CMMC vs ISO 27001: Which Compliance Framework Does Your Business Need?
Both CMMC and ISO 27001 protect sensitive information, but they serve different purposes, audiences, and regulatory mandates. This guide compares the two frameworks side by side so you can determine which one — or both — your organization needs.
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Q: What is the main difference between CMMC and ISO 27001? CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is a U.S. Department of Defense requirement for defense contractors handling CUI. ISO 27001 is an international voluntary standard for information security management systems (ISMS). CMMC is mandatory for DoD contracts; ISO 27001 is industry-agnostic and globally recognized. Learn about PTG's CMMC services →
CMMC vs ISO 27001: Side-by-Side Analysis
Understanding the structural differences between these frameworks is the first step toward choosing the right compliance path.
| Attribute | CMMC 2.0 | ISO 27001:2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) | ISO / IEC (International) |
| Purpose | Protect CUI in the defense supply chain | Establish an information security management system (ISMS) |
| Mandatory? | Yes — required for DoD contracts | Voluntary (but often contractually required) |
| Scope | U.S. defense industrial base (DIB) | Any industry, any country |
| Maturity Levels | 3 levels (Foundational, Advanced, Expert) | Binary (certified or not) |
| Control Source | NIST SP 800-171 (110 controls at Level 2) | Annex A (93 controls in 4 themes) |
| Assessment Type | Third-party (C3PAO) for Level 2+ | Accredited certification body audit |
| Certification Validity | 3 years with annual affirmation | 3 years with annual surveillance audits |
| Cost to Certify | $20K–$100K+ (assessment fees) | $10K–$50K+ (audit fees) |
| Timeline to Achieve | 6–18 months | 6–12 months |
| Focus | Technical controls and practices | Management system + risk-based controls |
| POA&M Allowed? | Limited (conditional certification) | Statement of Applicability allows exclusions |
Where CMMC and ISO 27001 Overlap
There is significant overlap between the two frameworks. Organizations pursuing both can leverage shared controls to reduce duplication and accelerate certification timelines.
CMMC Only
- CUI marking and handling requirements
- DFARS 252.204-7012 clause compliance
- NIST 800-171 control mapping
- SPRS scoring and submission
- SSP (System Security Plan) specific format
- FCI/CUI scoping requirements
Shared Controls
- Access control and least privilege
- Risk assessment and management
- Incident response planning
- Security awareness training
- Configuration management
- Audit logging and monitoring
- Physical security controls
- Encryption (at rest and in transit)
- Vulnerability management
- Business continuity / DR planning
ISO 27001 Only
- ISMS (Information Security Management System)
- Continuous improvement (Plan-Do-Check-Act)
- Statement of Applicability (SoA)
- Management review requirements
- Internal audit program
- Context of the organization analysis
Which Framework Does Your Business Need?
You Need CMMC If:
You are a DoD contractor or subcontractor handling CUI or FCI. CMMC certification is becoming a contractual requirement for all defense supply chain participants. Without it, you cannot bid on or retain DoD contracts.
You Need ISO 27001 If:
You serve commercial clients (especially enterprise or international) who require proof of a mature information security program. ISO 27001 is the globally recognized gold standard for ISMS certification.
You Need Both If:
You serve both DoD and commercial clients, or you want to demonstrate the broadest possible security posture. The ~70% control overlap means pursuing both is significantly more efficient than starting each from scratch.
CMMC Is Ideal For
- Defense contractors and subcontractors
- Companies handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
- Organizations subject to DFARS 7012 clauses
- Companies in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB)
- Manufacturers producing components for DoD programs
- IT service providers supporting defense clients
ISO 27001 Is Ideal For
- SaaS and technology companies
- Organizations with international clients or operations
- Companies pursuing SOC 2 alongside ISMS certification
- Healthcare organizations seeking security beyond HIPAA
- Financial services firms demonstrating security maturity
- Any company whose clients require proof of ISMS
How Petronella Guides You to Certification
Whether you need CMMC, ISO 27001, or both, Petronella Technology Group provides end-to-end compliance guidance. As a CMMC-AB Registered Provider Organization (RPO), we have the credentials and experience to take you from gap analysis to successful certification.
Our compliance methodology is framework-agnostic at its core. We start with your business objectives, map your data flows, identify your regulatory obligations, and then implement the specific controls required by your target framework. This approach means organizations pursuing dual certification can complete both in 30% less time by leveraging shared controls.
Craig Petronella, our founder, is a CMMC Registered Practitioner and Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner with 30+ years of experience in information security. Every compliance engagement is overseen by practitioners who have guided hundreds of organizations through successful audits.
Our Compliance Services Include
- Gap analysis and readiness assessment
- System Security Plan (SSP) development
- Policy and procedure creation
- Technical control implementation
- Risk assessment and risk register
- Security awareness training
- Evidence collection and audit preparation
- C3PAO / certification body coordination
- Ongoing compliance monitoring
- vCISO services for continuous compliance leadership
CMMC vs ISO 27001: Common Questions
Can ISO 27001 certification satisfy CMMC requirements?
No. ISO 27001 certification does not satisfy CMMC requirements. While there is significant control overlap (~70%), CMMC has specific requirements around CUI handling, NIST 800-171 control mapping, and DoD-specific assessment processes that ISO 27001 does not cover. However, organizations that are already ISO 27001 certified will find the CMMC journey significantly shorter because many foundational controls are already in place.
Which certification costs more to achieve?
CMMC typically costs more in total. CMMC Level 2 assessment fees range from $20K–$100K+ depending on organization size and scope, plus significant remediation costs. ISO 27001 certification audits typically cost $10K–$50K. However, the largest cost for both frameworks is implementation — the technical controls, policies, training, and ongoing monitoring needed to pass the audit.
How long does it take to get CMMC vs ISO 27001 certified?
CMMC Level 2 certification typically takes 6–18 months from gap analysis to successful assessment, depending on the organization's starting maturity. ISO 27001 certification typically takes 6–12 months. Organizations pursuing both simultaneously can often complete both within 12–18 months by leveraging the shared control framework.
Do I need CMMC if I only handle FCI (not CUI)?
Yes, but at a lower level. If you only handle Federal Contract Information (FCI), you need CMMC Level 1, which requires 17 basic cybersecurity practices based on FAR 52.204-21. Level 1 allows self-assessment. If you handle CUI, you need CMMC Level 2, which requires all 110 NIST 800-171 controls and a third-party assessment.
Is ISO 27001 recognized by the U.S. government?
ISO 27001 is recognized as a credible security standard, but it does not replace any U.S. government-mandated compliance requirements like CMMC, FedRAMP, or FISMA. Some civilian agencies may accept ISO 27001 as evidence of security maturity, but defense contracts specifically require CMMC. Many organizations pursue both to satisfy government and commercial requirements simultaneously.
Can Petronella help with both CMMC and ISO 27001?
Yes. Petronella Technology Group is a CMMC-AB Registered Provider Organization (RPO) and provides ISO 27001 readiness consulting. Our vCISO services provide ongoing compliance leadership for both frameworks, and our methodology is designed to maximize control reuse across frameworks. Contact us for a free compliance assessment to determine which framework — or both — is right for your organization.
Not Sure Which Framework You Need? We Will Help You Decide.
Schedule a free compliance assessment with Petronella Technology Group. We will analyze your contracts, data types, and regulatory obligations to recommend the right certification path.