HOW TO GET DOD CERTIFIED: STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS, ELIGIBILITY & EXAMS (COMPLETE 2026 GUIDE)

The demand for DoD-certified cybersecurity and IT professionals continues to rise rapidly as the Department of Defense strengthens its workforce qualification standards. Whether you're entering the defense industry or advancing in your career, earning a DoD-approved certification is one of the most important steps you can take.

However, many professionals struggle to understand where to begin, which certifications they qualify for, and the exact steps to follow to get DoD certified.

This guide gives you a clear, simplified, and complete step-by-step roadmap on how to get DoD certified under DoD 8570, DoD 8140, and the current DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) requirements.

What Does “DoD Certified” Mean?

When employers say they require a candidate to be “DoD certified,” they mean the person must hold an approved certification that meets DoD 8570/8140 baseline requirements for a specific cybersecurity or IT role.

The Department of Defense has officially approved a list of industry credentials such as CompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP, CySA+, CASP+, and many others to validate the skills and readiness of personnel who work in cybersecurity, information assurance, system administration, policy, and network defense.

Being DoD certified means:

• You meet the minimum qualification for a specific DoD cyber/IT role
• You are approved to work under DoD 8570/8140 requirements
• You’re eligible to be hired by defense contractors, military departments, and federal agencies
• You have validated, recognized cybersecurity or IT expertise

How to Get DoD Certified Step-by-Step (2025 Roadmap)

This process applies to all categories including IAT, IAM, IASAE, and CSSP roles.

Step 1: Identify Which DoD Role You Fit Into

Before choosing a certification, you must determine which DoD job category matches your skills.

The DoD Cyber Workforce is divided into the following:

1. IAT (Information Assurance Technical) Technical / Hands-On IT Roles

Examples:

• System Administrator
• Network Administrator
• Help Desk Technician
• Security Analyst

2. IAM (Information Assurance Manager) Management & Leadership Roles

Examples:

• IT Manager
• Security Manager
• Compliance Lead
• Cybersecurity Program Manager

3. IASAE (Information Assurance System Architect & Engineer)

Examples:

• Security Engineer
• Cyber Architect
• Solutions Engineer

4. CSSP (Cybersecurity Service Provider) Cyber Defense & SOC Roles

Examples:

• SOC Analyst
• Incident Responder
• Forensics Specialist
• Vulnerability Analyst

Each category has levels (Level I, II, III) depending on job seniority.

Note: Your DoD role determines which certifications you’re allowed to use for compliance.

Step 2: Check the DoD-Approved Certifications for Your Level

Each role and level has a list of approved certifications.

Examples:

IAT Level I (Entry-Level Tech)

• CCNA
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+

IAT Level II (Intermediate Tech)

• CompTIA Security+
• CySA+
• GICSP
• CCNA Security

IAT Level III (Senior Technical)

• CASP+
• CISSP
• GCED

IAM Levels (Managers)

• CAP
• CISM
• CISSP

IASAE

• CISSP-ISSAP
• CISSP-ISSEP
• CSSLP

CSSP Analyst/Incident Responder

• CEH
• CySA+
• GCIH

Your first task is to match your job role to the right baseline certification requirement.

If you're unsure, most people starting out choose:

➡ Security+ the most universally accepted DoD baseline certification.

Step 3: Check Eligibility Do You Qualify?

While most DoD approved certifications have no strict prerequisites, some advanced ones do.

Entry-level (Network+, Security+, CEH, CySA+, PenTest+)

• No degree required
• No prior DoD experience required
• No background in military or government needed

These are easiest for newcomers.

Advanced-level (CISSP, CISM, CASP+, ISSAP, ISSEP, GSLC)

• Require many years of professional experience
• May require endorsement
• Often require security or system architecture background

Good news: You can still take CISSP without experience and become an Associate of ISC2 until you gain the required years.

