# CMMC penetration testing companies: compared

Source: https://pentestcompare.com/compliance/cmmc/
Publisher: Excession Labs (pentestcompare.com)
Last updated: 2026-11-09

CMMC penetration testing companies whose own pages mention CMMC, with what Level 2 and Level 3 say about pentests, CUI handling questions and price drivers.

> **Short answer:** CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 do not name a penetration test. Level 3 requirement CA.L3-3.12.1e says to conduct penetration testing at least annually or after significant security changes. The table lists providers that mention CMMC, A to Z. Ask each one about CUI handling, tester staffing and where evidence is stored.

CMMC penetration testing companies are providers whose own pages mention CMMC. The table lists them A to Z with no ranking, checked on 9 November 2026. The list is short because the requirement is narrow, so read the section on levels before you buy.

| Provider | Type | Delivery | Web | API | Cloud | AI apps | Published price | Turnaround | Retest | Sample report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [A-LIGN](https://pentestcompare.com/providers/a-lign/) | Consultancy | human-led | yes | unknown | yes | unknown | custom quote | Not published | Not stated. The page mentions RADAR monitoring between annual tests (Elite package). | not published |
| [Penti](https://pentestcompare.com/providers/penti/) | AI-assisted testing service | hybrid | yes | yes | yes | yes | $20 per month ($216 per year billed annually) | Pentests done in hours, not months (tagline). On the free first test, agents start within an hour. No per-plan turnaround is stated. | Every plan includes free unlimited retests. | not published |
| [Prescient Security](https://pentestcompare.com/providers/prescient-security/) | Consultancy | hybrid | yes | yes | yes | unknown | from $6,000 per engagement (scope-based) | Not published | Cait: up to 2 retests within 30 days of each scan. No retest terms stated for Traditional and Compliance pentests. | not published |
| [Schellman](https://pentestcompare.com/providers/schellman/) | Consultancy | human-led | yes | yes | yes | yes | custom quote | Not published | Not stated on the page. | public |
| [Stingrai](https://pentestcompare.com/providers/stingrai/) | Penetration testing consultancy and platform | hybrid | yes | yes | yes | yes | US$3,000 per assessment | Autonomous Pentest: same-day results. | Automated retests are listed on the Autonomous plan; the page says retests are included in the fixed plans. No window is stated. | public |
| [Synack](https://pentestcompare.com/providers/synack/) | Crowdsourced platform | hybrid | yes | yes | yes | yes | $5,085 per test (starting price) | Test windows: 4-5 business days (Sara), 5 days (SynackST), 14 days (Synack14). | Patch verification is listed as included in each product; the platform subscription lets you request patch verifications and retests. | not published |
| [TurboPentest](https://pentestcompare.com/providers/turbopentest/) | AI-assisted testing service | automated | yes | yes | unknown | yes | $99 per credit (one pentest) | All tiers typically complete in a few hours. | A retest is a full new pentest at the same per-target price; no separate retest SKU. A free re-pentest applies if zero actionable findings (once per domain). | public |

## What does CMMC ask for?

Only Level 3 names a penetration test. The details are in our guide on [CMMC penetration testing](https://penetrationtestservices.com/guides/cmmc-penetration-testing/). In 32 CFR 170.14, Level 2 requirements are "identical to the requirements in NIST SP 800-171 R2". The assessment control there asks for periodic assessment of security controls.

Level 3 adds requirements from NIST SP 800-172, including CA.L3-3.12.1e on penetration testing at least annually or after significant security changes. This is not legal advice. Confirm the wording on eCFR.

## Who needs a test, and when?

Defense suppliers that hold controlled unclassified information (CUI) need one when a contract requires Level 3, when a prime asks for one, or when the team wants evidence for the Level 2 assessment control. A scope change, such as a new system that stores CUI, is a trigger under the Level 3 text.

## What should you ask CMMC pentest providers?

| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Will testers see CUI, and how is it kept out of evidence? | Evidence can carry CUI. Ask for the handling plan. |
| Who staffs the test, and are they US persons? | Some contracts restrict who may access CUI. Ask, and check your contract. |
| Where is evidence stored and who can read it? | Storage location can be a contract issue. |
| Which requirement does the report map to? | Ask whether it cites CA.L3-3.12.1e or only control 3.12.1. |
| Does the test mix automated scans with manual work? | The Level 3 text describes both. |
| Is a sample report available? | Check the Sample report column, then read the report. |

## What drives the price?

Price follows the number of systems in the CUI boundary, the mix of network, web and cloud testing, the depth of manual work and the retest terms. The "Published price" column shows a figure only where a provider lists one. See [penetration testing cost](/guides/penetration-testing-cost/).

## How do you read the table?

The filter is a CMMC mention in the provider's own compliance statements. A-LIGN states that it is an authorized C3PAO, which is an assessor role. A pentest provider and an assessor can be the same firm, but you should confirm each role and any independence rules with your own advisor. TurboPentest's row carries a vendor claim about its own operations. We list it as the vendor's claim and did not verify it. Also see [FedRAMP penetration testing providers](/compliance/fedramp/).

## What does an assessor check in the report?

We cannot say what an assessor will accept. Ask the assessor what evidence they want before you buy. Readers generally look for a stated scope and dates, the method, a finding list with severity, evidence for each finding, remediation steps and a retest record. Check these in a provider's sample report.

## Questions

### Does CMMC Level 2 require a penetration test?

Not by name. Level 2 requirements are identical to NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2, which asks for periodic assessment of security controls. A pentest can be evidence for that control. Primes and assessors may still ask for one.

### What does Level 3 say about penetration testing?

CA.L3-3.12.1e reads: conduct penetration testing at least annually or when significant security changes are made to the system. Confirm the current wording on eCFR before you plan.

### Can a pentest provider see my CUI?

Only if you allow it and your contract permits it. Ask the provider how it keeps CUI out of test evidence, where evidence is stored, and who has access. Your assessor or counsel should approve the answer.

### Is a provider that mentions CMMC an authorized assessor?

No. A mention is a statement on the provider's page. A-LIGN states that it is an authorized C3PAO, which is a separate fact with its own source. Check any assessor claim on the official lists.

## Sources

- [32 CFR 170.14: CMMC Model, requirements by level (Cornell LII copy)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/32/170.14)
- [NIST SP 800-172: Enhanced Security Requirements for Protecting CUI](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/172/final)
- [NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 (updated 28 January 2021)](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/171/r2/upd1/final)
- [DoD CIO: CMMC documents](https://dodcio.defense.gov/CMMC/)
- [A-LIGN penetration testing page](https://www.a-lign.com/service/penetration-testing)