Becoming a CMMC Certified Assessor (CCA): Requirements and Career Potential

What Does a CCA Do?

According to 32 CFR §170.4, CCAs assess defense contractors in the U.S. Defense Industrial Base (DIB) against the 110 security requirements from NIST SP 800-171, using the assessment procedures defined in NIST SP 800-171A, in alignment with §170.17 (Assessment Processes) and §170.19(c) (Scoping Requirements). They may only conduct assessments as part of a C3PAO’s official assessment team and must comply with strict security, conduct, and confidentiality obligations.

The demand for qualified CMMC Assessors is rapidly growing globally.

Why Become a CMMC Assessor? Unlock Opportunity, Influence, and Impact

The demand for qualified CMMC Assessors is rapidly growing. With tens of thousands of organizations expected to undergo CMMC Level 2 assessments over the next several years, becoming a Certified CMMC Assessor (CCA) or Lead CCA offers a high-demand, high-impact career path. Assessors play a central role in national security, ensuring that defense contractors are properly protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and contributing to a more secure Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

Beyond assessments, CCAs and Lead CCAs are also uniquely positioned to provide expert consulting services. Thousands of small and mid-sized businesses will need help implementing the CMMC security requirements—even if they don’t require formal certification. Joining the ecosystem as an assessor means becoming a trusted voice in cybersecurity compliance, gaining professional recognition, and helping shape the future of U.S. supply chain security. It's a meaningful way to apply your experience while opening doors to lucrative, long-term opportunities.

What's the Market Demand for Lead CCAs and CCAs?

According to DoD projections, 76,598 organizations will require a CMMC Level 2 Certification assessment every three years. This equates to roughly 25,532 C3PAO-led certification assessments per year during the seven-year rollout period and then beyond. Each assessment must include, at minimum, a Lead CMMC Certified Assessor (Lead CCA) and a CMMC Certified Assessor (CCA), with an additional CCA fulfilling a quality assurance role.

Beyond certification assessments, CCAs and Lead CCAs are also well-positioned to offer consulting services. They can support not only the organizations undergoing assessments but also an estimated 139,201 small businesses seeking help with implementing the 15 foundational security requirements for CMMC Level 1. Additionally, approximately 4,000 organizations preparing for CMMC Level 2 compliance—but not subject to certification—will need expert guidance in implementing all 110 security requirements.

What About Demand for International CCAs?

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework is not limited to U.S.-based companies. Under 32 CFR § 170.9(b), foreign cybersecurity consulting firms are not excluded from becoming accredited as C3PAOs (CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organizations). While personnel conducting assessments typically require a Tier 3 background investigation, the Department of Defense (DoD) allows individuals who are ineligible for a Tier 3 investigation to meet an equivalent standard. The DoD alone determines what constitutes equivalence for the purposes of the CMMC Program.

CMMC certification requirements apply equally to both domestic and international contractors and subcontractors if their information systems process, store, or transmit Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). These requirements flow down the supply chain and are determined solely by the type of information involved—not by the company’s location or country of origin.

Whether headquartered in the United States or abroad, any organization doing business with the DoD must meet the applicable CMMC level. International subcontractors are held to the same standard and must undergo an official assessment to verify compliance with NIST SP 800-171 Revision 2 security requirements if handling CUI.

NOTE: CMMC Training Academy is a global leader in delivering CMMC training, providing virtual and in-country courses to students across Asia, Europe, and beyond. CMMC Training Academy leads the way in CMMC education for international students, offering both virtual training and on-site courses throughout Asia and Europe.

CCA Certification Requirements

Per the Cyber AB and 32 CFR §170.11, the following are required to become a CCA:

Baseline Prerequisites

• Hold an active CMMC Certified Professional (CCP) certification.

• Maintain good standing with the Cyber AB’s CAICO (Credentialing Body).

• Sign and comply with Cyber AB ethics, conflict of interest, and conduct agreements.

• Pay fees: $50 registration fee, $350 exam fee, $500 annual renewal.

  
  

Training and Examination

• Complete a CCA training course from an Approved Training Provider (ATP).

• Pass the CMMC Certified Assessor (CCA) exam.

  
  

Experience and Qualifications

• At least 3 years of cybersecurity experience.

• At least 1 year of audit or assessment experience.

• At least one certification aligned to the Intermediate or Advanced Proficiency Level of DoD Cyber Workforce Framework’s Work Role 612: Security Control Assessor. Acceptable certifications include:

Intermediate (Examples)	Advanced (Examples)
(ISC)2 CGRC/CAP or	ISACA CISM or
CompTIA CASP+ or	United American Technologies, LLC dba Mile2 CISSO or
CompTIA Cloud+ or	United American Technologies, LLC dba Mile2 CPTE or
CompTIA PenTest+ or	CompTIA CySA+ or
CompTIA Security+ or	Federal IT Security Institutes FITSP-A or
GIAC GSEC	GIAC GCSA or
	ISACA CISA or
	(ISC)2 CISSP or
	(ISC)2 CISSP-ISSEP or
	GIAC GSLC or
	GIAC GSNA

Background Check

• Undergo a Tier 3 background investigation or equivalent as determined by the DoD.

• Acceptable alternatives: NAC (National Agency Check) or a recognized DoD clearance.

Security & Compliance

• Use only C3PAO-provided, DoD-assessed systems (e.g., endpoint devices, cloud services) when conducting assessments.

• Maintain confidentiality of all OSC data and assessment materials.

• Report any suspected breaches immediately to your C3PAO.

Lead CMMC Assessor (Lead CCA) Requirements

To qualify as a Lead CCA, a CCA must meet these elevated criteria:

• 5+ years of cybersecurity experience.

• 5+ years of management experience.

• 3+ years of assessment or audit experience.

• A qualifying certification aligned to the Advanced Proficiency Level for DCWF 612.

There is a $100 registration and renewal fee, and all background investigation and training requirements for CCA still apply.

Additional Notes

• All submitted documentation must be in English.

• Upon certification, assessors may be listed in the CMMC Marketplace and receive digital credentials.

• Application submissions expire after one year if not completed.

• Fees are non-refundable and do not include training costs.

By meeting these stringent requirements, CCAs help ensure the cybersecurity of the Defense Industrial Base while opening a pathway to becoming a Lead CCA, one of the most respected roles in the CMMC ecosystem.