CCP Benefits
The CCP training allows your team to be more marketable by teaching them to interpret and implement what the NIST 800-171 controls actually require as it relates to CMMC; saving you time and money spent on consultants (i.e., Registered Practitioner Organizations [RPOs] and/or CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organizations [C3PAOs]).
Overview: CMMC & CCP Training
In the intricate world of defense contracting, where the protection of sensitive information is paramount, a comprehensive understanding of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is indispensable.
Organizations face significant challenges in understanding and implementing the required security controls and practices within the three levels of CMMC. The role of CMMC Certified Professional (CCP) training is instrumental in streamlining this compliance process. By fostering in-house CMMC expertise, organizations significantly reduce time and costs associated with preparing for a formal CMMC assessment.
Did you know? Defense spending makes up about 2.3% of the country’s gross domestic product, with $414.5B going to defense contracts for products and services. In 2022, over $84B alone went to small businesses in the DIB.
The Imperative of In-House Expertise
The path to CMMC compliance is intricate and demanding. Organizations traditionally rely on external consultants (i.e., RPO or C3PAO) to navigate this landscape, often at substantial cost. Developing in-house expertise through the CCP certification offers a more strategic and cost-effective approach.
CCP training equips internal teams with a deep understanding of CMMC requirements, fostering a proactive and informed approach to compliance; meaning your team is able to establish and refine your processes before consulting a RPO/C3PAO.
A Focused & Practical Approach
The CCP curriculum is specifically designed to demystify the CMMC framework, providing comprehensive knowledge on its various levels and the associated security controls.
CCP training emphasizes practical application, enabling audit teams, External Service Providers (ESPs); Managed Service Providers (MSPs); Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs); as well as Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) teams to efficiently implement/manage these controls, including:
- Understanding the CMMC model and its applicability
- Detailed insights into Level 1 and 2 requirements
- Best practices for implementing and managing security controls
- Defining an accurate scope
- Conducting internal gap analyses and readiness assessments
Operational Impact & Efficiency
Post-training, CCPs are well-equipped to lead CMMC preparation efforts. This internal capability allows for more effective and frequent internal audits, identification of compliance gaps, and the implementation of necessary improvements. As a result, organizations significantly reduce the time and resources typically required for external assessment preparation.
CCP certification is more than a compliance requirement; it’s a strategic investment in an organization’s cybersecurity infrastructure. CCP training positions organizations for compliance, as well as enhanced, long-term security resilience.
Compliance Roadmap: Starting With Your CCP
Education and understanding is always the first step toward success. Attaining CCP training offers the peace of mind that your team is well informed to navigate the complexities of CMMC compliance with clarity and confidence. This roadmap delineates a structured approach, from initial professional development through certification to the ongoing refinement of policies and processes.
- Enroll in a CMMC certification course. CCP courses help your team apply concepts around identifying, handling, and safeguarding CUI.
- Identify scope. Narrow assessment scope, to reduce overall implementation costs for you and/or your client.
- Pinpoint or develop policies & procedures. Build the documentation needed to demonstrate alignment with CMMC standards.
- Identify SSP gaps. Identify process gaps as it relates to CMMC controls/objectives for you and/or your client.
- Close any identified gaps. Increase your service offerings based on identified implementation gaps.
- Conduct a mock assessment. Engage a C3PAO to define assessment expectations and identify any remaining needs.
- Remediate findings. Resolve any mock assessment gaps in preparation for your formal assessment.
- Formal assessment. Sit for the formal Level 2 Assessment, confirming your compliance to CMMC standards.
- Continued maturity. Continually refine your and/or your client’s process/policies for your triennial reassessment.
Get Started With CCP
To learn more about our CCP training classes and view upcoming course dates, visit our CCP training page or email info@edwps.com to inquire about group training discounts.
Edwards also offers our CCP Field Guide & Exam Prep Manual 2.0 as a comprehensive desktop resource for mastering CMMC. This guide is included with your CCP course, but also offered as a stand alone manual through our bookstore.
