How Much Does CMMC Certification Cost?
CMMC certification costs range from $15,000 for Level 1 to $100,000-$500,000+ for Level 2, depending on organization size, current security posture, and scope complexity.
Cost Breakdown by Level
CMMC Level 1: $15K-$50K
- Gap Assessment: $5K-$10K
- Implementation Consulting: $5K-$25K
- Annual Self-Assessment: $5K-$15K
- Timeline: 3-6 months
CMMC Level 2: $100K-$500K
- Gap Assessment: $15K-$30K
- Implementation: $50K-$400K
- C3PAO Assessment Fee: $15K-$70K
- Annual Maintenance: 20-30% of implementation
- Timeline: 6-12 months
What Affects Cost?
1. Organization Size
Larger organizations with more users, systems, and locations cost more to assess and secure.
- Small (1-50 employees): Lower end of range
- Medium (51-200 employees): Mid range
- Large (200+ employees): Upper end of range
2. Current Security Posture
Organizations with existing security controls typically spend less on implementation:
- Strong existing controls: Meaningful cost reduction
- Moderate controls: Some cost reduction
- Minimal controls: Full implementation cost
3. Scope Complexity
The CMMC Assessment Scope (CAS) determines cost:
- Focused scope (dedicated CUI systems): Lower cost
- Broad scope (CUI throughout environment): Higher cost
- Cloud-only infrastructure: Typically lower than hybrid
Hidden Costs to Consider
- Staff Time: Internal resources for meetings, documentation, testing
- Tool Licensing: Security tools, compliance platforms ($10K-$50K/year)
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Hardware, network, cloud resource improvements
- Training: Security awareness, role-specific training programs
- Ongoing Compliance: Continuous monitoring, log management, updates
DIY vs. Consultant Costs
DIY Approach:
Lower upfront costs but requires significant internal expertise. High risk of failed assessment due to missed requirements. Not recommended for Level 2 without security expertise.
Consultant Approach:
Higher upfront investment but typically increases first-time pass rate. Can meaningfully reduce timeline and provides ongoing support and expertise transfer.
ROI Considerations
While CMMC costs seem high, consider the value:
- Access to DoD contract opportunities
- Competitive advantage (many contractors delayed compliance)
- Improved overall security posture
- Reduced breach risk and associated costs
- Foundation for other compliance frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001)
Get Accurate Cost Estimate
Pilotcore provides free CMMC gap assessments and cost estimates tailored to your organization. We'll identify existing controls, required investments, and realistic timelines.