How HITRUST Helps Organizations Achieve CMMC Certification

What is CMMC, and why is it challenging for contractors?

The Department of Defense’s (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is now a prerequisite for doing business within the Defense Industrial Base. Unlike a simple checklist, CMMC is a maturity model with level-specific expectations tied to federal rulemaking and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).

Contractors must implement the right controls at the right level, prove they work, and keep proving it over time. Common hurdles in this process include fragmented frameworks, audit fatigue, and the burden of producing credible, repeatable evidence. The good news is that the HITRUST CSF v11.6 and later includes mappings to CMMC Levels 1–3, enabling organizations to align their cybersecurity programs with federal mandates while leveraging a single integrated framework.

How does HITRUST make CMMC readiness simpler and stronger?

HITRUST translates CMMC requirements into a practical, defensible, and scalable assurance program. With the HITRUST framework mappings to CMMC Levels 1–3 and targeted reporting (including Level 1 Insights), organizations can “build once” and inherit rigor across mandates, reducing rework while improving audit confidence with prime contractors, assessors, and the DoD.

What’s the quick view: CMMC vs. HITRUST support?

 How do we map a practical path to CMMC using HITRUST?

• Confirm your target level. Anchor plans to determine whether you handle FCI (often Level 1) or CUI (typically Level 2; certain scenarios may require Level 3).
• Adopt HITRUST CSF mappings. Align policies and procedures to mapped controls to reduce interpretation risk and ensure complete, level-appropriate coverage.
• Leverage Level 1 Insights (if applicable). Use the CMMC Level 1 Insights Report to structure self-assessments and streamline accurate SPRS submissions.
• Plan validated assurance for higher levels. For Levels 2–3, use HITRUST’s validated assessments and evidence model to prepare for third-party or government-led audits.
• Operationalize continuous readiness. Centralize evidence, manage inheritance, and schedule periodic checks to avoid last-minute remediation cycles.

What benefits can contractors and suppliers expect?

• Efficiency: One integrated framework supports multiple outcomes — CMMC and beyond — reducing duplication and audit fatigue.
• Credibility: Evidence grounded in tested controls resonates with prime governmental contract holders, C3PAOs, and federal stakeholders.
• Scalability: Right-sized for SMBs yet robust enough for large integrators; inheritance and centralization keep costs predictable.
• Resilience: Continuous-readiness practices help you maintain compliance as contracts, environments, and threats evolve.

Why is now the right time to act?

With CMMC requirements maturing across solicitations and flow-down clauses reaching subcontractors, delays increase the risk to pipeline and partner trust. Adopting HITRUST now accelerates certification readiness and sets a durable foundation for ongoing assurance, so you’re prepared not only to earn certification, but to keep it.

How do we get started fast?

• Identify your CMMC level based on data sensitivity and planned opportunities.
• Activate HITRUST mappings to translate CMMC into implementable, testable controls.
• Use Level 1 Insights for efficient, defensible self-assessments and clean SPRS submissions.
• Schedule a validated assessment pathway for Levels 2–3 and establish a cadence for continuous evidence maintenance.