123 CMMC Resources

Buyer's Guide

Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) vs. Registered Provider Organization (RPO): What's the Difference?

Two different roles get confused constantly. A C3PAO is authorized by Cyber AB to conduct the official CMMC Level 2 certification assessment. A Registered Provider Organization (RPO) provides readiness advisory and implementation support, but cannot certify you. 123 CMMC operates as an Authorized C3PAO, conducting CMMC Detailed Mock Assessments and CMMC C3PAO Certification Assessments.

A C3PAO must remain independent — it cannot grade its own consulting or implementation work on the same engagement.

Working with a Registered Provider Organization or consultant first can help your certification assessment go more smoothly.

Ask any provider which authorization applies to the work they're quoting you.

Ask us which role applies to your project →

Evergreen Guide

What Does CMMC Level 2 Certification Actually Involve?

An overview of what a CMMC Level 2 certification assessment covers: the 320 assessment objectives across 14 security domains, the role of your System Security Plan and Plan of Action & Milestones, and how an Authorized C3PAO determines a MET, NOT MET, or NOT APPLICABLE result.

CMMC Level 2 aligns to the security requirements in NIST SP 800-171.

Assessment scope is defined by where Controlled Unclassified Information lives, flows, and is processed.

A Plan of Action & Milestones can address some, but not all, open items depending on current DoD guidance.

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Evergreen Guide

What a C3PAO Actually Reviews — And Why We Look at Evidence First

A look at how a C3PAO builds its assessment record: system security plans, policies and procedures, configuration and log evidence, interviews, and demonstrations. Reviewing applicable evidence before the live sessions is what keeps scheduled assessment time focused and efficient.

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For Consultants & Service Providers

How 123 CMMC Works Alongside the Firms Supporting Your Clients

A short guide for cybersecurity consultants, Registered Provider Organizations, managed service providers, and managed security service providers on how we coordinate: your team continues its preparation and implementation work, and 123 CMMC conducts the Complimentary CMMC Readiness Spot Check, the independent pre-SPRS review, the CMMC Detailed Mock Assessment, and the CMMC C3PAO Certification Assessment.

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Timing & Strategy

Why Organizations Get Ahead of CMMC Certification Early

A practical guide to why timing matters, what usually slows organizations down, and why a structured path through a Complimentary CMMC Readiness Spot Check, an independent pre-SPRS review, a CMMC Detailed Mock Assessment, and the formal CMMC C3PAO Certification Assessment matters.

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Our CMMC Services

What Are 123 CMMC's Four CMMC Services?

An overview of the four services that move organizations through the CMMC path: a Complimentary CMMC Readiness Spot Check, an independent self-assessment review before SPRS submission, a CMMC Detailed Mock Assessment, and the formal CMMC C3PAO Certification Assessment.