FedRAMP penetration testing companies: compared

Cloud providers that sell to US federal agencies plan a penetration test inside the FedRAMP authorization process. This page filters the PentestCompare dataset to providers whose pages mention FedRAMP. Rows run A to Z, no provider pays for position, and each fact links to the provider's own page with the date we checked it. The list is short because few pentest providers write about FedRAMP.

What does FedRAMP ask of a penetration test?#

FedRAMP's penetration test guidance, version 3, says that a third-party assessment organization (3PAO) must perform all penetration test activities. We could not re-read the PDF's text layer on 9 November 2026, so we quote this rule as reported. The same guidance, as reported, asks that the team lead hold an industry-recognized credential for penetration testing, and that the rules of engagement follow NIST SP 800-115, Appendix B (FedRAMP v3 guidance).

The wider rules changed in 2026. FedRAMP's Independent Verification and Validation page says Class B, C and D providers "MUST persistently complete an independent verification and validation assessment ... at least once per year". The Rev5 annual control lists include CA-08 (Penetration Testing) for Class B. Classes C and D list CA-08 (01) for an independent penetration testing agent or team and CA-08 (02) for red team exercises (FedRAMP IV&V).

Our FedRAMP penetration testing guide on penetrationtestservices.com explains which document applies, and what we could not confirm. It also covers timing and scope in more detail than this page.

Who needs a FedRAMP pentest, and when?#

You need one when you hold or seek a FedRAMP authorization for a cloud service. Your 3PAO plans the test with you as part of the assessment. A pentest by a provider that is not your 3PAO does not replace it.

A separate test before the assessment still helps. It finds flaws while you can fix them without an assessment clock running. Choose a provider for this role on the same grounds you would for any pentest, and be clear in the contract that the report is not the FedRAMP report.

What should you ask providers about FedRAMP?#

Ask for written answers to these six questions.

1. Is the provider a recognized FedRAMP 3PAO, and where does the FedRAMP marketplace list it?
2. If it is not a 3PAO, does the quote say that the test is preparation and not the official test?
3. Which impact level and which authorization path (Rev5 class) does the test assume?
4. Who leads the test, and which credential does the lead hold?
5. Do the rules of engagement follow NIST SP 800-115, and who approves them before testing?
6. Will the report keep passwords and secrets out of its text?

Question 1 sorts the table fast. In the dataset, Schellman states that it is an accredited FedRAMP 3PAO (Schellman). Check any such claim on the FedRAMP marketplace.

What drives the price?#

Scope and system size drive price: the number of components, the interfaces to test, the impact level and the authorization class. Only one provider in this table lists a price. Prescient Security lists "Traditional Pentest" from $6,000 and "Compliance Pentest" from $3,000 per engagement, scope-based, and these prices do not state a FedRAMP scope (Prescient Security). As of 9 November 2026, the other providers quote on request.

How do you read the table?#

A "FedRAMP" mention means the provider's own pages talk about FedRAMP. The mention can mean the provider prepares you for it, assesses you, or holds its own authorization. The table does not split these cases, so open each provider's page.

Look at three columns first. Sample report shows whether the provider publishes evidence of its report style. Retest shows its statement on fix verification. Delivery shows whether people or software do the testing. The official test needs a 3PAO and a team lead with a pentest credential, whatever the delivery model.

What does an assessor look for in the report?#

Your 3PAO writes the official report, so it sets the format. For a preparation test, ask for a report that your 3PAO can read without rework: scope, rules of engagement, attack paths tried, evidence for each finding, severity, fixes and retest results.

The v3 guidance, as reported, asks that a 3PAO's final report must not include passwords. Apply the same rule to a preparation report, and agree a safe channel to share evidence that contains secrets.

Use the scoping checklist to set roles, environments and limits before you ask for quotes.