designed in levels, each with increasing security expectations:
- Level 1 – Foundational
- Basic safeguarding of FCI
- 17 basic practices
- Level 2 – Advanced
- Protection of CUI
- 110 practices aligned with NIST 800-171
- Third-party certification required
- Level 3 – Expert
- Focuses on advanced threats
- Based on NIST SP 800-172
- Intended for companies working on the most sensitive DoD programs
How Much Does The CMMC Certification Cost by Level?
Because the CMMC final rule is still relatively new, the exact certification costs can vary. Here’s what we know right now:
CMMC Level 1
The CMCC Level 1 costs between $ 5,000 and $15,000. It is for organizations that only need to meet the basic safeguarding requirements for Federal Contract Information (FCI).
Number of requirements: 15
At this level, many smaller contractors can perform a self-assessment, which can dramatically reduce costs since you don’t have to hire a third-party assessor.
If your business has solid basic security practices in place, like password protection, antivirus software, and limited data access, you can achieve Level 1 without major new investments.
CMMC Level 2
The CMMC Level 2 costs between $63,000 and $200,000, depending on the size of your organization, the complexity of your IT systems, and your level of preparedness prior to starting.
- Small organizations: $30,000 – $50,000 (including prep work and the formal assessment)
- Mid-sized organizations: $50,000 – $80,000
- Large organizations: $100,000+
Most organizations that require CMMC certification will fall into Level 2 — especially if you handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Many companies save money by doing a gap analysis first to identify issues before paying for the official audit. This prevents costly re-tests and delays
Number of requirements: 110, aligned with NIST SP 800-171
More requirements mean more effort and cost for documentation, implementation, and assessment. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
- Documentation: $12,000 – $70,000
- Assessment: $31,000 – $75,000
- Remediation: $20,000 – $150,000 (depending on your current cybersecurity maturity)
If your security program is already robust, remediation costs will be on the lower end. If you’re starting from scratch, expect to be in the higher range.
CMMC Level 3
The CMMC Level 3 costs between $100,000 and $500,000.
It is best suited for a very small percentage of organizations (less than 1%) that handle highly sensitive information requiring the strongest cybersecurity protections.
Number of requirements: 134 (includes the 110 from Level 2 + 24 from NIST SP 800-172)
Level 3 involves the highest level of preparation, documentation, and implementation of security controls. The added complexity, combined with the rigorous assessment process, is what drives the cost up compared to Level 2.
What is the Difference Between Level 1 and Level 2 CMMC?
Level Two is more advanced than the other. The CMMC Level 1 requirements focus on basic cyber hygiene, including the use of strong passwords, antivirus software, and basic access controls. It’s designed for organizations that only handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) and don’t deal with sensitive Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
The CMMC Level 2, on the other hand, is more advanced and aligns closely with NIST SP 800-171. They focus on protecting CUI and include 110 security controls across areas like access control, incident response, and configuration management.
In summary:
- Level 1 = Self-assessment, basic safeguards
- Level 2 = Third-party assessment, advanced safeguards
Is CMMC Level 1 a Self-Assessment?
Yes. Organizations seeking CMMC Level 1 can perform an annual self-assessment and submit their results to the DoD’s Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS). No external auditor is required, but honesty is crucial because failing a spot check can put future contracts at risk.
What is the Difference Between CMMC Level 2 and SOC 2?
While both frameworks address security, CMMC Level 2 is a government-driven compliance standard specifically for DoD contractors, while SOC 2 is a voluntary certification focused on service organizations that handle customer data in the private sector.
Key differences:
- Purpose: CMMC is for defense contracts; SOC 2 is for general data protection trust.
- Requirements: CMMC Level 2 follows strict NIST guidelines; SOC 2 is more flexible.
- Enforcement: CMMC is mandatory for certain contracts; SOC 2 is market-driven.
How Much Do CMMC-Certified Individuals Make a Year?
While CMMC certification applies to organizations, CMMC Certified Professionals (CCPs) and Certified Assessors (CCAs) can earn between $90,000 and $ 160,000 per year, depending on their experience, role, and location. These roles are in high demand as more organizations seek compliance.
Is CMMC Certification Hard?
It depends on your current cybersecurity maturity. If you already follow NIST 800-171 controls, you’re ahead of the curve. If not, expect some work:
- Small businesses may struggle with resource limitations.
- Larger companies may face challenges in aligning all departments due to complexity.
The good news? With good preparation, strong documentation, and a clear roadmap, even Level 2 is achievable without overwhelming stress.
How Long Does CMMC Certification Take?
On average:
- Level 1: 1-2 months (self-assessment and submission)
- Level 2: 6-12 months (gap analysis, remediation, assessment)
- Level 3: 12-18 months (due to complexity and preparation needs)
The Bottom Line on CMMC Compliance
CMMC isn’t just another box to check. It’s about protecting national security, building trust with the DoD, and safeguarding sensitive data. Whether you’re aiming for Level 1 self-assessment or Level 2 full certification, the process demands planning, technical controls, and strong internal engagement.
Can Small Teams Pass a CMMC Audit on the First Try?
Yes, if you prepare smart, not just hard. For most small teams, CMMC Level 2 compliance feels like a full-time job you didn’t budget for. You’re juggling real project work, managing resources, and now you’re being asked to document risk registers, access controls, and incident response workflows like a Fortune 500.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to build everything from scratch, or guess what “good enough” looks like.
While we don’t do certifications at Human Computing, we build practical tools that help small PMOs turn compliance goals into repeatable project habits.
Whether you’re:
- Standing up a project intake process that screens for CUI,
- Kicking off secure project workstreams,
- Or setting up a basic risk register that doesn’t live in someone’s head
We’ve created a plug-and-play SOP library designed to help you:
- Hit the key CMMC Level 2 expectations,
- Standardize your project documentation
- And stay audit-ready without breaking your ops rhythm.
Are you a small team with big expectations? Start with our SOPs, templates, and checklists, all designed with smaller PMOs in mind.
For more information, you can contact us at contact@humancomputing.co
