What distinguishes Organizations Seeking Certification (OSC) from Organizations Seeking Assessment (OSA)?

Organizations Seeking Certification (OSC) are clearly defined as entities that are actively pursuing certification assessments in order to achieve compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. This indicates their focused intent to meet specific standards necessary for certification, often engaging in preparatory activities to align their practices and controls with the CMMC framework.

In contrast, Organizations Seeking Assessment (OSA) may refer to entities that are looking for an evaluation of their current cybersecurity standing but not necessarily with the goal of achieving certification at that time. They might engage in assessments for various reasons, such as internal improvements, gaining insights into their security posture, or preparing for future certification efforts.

The distinction emphasizes that OSC are in a more goal-oriented phase of their compliance journey, actively taking steps designed to meet the CMMC criteria, rather than simply seeking an assessment for other potential reasons. Thus, the focus on active pursuit of certification by OSC is what clearly differentiates them in this context.