Last updated: August 17, 2026 · Data checked: August 17, 2026
CMMC C3PAO Rankings

Best CMMC 2.0 Assessors: 8 Firms Compared

CMMC Level 2 certification assessments must be performed by a C3PAO authorized by the Cyber AB. The 8 firms below have CMMC work on record in our directory — confirm current C3PAO authorization on the Cyber AB Marketplace before engaging.

How this list is ranked (as of August 17, 2026): independent verification status first, then relevance to this page, then profile completeness (credentials, pricing and timeline transparency, platform integrations), then verified client reviews. Ranking placement cannot be bought and firms do not pay to be listed. C3PAO authorization changes over time — verify a firm's current standing on the Cyber AB Marketplace before contracting. Independent verification of the directory is in progress — until a firm is verified, its data is compiled from public records and labeled accordingly. Full details: how we verify auditors.

Top 8 CMMC 2.0 audit firms, ranked

Select up to three firms below to compare them side by side.

1. A-LIGN

Unverified · public records
  • Price band: not yet verified
  • Typical timeline: not yet verified
  • GRC integrations on record: Drata, Secureframe, Vanta
  • CPA firm (attestation-capable)
  • No verified client reviews yet

Full profile ›

2. Schellman

Unverified · public records
  • Price band: not yet verified
  • Typical timeline: not yet verified
  • GRC integrations on record: Drata, Secureframe, Vanta
  • CPA firm (attestation-capable)
  • No verified client reviews yet

Full profile ›

3. Coalfire

Unverified · public records
  • Price band: not yet verified
  • Typical timeline: not yet verified
  • GRC integrations: not yet verified
  • CPA firm (attestation-capable)
  • No verified client reviews yet

Full profile ›

4. Fortreum

Unverified · public records
  • Price band: not yet verified
  • Typical timeline: not yet verified
  • GRC integrations: not yet verified
  • No verified client reviews yet

Full profile ›

5. Kratos Defense

Unverified · public records
  • Price band: not yet verified
  • Typical timeline: not yet verified
  • GRC integrations: not yet verified
  • No verified client reviews yet

Full profile ›

6. Redspin

Unverified · public records
  • Price band: not yet verified
  • Typical timeline: not yet verified
  • GRC integrations: not yet verified
  • No verified client reviews yet

Full profile ›

7. Cask Government Services

Unverified · public records
  • Price band: not yet verified
  • Typical timeline: not yet verified
  • GRC integrations: not yet verified
  • No verified client reviews yet

Full profile ›

8. DEFCERT

Unverified · public records
  • Price band: not yet verified
  • Typical timeline: not yet verified
  • GRC integrations: not yet verified
  • No verified client reviews yet

Full profile ›

Compare at a glance

#FirmPrice bandTimelineGRC platformsVerified reviewsStatus
1A-LIGNNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedDrata, Secureframe, VantaNo verified reviews yetUnverified
2SchellmanNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedDrata, Secureframe, VantaNo verified reviews yetUnverified
3CoalfireNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedNo verified reviews yetUnverified
4FortreumNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedNo verified reviews yetUnverified
5Kratos DefenseNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedNo verified reviews yetUnverified
6RedspinNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedNo verified reviews yetUnverified
7Cask Government ServicesNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedNo verified reviews yetUnverified
8DEFCERTNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedNot yet verifiedNo verified reviews yetUnverified

What to check before hiring a CMMC assessor

Cyber AB authorization

Level 2 certification assessments require an authorized C3PAO. Check the Cyber AB Marketplace for current status.

Level 1 vs. Level 2 scope

Level 1 is an annual self-assessment; Level 2 usually requires a triennial C3PAO assessment. Make sure the firm matches your contract requirements.

NIST 800-171 depth

CMMC Level 2 is built on NIST SP 800-171. Ask how the firm handles POA&Ms, enclave scoping, and SSP review.

Defense supply-chain experience

Assessors who know DFARS 252.204-7012 and CUI flow-downs will scope your environment far more efficiently.

Frequently asked questions

Who can perform a CMMC Level 2 assessment?

Only a C3PAO (CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization) authorized by the Cyber AB can perform Level 2 certification assessments. Level 1 and some Level 2 contracts allow self-assessment.

Is CMMC the same as NIST 800-171?

CMMC Level 2 is the DoD's certification mechanism for NIST SP 800-171 compliance. The controls are the same; CMMC adds the formal assessment and certification layer.

How were these CMMC firms ranked?

By verification status, then profile completeness, then verified client reviews. Always confirm current C3PAO authorization on the Cyber AB Marketplace — see our methodology page for what we verify.

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