As of January 2026DoD CMMC
Detailed Answer
CMMC certification process timeline:
**Assessment Timeline (once ready):**
- Schedule C3PAO: 1-3 months lead time
- Assessment itself: 1-4 weeks
- Final certification: 2-4 weeks after assessment
**Preparation Timeline (varies greatly):**
- Gap assessment: 2-4 weeks
- Remediation (if needed): 3-18 months
- Documentation development: 2-6 months
- Employee training: Ongoing
**Key Preparation Steps:**
1. Scope your CUI environment
2. Complete self-assessment
3. Develop/update SSP and policies
4. Implement technical controls
5. Train workforce
6. Schedule assessment
**CMMC Level Considerations:**
- Level 1: Self-assessment (annual)
- Level 2: C3PAO assessment every 3 years
- Level 3: DIBCAC assessment
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