Become a C3PAO
We'll help you get there.
Expert support to achieve & maintain CMMC Level 2 Compliance
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program requires certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) to conduct assessments. WTS provides end-to-end advisory and managed services to help RPO companies navigate the process, meet all CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB) requirements, and become a successful C3PAO.
The path to becoming a C3PAO
A proven, step-by-step journey from readiness to accreditation.
1
Assess & plan
Evaluate readiness, current capabilities, and define your C3PAO roadmap.
2
Build & implement
3
Train & develop your team
4
Certify your personnel
Ensure required staff earn C3PAO and CMMC certifications to meet C3PAO personnel requirements.
5
Prepare & validate
Conduct internal reviews, mock assessments, and gap remediation to validate readiness.
6
Apply & submit
Submit your application and supporting documentation to the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB).
7
Document review
CMMC-AB conducts thorough review of your application and evidence.
8
On-site assessment (readiness review)
CMMC-AB performs an on-site assessment to validate your readiness and conformance.
9
Accreditation decision
Receive accreditation decision and C3PAO designation from CMMC-AB.
10
Maintain & grow
Maintain compliance, continuous improvement, and expand assessment capabilities.
Required personnel & certification roles
A C3PAO organization cannot be accredited without qualified personnel in these critical roles.
CCP – Certified CMMC Professional
Essential for all member of a C3PAO assessment team.
Role in the C3PAO ecosystem
CCPs support assessment activities including documentation review, evidence collection, interviews, and assessment preparation under the guidance of certified assessors.
Recommended experience
- 2–3+ years in IT, cybersecurity, compliance, or risk management
- Familiarity with NIST 800-171, RMF, or security frameworks
- Understanding of CMMC requirements
Prerequisites
- Foundation IT / cybersecurity knowledge
- CompTIA A+ or equivalent knowledge/experience
- DoD CUI Awareness Training
- Completion of approved CCP training
- Passing CCP examination
- Background screening
CCA – Certified CMMC Assessor
Required to perform and lead Level 2 CMMC assessments.
Role in the C3PAO ecosystem
CCAs lead and conduct formal CMMC Level 2 assessments and are required members of an authorized assessment team operating under a C3PAO.
Recommended experience
- 5+ years in cybersecurity, auditing, governance, or compliance
- Experience with NIST 800-171, RMF, or assessment frameworks
- Strong documentation, analytical, and interviewing skills
Prerequisites
- Active CISSP certification
- Advanced cybersecurity/compliance experience
- Completion of approved CCA training
- Passing CCA examination
- Cyber AB/CAICO requirements
- Marketplace & badge issuance
WTS helps you identify, train, and certify the right people so your organization meets all C3PAO personnel requirements.
Our journey to becoming a C3PAO
- Invested in training and certification for our team (CCP & CCA).
- Built our QMS, policies, and assessment methodologies.
- Passed rigorous internal and third-party readiness reviews.
- Successfully accredited as a C3PAO by the CMMC-AB.
- Continuously improving our capabilities and supporting the ecosystem.
WTS is proud to be an accredited C3PAO
We understand the requirements because we’ve lived them. Let us help you achieve the same success.
How WTS can help your organization
End-to-end advisory and managed services tailored to your goals.
Readiness assessments
Assess gaps and define your path to accreditation.
Policy & process development
Personnel enablement
Application support
Prepare and submit a complete, high-quality application.
Assessment preparation
Mock assessments and readiness validation.
Ongoing support
Maintain compliance and drive continuous improvement.
Ready To Become a C3PAO?
Partner with WTS and leverage our experience, tools, and expertise to achieve accreditation faster and with confidence.