Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and NIST 800-53 are among the most comprehensive frameworks for securing federal systems and data. They serve the same general purpose—enhancing the cybersecurity of federal agencies and their contractors and subcontractors to create a safer and more transparent online environment.
Still, the two frameworks approach this goal differently, and it’s important to understand these distinctions in detail to determine which one to implement.
Our CMMC vs. NIST 800-53 guide will help you do so by covering:
- Brief overviews of both frameworks
- Their key differences
- Factors influencing the framework you should prioritize
What is CMMC?
CMMC is a security certification program released and enforced by the Department of Defense (DoD) to improve the cybersecurity of organizations within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It applies to current or future DoD contractors and subcontractors who can access, store, and share sensitive federal information.
The framework was released in 2024 and will be implemented in phases scheduled through 2028. This phased approach ensures that all in-scope organizations have enough time to meet the necessary requirements and pursue or maintain government contracts.
To ensure comprehensive protection, CMMC encompasses a diverse set of security practices that virtually all organizations in the DoD supply chain must implement. The particular practices vary between the program’s tiers, which mainly depend on the specific data a contractor or subcontractor handles.
{{cta_withimage27="/cta-blocks"}} | CMMC compliance checklist
What is NIST 800-53?
NIST 800-53 is a security framework created by the U.S. government to ensure compliance with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA). The Act was launched in 2014 to enhance the security of government data through an extensive set of practices and controls, and NIST 800-53 specifies the controls that in-scope organizations must implement to comply with it.
The framework is mandatory for most U.S. federal information systems, and its latest version (Revision 5) heavily focuses on cyber resilience and the protection of all computing platforms, such as cloud solutions, IoT, etc. The most recent version introduced several other significant changes compared to the previous one, most notably:
- Addition of new controls based on the most recent threat intelligence
- Rephrasing of controls to ensure a more outcome-based approach
- Introduction of a supply chain risk control family
Relationship between CMMC and NIST 800-53
CMMC and NIST 800-53 serve different audiences and regulations, so they’re not exactly interchangeable. Still, they’re indirectly connected through their controls and requirements. Specifically, CMMC is largely based on NIST 800-171, which includes controls related to the security of federal information found in NIST 800-53.
This means that organizations that have fully implemented NIST 800-53 meet most of the requirements necessary for CMMC compliance. The opposite isn’t true because NIST 800-53 has significantly more controls, which we’ll cover in the following section.
{{cta_withimage22="/cta-blocks"}} | The audit ready checklist
4 key differences between NIST 800-53 and CMMC
Both CMMC and NIST 800-53 aim to strengthen an organization’s security posture. They also provide prescriptive requirements and guidance on implementing a robust control catalog covering a wide range of security domains. Still, the two frameworks differ in four key areas:
- Scope
- Applicability
- Structure
- Attestation
The following sections will elaborate on each difference.
1. Scope
CMMC primarily focuses on safeguarding Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Both types of data involve information that isn’t intended for public release, with CUI explicitly requiring protection by the entity that has access to it.
In other words, CUI is a subset of FCI that calls for advanced protection mechanisms. The following table provides examples of both information types:
NIST 800-53 has a much broader scope—it’s flexible and adaptable to different environments, so it aims to protect all federal information across agencies. This makes it applicable to a wider range of entities and contractors compared to CMMC, which targets the defense sector.
2. Applicability
CMMC is only applicable to organizations that currently work with the DoD or plan on doing so. The organization’s size or industry doesn’t matter—as long as the organization can access FCI or CUI, it must achieve compliance.
The only exception is the providers of commercial off-the-shelf items (COTS). If an organization sells widely available products in their unchanged form, it’s exempt from CMMC compliance.
Because of its wider scope, NIST 800-53 is applicable to all organizations that want to work with the federal government. If you plan on working with agencies besides the DoD, you’ll need to comply with both CMMC and NIST 800-53.
