The Readiness page tracks your journey from initial CMMC programme setup through certification and ongoing maintenance.

Certification Stages

Not StartedCMMC programme not initiated
ScopingDefining CUI boundary and in-scope systems
Gap AssessmentEvaluating posture, calculating initial SPRS score
RemediationImplementing controls and closing gaps (typically the longest phase)
Pre-AssessmentFinal preparation, internal reviews, mock assessments
AssessmentFormal assessment underway
POA&M CloseoutConditional certification, remediating within 180 days
CertifiedFull certification achieved
RecertificationPreparing for next assessment cycle

Pre-Assessment Checklist

Key items to verify before scheduling your formal assessment:

  • SSP — Complete System Security Plan covering all in-scope practices
  • POA&M — All known gaps documented; no prohibited practices on POA&M
  • Policies — All required policies written, approved, and distributed
  • FIPS Encryption — CUI encrypted at rest and in transit with FIPS 140-2/3 modules
  • MFA — Enabled for all privileged accounts and remote CUI access
  • Audit Logging — Enabled, protected, and retained per policy
  • Training — All CUI-handling personnel trained
  • SPRS Score Submitted — Current score in SPRS portal with senior official affirmation

After Certification

  • Annual affirmation — Submit to SPRS confirming continued compliance
  • Continuous monitoring — Maintain controls, review logs, scan for vulnerabilities
  • Change management — Evaluate system changes' impact on CUI boundary
  • Incident reporting — Report CUI incidents within 72 hours via DIBNet
  • Recertification planning — Begin 6-12 months before expiry