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How to Choose the Right C3PAO for Your CMMC Certification
With the Department of Defense (DoD) expected to finalize Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements in contracts by early 2026, many organizations are increasingly intent on getting the compliance journey moving. One of the most critical decisions you’ll make on this path is selecting the right Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO).
Here are some tips when seeking a C3PAO for your CMMC assessment.
1. Look Beyond the Cyber AB Badge
The Cyber AB C3PAO badge signifies a company has passed all necessary guidelines to become a C3PAO, but there is more to look at than just this symbol of capability. For example, you’ll want to know:
- How long has the firm been conducting third-party assessments?
- Do their assessors bring hands-on experience with similar environments?
- Have they worked with organizations of your size or industry?
Choosing a C3PAO with experience and expertise helps you avoid common pitfalls and ensures a smoother, more strategic path to certification.
2. Explore what the company tells you about their CMMC assessment process
Some C3PAOs approach an assessment as an exercise in simply checking boxes. Other organizations offer insights beyond the standard. A quality C3PAO will not only evaluate your compliance but also provide clear, actionable feedback to strengthen your long-term cybersecurity posture.
High-quality partners:
- Will be honest during your pre-assessment. If you are not ready for the final assessment they will not push you just so they can complete the project.
- Will build a relationship with your organization that extends beyond the transactional nature of vendor.
3. Certification Without Disruption
Look for a C3PAO who understands the investment you are making in compliance, not just financially but in terms of time. You will want to work with a C3PAO who can find efficiencies in the process and, as much as possible, who can work around your schedule.
4. What C3PAOs are currently available?
With thousands of defense contractors expected to pursue certification ahead of 2026 deadlines, demand for qualified assessors is growing. Preparation alone can take 6–12 months and C3PAO calendars are quickly filling, so the sooner you engage a C3PAO, the better your chances of securing a spot in the queue.
Ask prospective C3PAOs:
- How soon can we get started?
- What is your current lead time for assessments?
5. Less expensive is not necessarily better
While price matters, going with the lowest bidder may cost you more in the long run. Low-cost options may lack the depth, experience, or infrastructure needed to deliver high-quality, efficient assessments. Cutting corners on an assessment to save a little money can cost you contracts in the future if mistakes are made.
CMMC compliance is a strategic investment. Choose a C3PAO that helps protect your business, not just your budget.
Bonus: If your organization needs to meet other compliance frameworks like ISO 27001 or AS9100, consider choosing a C3PAO who can tackle them in parallel, which will save time and money in the long run.
Choose a relationship, not a vendor
Since 1993 Smithers has approached third-party assessments as opportunities to help businesses improve their management systems over a long period of time. We are proud that our clients think of us as strategic partners rather than transactional vendors.
If you are currently looking for a C3PAO, we welcome you to contact us to kick off our process. We look forward to speaking to you.