Both frameworks are mandatory for their respective applicable entities, so non-compliance can significantly limit an organization’s opportunity to sign a contract with the federal government. Current contractors and subcontractors that violate either program can encounter issues like:
- Loss of contract
- Limited ability to work with the federal government in the future
- Legal escalations and penalties in cases of severe violations
3. Structure
CMMC includes up to 134 practices or requirements, mainly depending on your chosen certification level. You can select between the following three options:
The tiered structure of CMMC ensures flexibility and lets organizations choose a level that corresponds to the specific data they handle. Specifically:
- Level 1: Organizations that handle FCI; basic cybersecurity hygiene
- Level 2: Organizations that handle FCI and CUI; intermediate level of cybersecurity hygiene
- Level 3: Organizations that handle FCI and critical CUI; good cybersecurity hygiene
As of this writing, the DoD hasn’t set specific criteria for “critical” CUI, so this will likely be determined on a case-by-case basis and included in Requests for Proposal (RFPs).
NIST 800-53 doesn’t offer different levels—it’s a unified framework with over 1,000 controls, making it one of the most elaborate security standards available.
As such, it can be challenging to implement without adequate guidance and streamlined compliance systems, especially for SMBs and other organizations with limited resources and personnel.
4. Attestation
NIST 800-53 doesn’t have a formal accreditation process. Unless a specific government contract states otherwise, attestation is achieved through a self-assessment that demonstrates the implementation of the framework’s controls.
By contrast, the CMMC offers three assessment types:
- Self-assessment: For Level 1 and permitted Level 2 certification (when handling lower-risk CUI)
- CMMC Third Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) assessment: For most Level 2 certificates (when handling higher-risk CUI)
- Government-led assessment: For Level 3 certification
A Level 1 certificate is valid for one year, while other certificates have a three-year validity. Besides recertification, all levels require annual compliance affirmations to verify continuous adherence to the corresponding requirements.
{{cta_withimage27="/cta-blocks"}} | CMMC compliance checklist
Should you implement CMMC or NIST 800-53?
The decision to implement CMMC or NIST 800-53 mainly depends on the federal agencies your organization wants to work with.
“
It may make sense for organizations to implement both CMMC and NIST 800-53, depending on their cybersecurity requirements. If an organization handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), it must be CMMC compliant but may also need to comply with NIST 800-53 if it works with other federal agencies.
Implementing both frameworks ensures organizations are able to work with various government agencies and results in a strong security foundation.”
If you need both frameworks, starting with CMMC might make sense because the program has fewer controls and is simpler than NIST 800-53. You can start with Levels 1 or 2 and work your way up as needed.
This doesn’t mean that CMMC compliance comes without challenges. You may run into various obstacles, such as:
- Manual or otherwise inefficient workflows
- Resource constraints (especially for higher tiers)
- Disparate documentation and evidence collection systems
The good news is that you can overcome these challenges by supporting the compliance process with dedicated software. Solutions like Vanta can considerably streamline your workflows to help you get certified faster.
Ensure NIST 800-53 and CMMC compliance with Vanta
Vanta is a trust solution that streamlines CMMC compliance by providing clear guidance and automation capabilities. Vanta eliminates time-consuming tasks and automates up to 50 percent of CMMC compliance workflows. It offers a dedicated CMMC solution with features such as:
- Out-of-the-box support for all certification levels
- Automated gap assessments and evidence collection supported by 375+ integrations
- Pre-built controls and policy templates aligned to NIST SP 800-171 and NIST SP 800-172
- Centralized tracking and real-time monitoring of CMMC requirements
Vanta supports over 35 additional standards and frameworks, including NIST 800-53. It automatically maps the controls you’ve already implemented to their requirements to help you avoid duplicative work.
Furthermore, if you need help throughout the compliance process, Vanta’s team can support you along the way. You can also tap into Vanta’s partner network to find reputable C3PAO auditors required for Level 2 and Level 3 CMMC certification.
Schedule a custom demo to learn more about Vanta’s CMMC capabilities and see them in action.
{{cta_simple33="/cta-blocks"}} | CMMC product page
A note from Vanta: Vanta is not a law firm, and this article does not constitute or contain legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. When determining your obligations and compliance with respect to relevant laws and regulations, you should consult a licensed attorney.
