What is the required length of the Artifact Retention Period for CMMC assessment artifacts?

The required length of the Artifact Retention Period for CMMC assessment artifacts is six years. This duration is established to ensure that artifacts such as assessment reports, evidence of compliance, and other relevant documents are available for review and can support the organization's continued compliance with CMMC requirements over time. Retaining records for six years provides a sufficient timeframe for potential audits or re-assessments, enabling organizations to demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity practices and continuous improvement.

The six-year retention period balances the need for oversight and accountability in cybersecurity compliance while acknowledging the practicalities of document management and resource allocation. Keeping artifacts for this duration allows organizations to maintain a historical record of their compliance efforts, which can be invaluable in assessing progress, understanding trends, and proving adherence to required standards during follow-up assessments or in the event of inquiries from stakeholders.