Step 4: Choose Your Training Path (Self-Study or Instructor-Led)

You have two main learning options:

Self-Study (Budget Friendly)

• Buy official books
• Use exam prep platforms
• Watch online video courses
• Practice with question banks

Recommended for:

• Security+
• Network+
• CEH (basic level)
• CySA+
• CCNA

Instructor-Led Training (For Faster Results & Difficult Exams)

• Live bootcamps
• DoD-focused training academies
• Corporate training partners
• Authorized exam centers

Recommended for:

• CISSP
• CISM
• CASP+
• ISSAP/ISSEP
• GCIH
• CCNP Security

If your employer is a defense contractor, they may pay for the training.

Step 5: Prepare for the Exam (What to Expect)

Exam formats commonly used by DoD-approved certifications:

• Multiple-choice
• Interactive simulations
• Performance-based tasks
• Hands-on labs
• Case-study scenarios

Nearly all exams are computer-based and taken at Pearson VUE or an approved testing center.

Average preparation time:

• Security+ : 4–8 weeks
• CEH : 6–8 weeks
• CySA+ : 6–10 weeks
• CISSP : 3–6 months

To pass efficiently:

• Take as many practice exams as possible
• Review weak areas weekly
• Revisit exam objectives
• Use at least 2–3 learning sources

Step 6: Schedule & Take the Certification Exam

Once you feel confident, schedule the exam:

➡ CompTIA exams → Pearson VUE ➡ ISC2 exams (CISSP/CSSLP) → Pearson VUE ➡ EC-Council exams (CEH) → ECC Exam Portal or Pearson VUE ➡ GIAC exams → Proctored online via GIAC

What you need on exam day:

• Two forms of ID
• Confirmation email
• Arrive 30 minutes early

Most results are instant, except GIAC and some EC-Council exams.

Step 7: Add Your Certification to DoD Workforce Records (Very Important)

After passing, you must register your certification with the DoD-approved system used by your:

• Employer
• Government agency
• Contracting organization

This ensures:

• Your certification is recognized
• You meet compliance requirements
• Your access/clearance process continues smoothly

Some employers use internal DoD training portals to upload your credentials.

Step 8: Maintain Your Certification (CEU / CPE Requirements)

All DoD certifications require renewal every 2–3 years.

You must earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by:

• Taking additional courses
• Attending cybersecurity conferences
• Completing security-related training
• Working in a relevant job role
• Publishing cybersecurity research
• Completing higher-level exams

Failure to maintain your cert automatically places you out of DoD compliance.

How Long Does It Take to Get DoD Certified?

Depends on the certification:

Certification

Difficulty

Average Time

Network+

Easy

4–6 weeks

Security+

Moderate

6–8 weeks

CySA+

Moderate

8–10 weeks

CEH

Moderate

6–8 weeks

CISSP

Hard

3–6 months

CASP+

Hard

2–4 months

Cost of Getting DoD Certified

Approximate exam-only prices:

Certification

Cost

Network+

~$358

Security+

~$404

CySA+

~$392

CEH

~$1,199

CISSP

~$749

CASP+

~$494

GCIH

~$2,499

Additional budget may be needed for:

• Training
• Labs
• Practice exams
• Study materials

Who Needs DoD Certifications?

You are required to be DoD certified if you work:

• As a DoD contractor
• On DoD IT networks
• In a cleared defense environment
• In cybersecurity for federal agencies
• In a SOC handling government systems

Even for non-contractors, many private companies now require DoD certifications because they align with global cybersecurity best practices.

Why Getting DoD Certified Is Worth It

DoD-approved certifications significantly boost your career by:

✓ Increasing your salary

Security+ alone can add $15,000–$25,000 to your annual income.

✓ Making you eligible for government/contractor roles

Most contracts legally require it.

✓ Improving job stability and promotion potential

Certified professionals move up faster.

✓ Strengthening your credibility

These certifications are globally recognized.

Conclusion : Your Path to DoD Certification Starts Now

Getting DoD certified may seem complex at first, but the process is straightforward once you break it into clear steps. Whether you're starting with Security+ or aiming for advanced roles with CISSP, CEH, CySA+, or CASP+, you can follow this roadmap to reach full DoD 8570/8140 compliance.

This certification journey will elevate your career, open doors to high-paying defense jobs, and ensure you meet the industry’s strictest cybersecurity standards.