CMMC vs. NIST 800-53: Relationship and differences
Looking to automate up to 50% of the work for CMMC?
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and NIST 800-53 are among the most comprehensive frameworks for securing federal systems and data. They serve the same general purpose—enhancing the cybersecurity of federal agencies and their contractors and subcontractors to create a safer and more transparent online environment.
Still, the two frameworks approach this goal differently, and it’s important to understand these distinctions in detail to determine which one to implement.
Our CMMC vs. NIST 800-53 guide will help you do so by covering:
- Brief overviews of both frameworks
- Their key differences
- Factors influencing the framework you should prioritize
What is CMMC?
CMMC is a security certification program released and enforced by the Department of Defense (DoD) to improve the cybersecurity of organizations within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It applies to current or future DoD contractors and subcontractors who can access, store, and share sensitive federal information.
The framework was released in 2024 and will be implemented in phases scheduled through 2028. This phased approach ensures that all in-scope organizations have enough time to meet the necessary requirements and pursue or maintain government contracts.
To ensure comprehensive protection, CMMC encompasses a diverse set of security practices that virtually all organizations in the DoD supply chain must implement. The particular practices vary between the program’s tiers, which mainly depend on the specific data a contractor or subcontractor handles.
{{cta_withimage27="/cta-blocks"}} | CMMC compliance checklist
What is NIST 800-53?
NIST 800-53 is a security framework created by the U.S. government to ensure compliance with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA). The Act was launched in 2014 to enhance the security of government data through an extensive set of practices and controls, and NIST 800-53 specifies the controls that in-scope organizations must implement to comply with it.
The framework is mandatory for most U.S. federal information systems, and its latest version (Revision 5) heavily focuses on cyber resilience and the protection of all computing platforms, such as cloud solutions, IoT, etc. The most recent version introduced several other significant changes compared to the previous one, most notably:
- Addition of new controls based on the most recent threat intelligence
- Rephrasing of controls to ensure a more outcome-based approach
- Introduction of a supply chain risk control family
Relationship between CMMC and NIST 800-53
CMMC and NIST 800-53 serve different audiences and regulations, so they’re not exactly interchangeable. Still, they’re indirectly connected through their controls and requirements. Specifically, CMMC is largely based on NIST 800-171, which includes controls related to the security of federal information found in NIST 800-53.
This means that organizations that have fully implemented NIST 800-53 meet most of the requirements necessary for CMMC compliance. The opposite isn’t true because NIST 800-53 has significantly more controls, which we’ll cover in the following section.
{{cta_withimage22="/cta-blocks"}} | The audit ready checklist
4 key differences between NIST 800-53 and CMMC
Both CMMC and NIST 800-53 aim to strengthen an organization’s security posture. They also provide prescriptive requirements and guidance on implementing a robust control catalog covering a wide range of security domains. Still, the two frameworks differ in four key areas:
- Scope
- Applicability
- Structure
- Attestation
The following sections will elaborate on each difference.
1. Scope
CMMC primarily focuses on safeguarding Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Both types of data involve information that isn’t intended for public release, with CUI explicitly requiring protection by the entity that has access to it.
In other words, CUI is a subset of FCI that calls for advanced protection mechanisms. The following table provides examples of both information types:
NIST 800-53 has a much broader scope—it’s flexible and adaptable to different environments, so it aims to protect all federal information across agencies. This makes it applicable to a wider range of entities and contractors compared to CMMC, which targets the defense sector.
2. Applicability
CMMC is only applicable to organizations that currently work with the DoD or plan on doing so. The organization’s size or industry doesn’t matter—as long as the organization can access FCI or CUI, it must achieve compliance.
The only exception is the providers of commercial off-the-shelf items (COTS). If an organization sells widely available products in their unchanged form, it’s exempt from CMMC compliance.
Because of its wider scope, NIST 800-53 is applicable to all organizations that want to work with the federal government. If you plan on working with agencies besides the DoD, you’ll need to comply with both CMMC and NIST 800-53.
