DoD 8140 replaces and expands the earlier DoD 8570 directive. While 8570 focused primarily on baseline certifications for specific technical roles, 8140 introduces a more comprehensive, modernized, and competency-based approach that aligns with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework.
This article provides an authoritative, detailed explanation of the DoD 8140 framework, its structure, its relationship to DoD 8570, and how it affects contractors, civilians, military personnel, IT specialists, and cybersecurity professionals operating in DoD environments.
DoD 8140 establishes the policies and procedures that define:
The framework applies to all personnel who have privileged access, perform cybersecurity job duties, or support DoD Information Networks (DoDIN), whether they are full-time DoD employees, civilian staff, contractors, or military service members.
The overarching goal of DoD 8140 is to ensure that all cybersecurity functions across the DoD are executed by qualified, verified, and continuously updated professionals who meet standardized national competencies.
While DoD 8570 provided the initial baseline certification requirements for the cybersecurity workforce, the evolving threat landscape and rapid advancement in technology required a more flexible, skills-based model. DoD 8140 was created to expand this structure.
Key distinctions between 8140 and 8570:
Area
DoD 8570
DoD 8140
Approach
Role-based, fixed categories
Comprehensive, competency-based
Alignment
DoD-only
Fully aligned with NICE Framework
Structure
3 categories + CSSP
7 workforce elements
Job roles
Limited and predefined
52+ defined work roles
Certification mapping
Static
Continuously updated
Training
Certification-focused
Knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) based
DoD 8140 incorporates DoD 8570 as a subset; certifications approved under 8570 remain valid and recognized. However, job role classification and workforce identification are now governed by the broader 8140 structure.
Under 8140, the DoD cyber workforce is divided into seven primary workforce elements. Each element represents a macro-level grouping of roles and responsibilities performed by personnel who support cybersecurity objectives.
The 7 DoD Cyber Workforce Elements:
These elements align cybersecurity responsibilities across the DoD enterprise and clearly define the training and credentials required for personnel within each category.
The 8140 framework assigns individuals to specific cybersecurity work roles based on their duties, authorities, and scope of responsibility. Each work role contains:
Some of the most common DoD work roles include:
These roles correlate directly with the NICE framework, ensuring government-wide standardization.
Unlike 8570, which relied heavily on fixed certification lists, 8140 employs a flexible mapping system that connects certifications, training, experience, and KSAs to specific work roles.
However, the baseline DoD 8570 certification categories remain active and are integrated into the new 8140 architecture. These categories include:
Under 8140, personnel must hold the appropriate certification(s) required for their assigned level or role.
Common examples include:
DoD 8140’s certification list is updated regularly to ensure alignment with current cybersecurity standards.
Personnel performing cybersecurity duties must achieve compliance through a specific structured process:
The DoD component assigns the individual to a role based on job responsibilities, system access, and mission-critical functions.
This includes certification requirements, KSAs, experience, and training prerequisites.
Personnel must complete approved certification(s) corresponding to their role or level.
DoD components must track compliance using official workforce management systems (e.g., DCWF systems or internal registries).
Personnel must complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or recertification cycles as required by each certifying body.
DoD 8140 mandates continuous development to ensure evolving cyber competencies remain up to date with modern threats.
DoD Contractors
Contractors must comply with the same certification and workforce requirements as federal employees. Compliance is required before individuals can perform cybersecurity duties or gain privileged access to DoD systems. Failure to comply can disqualify a contractor from fulfilling contract obligations.
DoD Civilians
Civilian employees must be appropriately certified and aligned with their assigned work roles. Professional development is mandatory, and components must track their compliance status.
Military Personnel
Enlisted and officer personnel assigned to cyber roles must meet 8140 standards. They must obtain relevant certifications within required timelines as defined by their service branch.
DoD 8140 strengthens the cybersecurity posture of the Department of Defense by ensuring:
The framework enhances the DoD’s ability to recruit, develop, and retain a highly skilled cyber workforce capable of responding to emerging threats.
The DoD 8140 Cyber Workforce Framework represents a major advancement in how the Department of Defense trains, certifies, and governs its cybersecurity personnel. By shifting from a narrowly focused certification model under DoD 8570 to a broad, competency-based workforce architecture, 8140 ensures that the DoD cyber workforce is aligned with national standards, adaptable to rapidly evolving threats, and accountable to clearly defined professional qualifications.
Its impact extends to all segments of the DoD cyber community contractors, civilians, military members, IT specialists, and cybersecurity professionals each of whom must comply with the updated certification, training, and workforce requirements. Through robust governance and continuous updating, the 8140 framework ensures the DoD maintains a world-class cyber defense capability.
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