Part 2: How SMBs Can Prepare for CMMC Certification

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

Federal Register CMMC Program

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.