Understanding C3PAO RequirementsACertified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO)is an entityauthorized by the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB)to conductCMMC Level 2 Assessmentsfor organizations handlingControlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Key Requirements for a C3PAO to Conduct Assessments:✔Must be authorized by CMMC-AB before conducting assessments.
✔Must meet CMMC-AB and DoD cybersecurity and process requirements.
✔Must comply with ISO/IEC 17020 standards for inspection bodies.
✔Must undergo a rigorous vetting process, including cybersecurity verification.
A. An authorized C3PAO must meet some DoD and all ISO/IEC 17020 requirements → Incorrect
C3PAOs must comply with CMMC-AB authorization requirementsbefore performing assessments.
While they must align withISO/IEC 17020, they donotnecessarily meet all requirements upfront.
B. An accredited C3PAO must meet all DoD and some ISO/IEC 17020 requirements → Incorrect
C3PAOs are not accredited by DoD; they areauthorized by CMMC-ABto perform assessments.
Accreditation follows full compliance with CMMC-AB and ISO/IEC 17020 requirements.
C. A C3PAO must be accredited by DoD before being able to conduct assessments → Incorrect
The DoD does not directly accredit C3PAOs—CMMC-AB is responsible forauthorization and oversight.
D. A C3PAO must be authorized by CMMC-AB before being able to conduct assessments → Correct
CMMC-AB grants authorization to C3PAOs, allowing them to perform assessmentsonly after meeting specific requirements.
Why is the Correct Answer "D" (A C3PAO must be authorized by CMMC-AB before being able to conduct assessments)?
CMMC-AB Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) Guidelines
States thatC3PAOs must receive CMMC-AB authorization before conducting assessments.
CMMC 2.0 Assessment Process (CAP) Document
Specifies that onlyC3PAOs authorized by CMMC-AB can conduct official CMMC assessments.
ISO/IEC 17020 Compliance for C3PAOs
Defines theinspection body requirements for C3PAOs, which must be met for accreditation.
CMMC 2.0 References Supporting This Answer:
