If your organization is working toward CMMC 2.0 compliance, you may have encountered the term “CMMC Registered Practitioner,” or CMMC RP. While the title may sound like a standard credential, it represents a specific role within the CMMC ecosystem — one that can offer meaningful value to organizations seeking certification.

Keep reading to learn more about what a CMMC RP is, how they fit into the broader Cyber AB ecosystem, what the process entails for becoming one, and the key benefits of working with an RP or earning the designation yourself.

What is a CMMC Registered Practitioner (RP)?

A CMMC Registered Practitioner is an individual trained and authorized by the Cyber AB (formerly the CMMC Accreditation Body) to support organizations working toward CMMC compliance. While they do not perform official assessments or issue certifications, they play a critical role in helping companies interpret and implement CMMC effectively.

Registered Practitioners offer readiness and advisory services, serving as guides for defense contractors as they prepare for their certification assessments. Their knowledge of CMMC requirements, combined with practical insight into implementation challenges, makes them valuable allies for organizations that want to get compliance right the first time.

How RPs fit into the broader CMMC ecosystem

The Cyber AB oversees the broader CMMC ecosystem, which includes a range of roles and organizations working together to implement and assess cybersecurity standards across the Defense Industrial Base. Within that structure, you'll find:

• Organizations Seeking Certification (OSCs): Companies, including prime contractors and subcontractors, that need to achieve CMMC compliance in order to fulfill DoD contract requirements.
• Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs): The only entities authorized to conduct official CMMC assessments. These are independent assessors who evaluate whether an OSC meets the required practices and processes for their target certification level.
• Licensed Partner Publishers (LPPs) and Licensed Training Providers (LTPs): Responsible for developing and delivering official CMMC training materials and programs.
• Registered Provider Organizations (RPOs): Organizations that employ Registered Practitioners. RPOs, such as Secureframe, must be authorized by the Cyber AB and uphold specific standards and conduct requirements.
• Registered Practitioners (RPs): Individuals who are affiliated with RPOs and provide advisory services to help OSCs understand the CMMC model, close compliance gaps, and prepare for successful assessments.
• Advanced Registered Practitioners (ARPs): Individuals who have completed additional training beyond the RP level. ARPs are qualified to provide more in-depth support and implementation guidance and may serve in lead advisory roles on complex compliance engagements.

Registered Practitioners and Advanced Registered Practitioners act as a bridge between organizations seeking certification and the rest of the CMMC infrastructure. They help contractors navigate the process, clarify requirements, and build a compliant cybersecurity program before the formal assessment takes place. Their familiarity with the framework and hands-on experience with implementation challenges make them valuable partners for organizations preparing to meet CMMC 2.0 requirements.

How to become a CMMC Registered Practitioner

The path to becoming a Registered Practitioner is relatively straightforward, but it does involve a few formal steps. First, you must be affiliated with a Registered Provider Organization. That means if you're an independent consultant or part of a company that hasn’t yet registered as an RPO, that step will need to come first.

Once the organizational affiliation is in place, you must complete official CMMC RP training provided by an authorized Licensed Training Provider. This course covers key concepts within the CMMC framework, the role and responsibilities of an RP, and how to ethically support organizations through their compliance journey.

After training, the next step is to pass an online exam to demonstrate your understanding of the material. This exam verifies that you can competently assist organizations in interpreting and applying the CMMC requirements. Before being officially registered, all RPs must also sign the Cyber AB’s Code of Professional Conduct, which outlines the ethical standards and responsibilities associated with the role.

To maintain RP status, you must renew your credential annually and keep up with any changes to the CMMC framework. This ensures that RPs stay current with evolving requirements and continue to deliver value to clients.

For those who want to provide more advanced advisory services, especially in support of Level 2 compliance, the Cyber AB offers the Advanced Registered Practitioner (ARP) credential. This designation builds on the RP foundation and is intended for individuals who want to support organizations safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and implementing NIST SP 800-171 controls. ARPs must complete a more in-depth training course that builds on RP fundamentals and addresses the additional complexity of Level 2 requirements.

Choosing between RP and ARP certification depends on the level of support you intend to provide. RP is a strong starting point for general advisory work and Level 1 preparation, while ARP is designed for professionals who want to support clients through the more rigorous demands of Level 2.

Why become a CMMC RP?

For consultants, MSPs, MSSPs, and advisors who work with defense contractors, becoming a CMMC Registered Practitioner is a strategic way to stand out in a growing and competitive market. It’s also a signal to potential clients that you understand the unique challenges of CMMC compliance and are equipped to help them navigate it effectively.

Earning the RP credential demonstrates that you’ve undergone official training, passed a rigorous exam, and committed to ethical standards of practice. This sets you apart from general cybersecurity consultants and positions you as a trusted expert in the CMMC ecosystem.

As the demand for CMMC compliance services continues to grow, having the RP designation can open the door to new business opportunities. Defense contractors are increasingly looking for qualified advisors who understand the certification process and can provide actionable, framework-aligned guidance. RP status gives you a clear competitive edge when bidding for contracts or responding to client needs in the defense sector.

It also allows you to deepen your own knowledge of federal cybersecurity standards and strengthen your service offerings, especially if your organization is looking to expand its footprint in the Defense Industrial Base.

Should you hire a CMMC RP for your certification?

Hiring a Registered Practitioner can offer significant benefits to organizations seeking certification under CMMC 2.0. These professionals bring structured expertise and targeted support that can help streamline the readiness process and reduce the risk of failed assessments.

One of the most valuable contributions an RP can make is helping your team understand the intent behind CMMC practices. The framework includes technical requirements as well as process maturity expectations, and having someone who can interpret both in the context of your specific environment can make a big difference.

Registered Practitioners are also familiar with what third-party assessors are looking for during formal evaluations. They can help you align your documentation, processes, and technical safeguards with assessor expectations, minimizing surprises and delays when it's time for your official review.

In addition, RPs often assist with conducting gap assessments, developing policies and procedures, and recommending cost-effective ways to close compliance gaps. Their guidance is particularly useful for small and mid-sized businesses that may not have in-house compliance expertise but need to meet the same high standards as larger defense contractors.

Finally, because RPs are bound by a professional code of conduct and operate under the oversight of an RPO, you can expect a certain level of quality, professionalism, and accountability from their services.

Getting started with a CMMC RP

Achieving CMMC 2.0 compliance requires a deep understanding of cybersecurity best practices, process maturity, and evolving regulatory expectations. Working with a CMMC Registered Practitioner can provide the clarity and direction your organization needs to get ready for certification with confidence.

For service providers and consultants, becoming an RP is a powerful way to demonstrate your expertise, earn trust in the defense community, and grow your business in a rapidly expanding market.

Whether you're preparing for an assessment or looking to enhance your advisory offerings, the RP program offers a valuable path forward for those who want to lead with credibility and impact.

At Secureframe, we are a Registered Provider Organization with a growing team of more than 15 CMMC Registered Practitioners on staff. Our experts are trained to guide defense contractors through the readiness process, from initial gap assessments to policy development and audit preparation.

Whether you're preparing for an assessment or exploring the RP path yourself, the right guidance can make all the difference. If you're looking for experienced support from a trusted RPO, we're here to help.