C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization)
Last reviewed · By Chad Griffith
A C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization) is an organization authorized by Cyber AB (the CMMC Accreditation Body) to conduct CMMC Level 2 certification assessments for defense contractors handling prioritized Controlled Unclassified Information. C3PAOs employ Certified Assessors who evaluate contractor implementation of all 110 NIST SP 800-171 r2 controls. Each C3PAO must itself be CMMC Level 2 certified. The list of authorized C3PAOs is maintained at cyberab.org. C3PAO assessments cost $50K-$250K depending on contractor scope, and the resulting certification is valid for three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find an authorized C3PAO?
The complete list of authorized C3PAOs is maintained by Cyber AB at cyberab.org/marketplace. The list is searchable by name, geographic location, and industry specialization. Always verify current authorization status before contracting — C3PAO status can be revoked or suspended for quality issues.
What does a C3PAO assessor evaluate?
Three dimensions for each of the 110 controls: (1) Documentation — does the SSP describe the control accurately? (2) Implementation — is the control deployed and configured as described? (3) Operating Effectiveness — does evidence demonstrate the control functions over time? Assessors interview personnel, review documentation, observe operations, and conduct technical testing.
How long does C3PAO assessment take?
Typical timeline: planning 1-2 weeks, on-site assessment 1-2 weeks, reporting 4-8 weeks, Cyber AB review 2-4 weeks. Total elapsed time from C3PAO engagement to certification is typically 3-6 months. Larger or more complex environments take longer.
Can a C3PAO also be a consulting partner?
No. C3PAOs that perform certification assessment cannot also serve as consultants on remediation for the same client. Cyber AB enforces this independence rule. Contractors typically engage one Registered Provider Organization (RPO) for consulting and gap remediation, then a separate C3PAO for the actual certification assessment.
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