Both frameworks are mandatory for their respective applicable entities, so non-compliance can significantly limit an organization’s opportunity to sign a contract with the federal government. Current contractors and subcontractors that violate either program can encounter issues like:
- Loss of contract
- Limited ability to work with the federal government in the future
- Legal escalations and penalties in cases of severe violations
3. Structure
CMMC includes up to 134 practices or requirements, mainly depending on your chosen certification level. You can select between the following three options:
The tiered structure of CMMC ensures flexibility and lets organizations choose a level that corresponds to the specific data they handle. Specifically:
- Level 1: Organizations that handle FCI; basic cybersecurity hygiene
- Level 2: Organizations that handle FCI and CUI; intermediate level of cybersecurity hygiene
- Level 3: Organizations that handle FCI and critical CUI; good cybersecurity hygiene
As of this writing, the DoD hasn’t set specific criteria for “critical” CUI, so this will likely be determined on a case-by-case basis and included in Requests for Proposal (RFPs).
NIST 800-53 doesn’t offer different levels—it’s a unified framework with over 1,000 controls, making it one of the most elaborate security standards available.
As such, it can be challenging to implement without adequate guidance and streamlined compliance systems, especially for SMBs and other organizations with limited resources and personnel.
4. Attestation
NIST 800-53 doesn’t have a formal accreditation process. Unless a specific government contract states otherwise, attestation is achieved through a self-assessment that demonstrates the implementation of the framework’s controls.
By contrast, the CMMC offers three assessment types:
- Self-assessment: For Level 1 and permitted Level 2 certification (when handling lower-risk CUI)
- CMMC Third Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) assessment: For most Level 2 certificates (when handling higher-risk CUI)
- Government-led assessment: For Level 3 certification
A Level 1 certificate is valid for one year, while other certificates have a three-year validity. Besides recertification, all levels require annual compliance affirmations to verify continuous adherence to the corresponding requirements.
{{cta_withimage27="/cta-blocks"}} | CMMC compliance checklist
Should you implement CMMC or NIST 800-53?
The decision to implement CMMC or NIST 800-53 mainly depends on the federal agencies your organization wants to work with.
“
It may make sense for organizations to implement both CMMC and NIST 800-53, depending on their cybersecurity requirements. If an organization handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), it must be CMMC compliant but may also need to comply with NIST 800-53 if it works with other federal agencies.
Implementing both frameworks ensures organizations are able to work with various government agencies and results in a strong security foundation.”
If you need both frameworks, starting with CMMC might make sense because the program has fewer controls and is simpler than NIST 800-53. You can start with Levels 1 or 2 and work your way up as needed.
This doesn’t mean that CMMC compliance comes without challenges. You may run into various obstacles, such as:
- Manual or otherwise inefficient workflows
- Resource constraints (especially for higher tiers)
- Disparate documentation and evidence collection systems
The good news is that you can overcome these challenges by supporting the compliance process with dedicated software. Solutions like Vanta can considerably streamline your workflows to help you get certified faster.
Ensure NIST 800-53 and CMMC compliance with Vanta
Vanta is a trust solution that streamlines CMMC compliance by providing clear guidance and automation capabilities. Vanta eliminates time-consuming tasks and automates up to 50 percent of CMMC compliance workflows. It offers a dedicated CMMC solution with features such as:
- Out-of-the-box support for all certification levels
- Automated gap assessments and evidence collection supported by 375+ integrations
- Pre-built controls and policy templates aligned to NIST SP 800-171 and NIST SP 800-172
- Centralized tracking and real-time monitoring of CMMC requirements
Vanta supports over 35 additional standards and frameworks, including NIST 800-53. It automatically maps the controls you’ve already implemented to their requirements to help you avoid duplicative work.
Furthermore, if you need help throughout the compliance process, Vanta’s team can support you along the way. You can also tap into Vanta’s partner network to find reputable C3PAO auditors required for Level 2 and Level 3 CMMC certification.
Schedule a custom demo to learn more about Vanta’s CMMC capabilities and see them in action.
{{cta_simple33="/cta-blocks"}} | CMMC product page
A note from Vanta: Vanta is not a law firm, and this article does not constitute or contain legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. When determining your obligations and compliance with respect to relevant laws and regulations, you should consult a licensed attorney.
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