CMMC and SOC 2: similarities and differences
Many defense contractors also sell commercial SaaS or managed services—triggering SOC 2 customer requests alongside CMMC contract obligations.
This guide covers:
- What CMMC and SOC 2 each demonstrate
- Where evidence overlaps (and where it does not)
- How to avoid duplicative audit work
Related guides:
GIF via GIPHY
Key takeaways
- CMMC is a DoD certification model for FCI/CUI tied to defense contracts.
- SOC 2 is an AICPA attestation for service organizations against Trust Services Criteria.
- SOC 2 does not replace CMMC for CUI—different scope, assessors, and criteria.
- Mature access, change, and monitoring evidence can support both with mapping discipline.
What CMMC and SOC 2 each prove
| Program | Buyer / driver | Output |
|---|---|---|
| CMMC | DoD contracts | CMMC level for scoped environment (SPRS + certification) |
| SOC 2 | Enterprise customers | CPA Type 1/2 report on selected TSC categories |
A SOC 2 report helps commercial sales; CMMC underpins defense eligibility after the Nov 2025 rollout.
Similarities
- Security-focused controls around access, change management, monitoring, and incident response
- Need for policies + operating evidence
- Annual or periodic re-assessment culture
- Executive attestation themes (CMMC affirmation vs SOC management assertions)
Differences
| Dimension | CMMC | SOC 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Control set | NIST 800-171 / 172 / FAR practices | AICPA Trust Services Criteria |
| Assessor | Self, C3PAO, or DIBCAC | Licensed CPA firm |
| Scope driver | Contract CUI/FCI boundaries | Customer-facing system description |
| Public sharing | Limited; SPRS status | Report under NDA to customers |
| Mandatory? | When DoD clause applies | When customers require |
Reusing evidence across programs
| Evidence type | CMMC | SOC 2 |
|---|---|---|
| MFA enforcement | 800-171 IA/AC | Security TSC |
| Change tickets | CM families | Security TSC |
| Vulnerability management | SI/RA | Security TSC |
| Vendor reviews | SR / supply chain | Security TSC |
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Manage CMMC and SOC 2 together
SecureSlate supports multiple frameworks with shared evidence collections—reducing duplicate work for DIB organizations also pursuing SOC 2.
FAQ
If we have SOC 2 Type 2, do we skip CMMC?
No—assessors map to different criteria. SOC 2 helps but does not certify 800-171 practices for CUI scope.
Can our CPA perform CMMC?
CMMC certification assessments require a C3PAO (or permitted self-assessment)—not a SOC CPA unless separately authorized.
Disclaimer (legal note)
SOC 2 and CMMC scopes must be defined with qualified auditors and assessors. This article is general information only.
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