April 18, 2025
Many organizations find themselves scrambling when it comes time to demonstrate their cybersecurity compliance.
But here's the good news - with proper preparation, you can approach your assessment with confidence.
Today, I'm going to walk you through exactly what to expect during a CMMC assessment and how to prepare effectively.
In this post, you'll learn:
A CMMC assessment isn't just a one-time event.
It's a structured process with specific phases and requirements.
The assessment validates that your organization has implemented the necessary cybersecurity practices and processes required by your CMMC level.
Assessors will review documents, interview staff, inspect controls, observe processes, and test your security measures.
They're looking for evidence that you've not only implemented controls but that they're working effectively.
For example, if you claim to have physical access controls, the assessor will expect documentation showing who has keys, how they're controlled, and how terminations are handled.
Phase 1: Create a Project Plan
Start by educating your team on CMMC requirements.
Define your objectives clearly.
Set a realistic budget for the assessment process.
Without proper planning, you'll likely miss critical requirements.
Phase 2: Define Scope and Resources
Identify which parts of your organization handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Create a detailed network diagram showing system boundaries.
Develop a complete inventory of CMMC assets.
Define any separate enclaves in your environment.
This phase answers the critical question: "What exactly are we protecting?"
Phase 3: Conduct a Readiness Assessment
This is your practice run before the real assessment.
Review all relevant documentation.
Interview key staff members about security practices.
Inspect your technical controls.
Observe daily security processes in action.
Test controls to ensure they work as documented.
The goal? Identify gaps before the assessor does.
Phase 4: Remediate Identified Gaps
Address all the weaknesses found in your readiness assessment.
Create or revise documentation as needed.
Implement improved procedures.
Configure technical controls correctly.
Acquire necessary services or technologies.
Track evidence of all remediation efforts.
Remember - the assessment isn't just about having policies in place.
It's about proving they're being followed.
Assessors aren't trying to trick you.
They want to see that you understand your security requirements and have implemented appropriate controls.
They'll verify through multiple methods:
For example, with audit logging requirements, they'll want to see:
It's not enough to say "we do that" - you need to prove it.
The market for CMMC readiness consulting has matured over recent years.
Assessment costs vary based on:
Remember that different CMMC levels have different assessment frequencies.
Level 1 self-assessments must be conducted annually.
Higher levels require third-party assessments every three years.
Budget accordingly and plan for these ongoing requirements.
Preparing for your CMMC assessment doesn't have to be overwhelming.
Break it down into manageable phases.
Start with planning, define your scope, assess your readiness, and remediate gaps.
The key is to integrate CMMC processes into your regular operations rather than treating compliance as a separate activity.
Have you started your CMMC preparation journey?
Remember that the goal isn't just to pass the assessment.
It's to genuinely improve your security posture to protect sensitive defense information.
Your preparation today builds resilience for tomorrow.