Image Source: U S DOD - CMMC
CMMC Made Simple for SMBs – Part 2: How to Get Certified
In Part 1, we explained what CMMC is and why it’s critical for SMBs. Now, let’s walk through the exact steps your business can take to get certified—without feeling overwhelmed.
🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Get CMMC Ready
Step 1: 🔍 Scope Your Systems
Identify where you store, send, or process FCI or CUI.
Examples: Shared drives, CRMs, email systems, CAD tools, cloud storage.
Step 2 : 🎯 Pick Your Level
FCI only? → Aim for Level 1 (15 controls).
CUI involved? → You need Level 2 (110 controls).
Step 3: 📋 Do a Gap Assessment
Use a checklist or hire a CMMC consultant to compare what you already do vs. what the CMMC requires.
You’ll create two important documents:
System Security Plan (SSP): Describes your current setup.
Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M): Shows what you’re fixing and when.
Step 4: 🔐 Implement Required Controls
Depending on your level, set up:
Strong password policies
Multi-factor authentication
Data encryption (at rest and in transit)
Access logs and monitoring
Patch management
Incident response plan
Step 5: 📊 Choose Your Assessment Path
Level 1: Self-assess and report in SPRS (Supplier Performance Risk System).
Level 2:
Self-assessment allowed for some contracts.
Others will require a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization).
Level 3: Must be assessed by the DoD itself (DIBCAC team).
Step 6: 🔄 Maintain & Update
Stay compliant over time.
Reassess regularly—especially when systems or staff change.
🧱 Tools to Help
NIST 800-171A: Assessment guide for Level 2.
CMMC Assessment Guides: Free on the official CMMC website.
Pre-made templates: Many firms offer editable SSP and POA&M templates for SMBs.
💡 Pro Tip
Even if you're just doing Level 1, taking CMMC seriously builds trust—and opens doors to larger, more secure contracts down the line.
✅ Final Thoughts
CMMC doesn’t have to be complicated. Break it down into small steps:
Know your data
Secure your systems
Document everything
Assess & improve
Start now, and you’ll be ready when the DoD says, “Only certified vendors allowed.”
References:
U S Department of Defense CMMC Assessment Guide
Code of Federal Regulations - Part 170 CMMC Program
U S Department of Defense - CMMC Model Overview
👉 Book a free compliance readiness assessment
👉 Get a customized cybersecurity roadmap
👉 Train your team to be your first line of defense
📞 Schedule a call today or 📧 contact us for a consultation.