DoDD 8570.01-m
Cybersecurity Certifications & Requirements
Today's security environment moves quickly. Threats change constantly, technology evolves rapidly, and adversaries continue to develop new ways to target networks, systems, and sensitive information. To maintain mission readiness and support critical operations, the Department of Defense depends on cybersecurity professionals with the knowledge, skills, and experience to protect and defend its digital infrastructure.
Building and maintaining a capable DoD Cyberspace Workforce is essential to safeguarding information systems, supporting operational objectives, and responding effectively to an ever-changing threat landscape. Continuous training and professional development help ensure personnel remain prepared to meet current challenges and future mission requirements.
6 Main Goals of DoD 8570.01-m
Develop the DoD cybersecurity workforce to enhance protection and availability of DoD information, information systems and networks
Establish baseline technical and management skills for cybersecurity functions across the enterprise
Provide war fighters with qualified cybersecurity personnel
4 Job Categories of DoD 8570.01-m
Information Assurance Technical (IAT) – technical positions, such as security administrators
Information Assurance Management (IAM) – management positions, such as security managers
Information Assurance Security Architecture and Engineering (IASAE) – higher-level positions, such as security engineers and security architects
3 Skill Levels of DoD 8570.01-m
Computing Environment: At this level, DoD 8570.01-m requires an IT certification such as CompTIA A+ because it focuses on help desk support for the computing environment.
Network and Advanced Computer: DoD 8570.01-m level 2 jobs require an IT certification such as CompTIA Security+ because it focuses on securing networks.
Enclave/Advanced Network and Computer: Level 3 job within DoD 8570.01-m require IT certifications such as CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) because it covers advanced networking skills.
DoD 8570.01-m-Approved Certifications
The Department of Defense has transitioned from the legacy DoD 8570.01-M Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program to the DoD 8140 Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program. DoDM 8140.03 establishes workforce qualification requirements based on specific cyber work roles and proficiency levels rather than broad certification categories alone.
Under DoD 8140, workforce members are qualified according to the responsibilities of their assigned role within the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF). Qualification may be achieved through a combination of certifications, education, training, assessments, and practical experience. The goal is to ensure that military personnel, civilian employees, and qualifying contractors possess the knowledge and skills necessary to support DoD cybersecurity and cyberspace operations while maintaining mission readiness in an evolving threat environment.
If your page is specifically about DoD 8570 certifications, I would recommend adding a note explaining that many professionals still refer to "8570 certifications," but current workforce qualification requirements are governed by DoD 8140, which has replaced the 8570 framework.
Information Assurance Technician - IAT
IAT Level I
IAT Level II
IAT Level III
Information Assurance Management - IAM
IAM Level I
IAM Level II
IAM Level III
Information Assurance Systems Architect and Engineer - IASAE
IASAE I
IASAE II
IASAE III
Cyber Security Service Provider - CSSP
CSSP Analyst
CSSP Infrastructure Support
CSSP Incident Responder
CSSP Auditor
CSSP Manager
The certification matrix above reflects the legacy DoD 8570 baseline certification requirements that were historically used to qualify personnel performing Information Assurance (IA) functions. While many organizations and job postings still reference these certification categories, the Department of Defense has transitioned to the DoD 8140 Cyberspace Workforce Qualification Program.
Under the 8570 framework, personnel were required to hold at least one approved certification aligned to their workforce category and proficiency level. In many cases, multiple certifications could satisfy the same requirement, allowing individuals to choose the credential that best matched their role and career goals.
Today, workforce qualification under DoD 8140 is based on specific cyber work roles and competency requirements within the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF). Certifications continue to play an important role, but qualification may also include a combination of education, training, hands-on experience, assessments, and other approved credentials.
Professionals pursuing DoD cyber workforce positions should review current DoD 8140 qualification requirements in addition to any certification requirements specified by their employer, agency, or contract. Many of the certifications previously recognized under DoD 8570 remain highly valued and continue to support workforce development across cybersecurity, information assurance, and cyberspace operations.
Chauster UpSkilling Solutions helps cybersecurity and IT professionals build the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to support Department of Defense workforce qualification requirements. Through certification-focused training, hands-on labs, and practical learning experiences, Chauster prepares learners for many of the industry-recognized certifications commonly associated with DoD cyber workforce roles. Training programs cover key areas including cybersecurity operations, information security, cloud security, governance, risk management, networking, and defensive cyber operations.
Beyond certification preparation, Chauster emphasizes real-world skill development. Learners gain experience through practical exercises, simulated environments, and hands-on projects designed to reinforce concepts used in today's security and IT environments. With flexible learning options, ongoing access to training resources, and programs aligned to current industry and government workforce needs, Chauster helps professionals stay current, strengthen their technical capabilities, and advance their careers in cybersecurity and related technology fields.
