Part of broader FedRAMP modernization
FedRAMP terminology is changing.
The authorization work is not.
FedRAMP Low, Moderate, and High are becoming Class A, B, C, and D. The operational reality stays the same.
The new terminology does not eliminate agency sponsorship, risk acceptance, continuous monitoring, 3PAO assessments, or ATO requirements.
For SaaS companies, the message is simple.
FedRAMP language is evolving — Knox remains the fastest path to FedRAMP.
Key Changes
A new vocabulary for the same program
At first glance, FedRAMP and CMMC appear to solve different problems. Beneath the surface, both are built on the same core security principles.
Terminology Transition
What gets renamed
Low, Moderate, High
Class A, B, C, D
FedRAMP Authorized
FedRAMP Certified
Certification Classes
Expected alignment of the new classes
Class A
SaaS apps authorized
Class B
FedRAMP Li-SaaS and Low
Class C
FedRAMP Moderate
Class D
SaaS apps authorized
FedRAMP has not yet published a formal technical equivalency matrix. This alignment reflects current industry interpretation.
Unchanged foundation
The terminology modernizes. The requirements do not.
At this stage, the shifts change how FedRAMP designations are described and communicated. They do not change the work behind authorization.
Agency sponsorship
Still Required
Agency AOs & risk acceptance
Unchanged
Current control requirements
Unchanged
Continuous monitoring
expectations intact
SCN & SRQ processes
Unchanged
3PAO assessments
Still Required
Agency operational approvals
Still Required
Why it matters for SAAS
The practical requirements remain intact.
Compliance language and reporting will keep evolving, but authorization remains the hard part for companies. Our FedRAMP 20x page explains this too: modernization does not remove the need for sponsors, ATOs, or federal authorization pathways.
A compliant environment
Federal sponsorship
Agency risk acceptance
ATO approval
Continuous monitoring
Evidence and assessment readiness
Where Knox fits in
Move through federal authorization faster
Knox helps SaaS companies clear the hard part of authorization — by giving you what would otherwise take years to build.
Lower compliance cost
Authorizations your environment can inherit on day one.
Top federal & Department of War sponsors
Established sponsorship relationships across mission-critical agencies.
FedRAMP-certified cloud boundary
A compliant boundary, already assessed and operating.
Continuous monitoring
Ongoing ConMon that keeps your authorization in good standing.
Inherited controls
Controls satisfied at the platform layer, so you don't rebuild them.
KnoxAI-driven compliance tooling
AI that drives evidence collection, monitoring, and remediation.
The Knox advantage
Trusted by top agencies for mission-critical needs
The bottom line
FedRAMP is changing its language.
Knox is still the fastest path to FedRAMP.
Certification in 90 days, for 90% less.