CMMC consulting

CMMC RPO and Registered Practitioners Explained

An RPO (Registered Provider Organization) is a company authorized by The Cyber AB to provide CMMC consulting and advisory services. An RP (Registered Practitioner) is an individual registered with The Cyber AB to provide CMMC advice and implementation help; an RPA is a Registered Practitioner Advanced (The Cyber AB).

RPOs and RPs prepare organizations. They do not perform certification assessments.

By Doug Majewski, President, Athena Consulting Group, LLC · Last reviewed: October 19, 2026

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Who actually certifies you

Certification assessments are performed by an authorized C3PAO for Level 2 (32 CFR 170.17) or by DCMA DIBCAC for Level 3 (32 CFR 170.18). An RPO or RP can help you get ready, but no consultant of any kind can grant a CMMC status.

Do you have to use an RPO or RP?

No. 32 CFR Part 170 does not require a contractor to use an RPO or RP. Many organizations self-assess using the official assessment guides and free tools. Hiring help is a choice, not a requirement.

Athena's team

Athena Consulting Group is not an RPO. Our team includes Cyber AB Registered Practitioners (RPs). We prepare you; we don't certify you.

See our CMMC consulting services.

Frequently asked questions

What is a CMMC RPO?

A Registered Provider Organization is a company authorized by The Cyber AB to provide CMMC consulting and advisory services. It prepares organizations; it does not perform certification assessments.

What's the difference between an RPO and an RP?

An RPO is a company registered with The Cyber AB. An RP (Registered Practitioner) is an individual registered with The Cyber AB to provide CMMC advice and implementation help. An RPA is a Registered Practitioner Advanced.

Do I need an RPO for CMMC?

No. 32 CFR Part 170 does not require a contractor to use an RPO or RP. You can self-assess with the official guides, or hire help — it is your choice.

Can an RPO certify me?

No. CMMC Level 2 (C3PAO) status comes from an authorized C3PAO, and Level 3 from DCMA DIBCAC. An RPO or RP can only help you prepare.

Further reading

Related Athena pages and authoritative external references.

On Athena

Authoritative external sources

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