Level 2 · Audit and Accountability
AU.L2-3.3.7
Authoritative Time Source
Reliable event chronology depends on a defined authoritative time source and working synchronization.
Official reference
The requirement
Provide a system capability that compares and synchronizes internal system clocks with an authoritative source to generate time stamps for audit records.
DoD CMMC Assessment Guide, Level 2, version 2.13. AU.L2-3.3.7; requirement and objectives, printed page 85 ↗
Assessment objectives
What must be established
Determine if each applicable objective is satisfied. The labels below follow the cited DoD assessment guide.
- [a]
internal system clocks are used to generate time stamps for audit records;
- [b]
an authoritative source with which to compare and synchronize internal system clocks is specified; and
- [c]
internal system clocks used to generate time stamps for audit records are compared to and synchronized with the specified authoritative time source.
MET requires evidence that all applicable objectives are satisfied. Final, approved evidence is needed. A NOT APPLICABLE determination needs a scope-based basis and is equivalent to MET for scoring. Enduring exceptions and temporary deficiencies have specific conditions under 32 CFR 170.24; they are not a general permission to defer implementation.
GAVII Cybersecurity assessment approach
Connect the objective to the evidence
Trace the hierarchy from the authoritative source to representative systems. Compare configured synchronization with actual clock state, including isolated and cloud-managed components.
Assessment focus: objectives [a], [b], [c]. Use the methods together; a single example does not establish every objective.
Examine
Review time-source definitions, synchronization settings, status outputs, and monitoring for drift or failures.
Interview
Which source is authoritative, and how do you detect a system that is no longer synchronized?
Demonstrate or test
Compare clock status and timestamps across representative systems without changing production time settings.
Evidence gaps to look for
- A standard names a time source but devices use another.
- Timestamps cannot be aligned during an investigation.
GAVII Cybersecurity’s examples illustrate ways to examine, interview, and test. They are not a mandatory artifact list or a guarantee of an assessment result. Combine methods and address every applicable objective in the actual scope.
Assessment constraints
Scoring and POA&M eligibility
Score: 1
If this requirement is NOT MET, deduct 1 point from the Level 2 maximum of 110. The deduction applies to the requirement, not separately to each objective.
Scoring rule ↗POA&M: Eligible
Potentially eligible only if all Conditional Level 2 criteria are satisfied, including a score of at least 88 out of 110 and timely closeout. Eligibility is not a finding that this requirement is MET.
POA&M rule ↗Conditional Level 2 requires a score of at least 88 out of 110 and satisfaction of every eligibility condition. A 1-point requirement is not automatically eligible. The permitted POA&M must be closed through the appropriate closeout assessment within 180 days of the Conditional CMMC Status Date. An operational remediation plan does not confer Conditional Status.
Assessment planning
Location and observation
Not specifically listed in CAP P.11
This requirement is not specifically listed in CAP P.11. That does not establish that remote assessment is sufficient: the Lead CCA and C3PAO determine an adequate approach for the actual scope and evidence.
CAP §P.11, pages 10–11 ↗Check the source
References and related requirements
- DoD CMMC Assessment Guide, Level 2 ↗AU.L2-3.3.7; requirement and objectives, printed page 85. 2.13, September 2024.
- 32 CFR 170.24: Assessment findings and scoring ↗170.24(b) and (c)(2). Current electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
- 32 CFR 170.21: POA&M eligibility and closeout ↗170.21(a)(2) and (b). Current electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
- NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 ↗Requirement 3.3.7. February 2020, updated January 2021.
- NIST SP 800-171A ↗Assessment procedure 3.3.7. June 2018.
- Cyber AB CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) ↗P.11, printed pages 10-11; Level 2 certification assessment-location planning. 2.0, December 2024.
Program timing and contract applicability can change independently of these requirements. Check current DoD program notices and your solicitation or contract before making a compliance decision. Open the official DoD resource hub.