CMMC
DoD certification verifying cybersecurity for defense contractors
EN 1090
EU standard for execution of steel and aluminium structures.
Quick Verdict
CMMC verifies cybersecurity for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI via tiered assessments, while EN 1090 mandates CE marking for EU structural steel/aluminium via FPC certification. Organizations adopt CMMC for contracts, EN 1090 for market access.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels protecting FCI, CUI, and APTs
- Independent C3PAO and DIBCAC assessments for verification
- Mandatory flow-down requirements to DoD subcontractors
- Limited POA&Ms with strict 180-day closure timelines
- Annual affirmations and triennial recertification cycles
EN 1090
Execution of steel and aluminium structures
Key Features
- Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4)
- Factory Production Control (FPC) certification
- CE marking for structural components
- Welding quality via ISO 3834 alignment
- Material traceability and NDT requirements
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
CMMC Details
What It Is
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0) is a DoD program certifying cybersecurity maturity for organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It employs a tiered, risk-based model with three cumulative levels based on FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2, and NIST SP 800-172.
Key Components
- 14 domains like Access Control and Incident Response, with 17 Level 1 practices, 110 at Level 2, plus 24 Level 3 enhancements
- Assessment paths: self (Level 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), DIBCAC (Level 3)
- System Security Plan (SSP), POA&Ms (180-day closure), reporting to SPRS/eMASS
Why Organizations Use It
- Ensures DoD contract eligibility, prevents disqualification and penalties
- Mitigates supply chain risks, reduces incidents and costs
- Boosts bid competitiveness, enhances reputation and trust
- Builds operational resilience aligning security with business
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance, scoping, remediation, assessment, sustainment
- Targets DIB contractors/subcontractors; scalable via enclaves
- Requires cross-functional teams, tools (MFA, SIEM); $100K+ for SMEs
- Triennial certifications, annual affirmations (178 words)
EN 1090 Details
What It Is
EN 1090 is a harmonized European standard family for the execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components and kits. It serves as the primary framework under the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) for CE marking load-bearing metal structures. The approach is risk-based, scaling requirements via Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4) linked to consequence, service, and production categories.
Key Components
- **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC), and Declaration of Performance (DoP).
- **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium execution (welding, tolerances, corrosion protection, inspection).
- Core principles: traceability, welding quality (ISO 3834), NDT, and third-party certification by Notified Bodies.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU market access via CE marking.
- Reduces liability, ensures quality, enables high-risk projects.
- Builds trust, cuts rework, supports sustainability under evolving CPR.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, personnel training, NB certification, surveillance.
- Targets fabricators in construction; medium-high complexity, 6-12 months typical.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | EN 1090 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection | Structural steel/aluminium fabrication conformity |
| Industry | US DoD contractors/supply chain | EU construction/structural components manufacturers |
| Nature | Tiered certification model, contractual | Harmonized standard, mandatory CE marking |
| Testing | Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | Notified Body FPC certification/surveillance audits |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | Market exclusion, fines, product recalls |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and EN 1090
CMMC FAQ
EN 1090 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

Top 10 Reasons CMMC Level 3 Certification Unlocks Competitive Edge for Primes Handling Critical DoD Programs
Discover top 10 reasons CMMC Level 3 certification unlocks competitive edge for DoD primes. Reduced APT risks, procurement prefs, NIST 800-172 compliance via v2

CIS Controls v8.1, Operationalized: Top 10 Reasons Compliance Monitoring Software Accelerates Real-World Implementation
Operationalize CIS Controls v8.1 with compliance monitoring software. Turn checklists into dashboards, tickets, and audit-proof workflows. Top 10 reasons it acc

NIST CSF 2.0: Key Enhancements and How They Address Evolving Cyber Threats
Explore NIST CSF 2.0 updates: Govern function, supply chain security, SME playbooks for ransomware & AI threats. Boost your cyber defenses now!
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
CMMI vs ISO 27701
Compare CMMI vs ISO 27701: Boost process maturity with CMMI levels or master privacy via ISO 27701 PIMS. Key insights for IT compliance, risk reduction. Discover the best fit now!
EPA vs TOGAF
EPA vs TOGAF: Compare U.S. environmental regs with enterprise architecture framework. Master compliance strategies, governance, and business integration for risk-free success. Dive in!
WEEE vs PDPA
Compare WEEE vs PDPA: EU e-waste rules (collection targets, EPR) vs Asia's data privacy laws (consent, breaches). Key diffs in scope, obligations. Master global compliance now.