Frequently asked questions
Straight answers — including the certification myth, costs, and what CISA gives away free.
Is there such a thing as “NIST certification”?
No. NIST publishes standards and guidance — it does not certify companies. “NIST certified” on a vendor site means their own claim about following a NIST publication; ask which publication, which controls, and who verified it.
What’s the difference between 800-171 and CMMC?
800-171 is the requirement set (what to implement); CMMC is the DoD verification program (how it's checked). Level 2 aligns to the 110 800-171 practices and generally requires an authorized C3PAO assessment.
How much does 800-171 compliance cost?
Our labeled estimates: readiness assessment $15,000–$40,000; CMMC Level 2 C3PAO assessment $50,000–$150,000 — before remediation and staff time. See the cost guide for the full breakdown.
Do I need a C3PAO or just a consultant?
A consultant prepares you (readiness, SSP, remediation); a C3PAO assesses you. Hire the consultant first, the C3PAO when you're ready — reversing the order is the classic expensive mistake.
How is this directory different from a Google search?
Every firm is verified real (website checked) with genuine NIST-publication practices, costs are labeled estimates with provenance — and ranking can’t be bought.
How much does it cost?
Published sources and our labeled estimates put an 800-171 readiness assessment at $15,000–$40,000, an 800-53 moderate-baseline assessment at $50,000–$150,000, and a CMMC Level 2 C3PAO assessment at $50,000–$150,000. Use the estimator for a planning band, then get 2–3 scoped quotes. See the cost guide.
How long does implementation take?
A realistic end-to-end range for a first 800-171 program: 6–12 months. A CSF 2.0 program for a mid-market company: 4–9 months. An 800-53 moderate assessment cycle: 6–12 months including remediation. Timelines below assume basic IT hygiene is already in place. See the timeline.
How do you make money?
When you request quotes, matched firms may pay us a lead or referral fee. That never affects which firms we list or what our guides say — firms can't pay to change a profile or buy a recommendation.
Are the firms on this site endorsed by CISA?
No. CISA does not endorse private firms. Our listings are independent, alphabetical, and never sold.
Still have questions?
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How it works: tell us once (4 questions, 2 min) → we match licensed auditors to your size and scope → they send scoped quotes directly. Free, no obligation.