DoD 8140/8570 certification solutions for federal teams and contractors

Department of Defense Directive 8570, published in 2005, established a structured framework for cybersecurity workforce management that organized personnel into five main categories with distinct work roles and certification requirements:

Information Assurance Technician (IAT): Technical implementation roles

• Level I: Computing environment (A+, Network+, SSCP)
• Level II: Network environment (Security+, CySA+, GSEC)
• Level III: Advanced networks/enclaves (CASP+, CISSP, GCIH)

Information Assurance Manager (IAM): Management and oversight roles

• Level I: Basic management (Security+, CAP, GSLC)
• Level II: Intermediate management (CASP+, CISM, CISSP)
• Level III: Senior management requiring IAM Level III certification training (CISM, CISSP, GSLC)

Information Assurance System Architecture & Engineering (IASAE): System design roles

• Levels I-II: Basic/advanced architecture (CASP+, CISSP, CSSLP)
• Level III: Expert architecture (CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP)

Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSSP): Specialized cyber defense roles

• Five specializations: Analyst, Infrastructure Support, Incident Responder, Auditor, Manager
• Various certifications including CySA+, CEH, GCIA, CISM

Computing Environment (CE): Technology-specific certifications required in addition to baseline IAT requirements for specific operating systems and security tools

While DoD 8570 transitioned to 8140 in 2023, understanding these previous work roles remains important for federal employees and military personnel navigating the transition.

There is no exact equivalent 1:1 mapping from the old 8570 work roles to the new 8140 framework. The transition from 8570 to 8140 reflects the DoD's recognition that modern cybersecurity requires more specialized, role-specific qualifications rather than broad categorical certifications.

CMMC is being incorporated into the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and by 2025 all suppliers will need a certification in order to bid on contracts. Contractors can achieve a CMMC level for their entire enterprise network or for a particular segment or enclave, depending on where the protected information is handled and stored. The ecosystem to support these assessments continues to be refined, so there are numerous career opportunities for those becoming a CCP or CCA. 

While 8570 focused primarily on Information Assurance Technical (IAT) and Management (IAM) levels with a rigid certification-driven approach, DoD 8140 introduces a comprehensive framework built around the DoD Cyberspace Workforce Framework (DCWF) that covers seven distinct workforce elements: cybersecurity, cyberspace IT, cyberspace effects, intelligence (cyberspace) and cyberspace enablers.

Key differences include DoD 8140's role-based qualification system that maps certifications to specific job roles rather than broad categories, emphasizing hands-on training and continuous professional development beyond one-time certification requirements. The new framework also integrates with the NIST NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework and provides multiple qualification pathways, including education, training, certification and experience-based alternatives.

The NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NIST Special Publication 800-181) is used to help categorize cybersecurity work and job duties across the public, private and academic sectors. Infosec’s cyber training library is mapped to over 620 Knowledge and Skill Statements and all 52 Work Roles to support any implementation of the NICE Framework: standard Work Roles directly from the NICE Framework, Competency-based Work Roles, Task-based Work Roles or custom Work Roles.

DoD 8140 has replaced DoD 8570. DoD Manual 8140.03, which provides the implementation framework, was released February 15, 2023, and supersedes the previous DoD 8570.01-M directive. While you may still see references to "DoD 8570 certification" in job postings and older documentation, most current compliance requirements fall under DoD 8140.

The key difference: DoD 8140 takes a more comprehensive, role-based approach rather than the certification-only focus of DoD 8570. However, most of the same industry certifications (like Security+, CISSP, etc.) remain valid under the new framework.

Most roles require only one certification per work role. DoD 8140 uses a role-based qualification approach, meaning you need the appropriate certification(s) for your specific DCWF (DoD Cyber Workforce Framework) work role and proficiency level.

However, some scenarios may require multiple certifications:

• If you're assigned to multiple work roles that require different certifications
• If you're seeking career advancement to higher proficiency levels

Our training advisors can help you determine exactly which certifications you need based on your current and desired roles.

Yes, we accept multiple military and veteran education benefits:

• Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31): Vocational rehabilitation benefits
• AF COOL: Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line funding
• Army IgniteD: Army's professional development program
• Navy COOL: Navy credentialing program support

Infosec is an approved vendor for these programs. Our enrollment team will help you navigate the benefits application process and ensure you maximize your education benefits for DoD 8140 compliance training.

While CISA Learning provides valuable foundational knowledge, Infosec offers certification-focused training with accountability:

Infosec Advantages:

• Exam Pass Guarantee: If you don’t pass your exam on the first attempt, get a second attempt for free. Includes the ability to re-sit the course for free for up to one year.
• Live Expert Instruction: Real-time interaction with certified instructors, not just video content
• Hands-on Labs: Practical, scenario-based exercises that mirror real DoD environments
• Intensive Boot Camp Format: Complete certification prep in days vs. months of self-study
• DoD-Specific Focus: Content tailored specifically for government and defense sector requirements
• Career Support: Ongoing guidance for compliance and career advancement

CISA Learning Strengths:

• Free access to foundational cybersecurity content
• Self-paced learning modules
• Good for general awareness training

Bottom line: Use CISA Learning for foundational knowledge but choose Infosec when you need to actually pass a DoD 8140 certification exam by a specific deadline.