If you're looking to break into government cybersecurity or transition from military service to a civilian IT security career, understanding DoD 8570 and DoD 8140 requirements is essential. These Department of Defense directives mandate specific certifications for anyone working in Information Assurance (IA) positions, and CompTIA Security+ sits at the heart of these requirements. Whether you're an active-duty service member, a veteran transitioning to the private sector, or a civilian pursuing government contractor opportunities, Security+ can be your ticket to high-paying, stable cybersecurity careers.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about DoD certification requirements, explain the transition from 8570 to 8140, detail the job categories and their requirements, explore salary expectations for government and contractor roles, and provide actionable guidance for veterans and newcomers alike.

Overview: Why DoD Certifications Matter

The Department of Defense is one of the largest employers of cybersecurity professionals in the world. With constant threats from nation-state actors, cybercriminals, and insider threats, the DoD requires its workforce to maintain specific baseline certifications. These requirements aren't just bureaucratic checkboxes; they ensure that everyone handling sensitive government systems has demonstrated fundamental security knowledge.

Here's why understanding these requirements is crucial for your career:

• Mandatory for employment: You literally cannot work in most DoD cybersecurity positions without approved certifications
• Applies to civilians and contractors: These requirements cover military personnel, government civilians, and private sector contractors
• High-paying career path: Government and contractor cybersecurity jobs often pay $80,000-$150,000+ annually
• Job security: Government positions offer exceptional stability and benefits
• Career growth: Clear advancement pathways with defined certification requirements at each level

IAT Levels at a Glance

The following table summarizes the three IAT levels, their approved certifications, typical job roles, and expected salary ranges:

What is DoD 8570? Understanding the Legacy Framework

DoD Directive 8570.01-M, commonly referred to as "8570," established the original Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program. ^[1] Implemented in 2004 and updated through 2015, this directive created a standardized framework for certifying the DoD's Information Assurance workforce.

The 8570 Workforce Categories

DoD 8570 organized cybersecurity positions into several distinct categories:

Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Levels

• IAT Level I: Entry-level positions providing basic IA support. Requires certifications like A+, Network+, or SSCP.
• IAT Level II: Mid-level positions requiring deeper technical knowledge. Security+ satisfies this requirement, along with SSCP, CCNA Security, CySA+, and GICSP. ^[2]
• IAT Level III: Senior technical positions. Requires CASP+, CISA, CISSP, GCED, GCIH, or CCNP Security.

Information Assurance Management (IAM) Levels

• IAM Level I: Entry-level management roles. CAP, CND, Cloud+, GSLC, or Security+ qualifies.
• IAM Level II: Mid-level management. CAP, CASP+, CISM, CISSP, GSLC, or CCISO qualifies.
• IAM Level III: Senior management/executive positions. CISM, CISSP, GSLC, or CCISO required.

Computer Network Defense Service Provider (CSSP) Roles

• CSSP Analyst: Monitor and analyze network activity. CEH, CySA+, GCIA, GCIH, or SCYBER qualifies.
• CSSP Infrastructure Support: Maintain CND systems and tools. Same certifications apply.
• CSSP Incident Responder: Respond to security incidents. CEH, CFR, GCFA, GCIH, SCYBER, or CSIH qualifies.
• CSSP Auditor: Conduct security assessments. CISA, CEH, CySA+, GSNA, or CFR qualifies.
• CSSP Manager: Oversee CND operations. CISSP-ISSMP, CISM, or CCISO qualifies.

Why 8570 Still Matters

Although DoD 8140 is replacing 8570, the transition is gradual. Many contracts, job postings, and hiring managers still reference 8570 requirements. Understanding this framework provides context for the current certification landscape and helps you navigate job listings that may use either terminology.

What is DoD 8140? The Modern Framework

DoD Directive 8140 represents the evolution of the DoD's approach to cybersecurity workforce management. Initially released in 2015 and significantly updated in subsequent years, 8140 expands the scope beyond traditional Information Assurance to encompass the broader cybersecurity workforce.

Key Differences from 8570

• Broader scope: 8140 covers all cyberspace workforce positions, not just IA roles
• Work role-based: Defines specific work roles aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework
• More flexibility: Allows for multiple certification pathways to qualify for positions
• Education recognition: Incorporates academic degrees and training programs
• Continuous learning: Emphasizes ongoing professional development

The DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF)

DoD 8140 aligns with the NICE Framework and organizes positions into seven primary categories:

1. Securely Provision (SP): Design, build, and configure secure IT systems
2. Operate and Maintain (OM): Provide support and administration for IT systems
3. Oversee and Govern (OV): Leadership, management, and legal/policy functions
4. Protect and Defend (PR): Identify, analyze, and mitigate threats
5. Analyze (AN): Perform cyber intelligence and threat analysis
6. Collect and Operate (CO): Conduct cyber operations
7. Investigate (IN): Conduct cyber investigations

8140 Qualification Requirements

Under 8140, qualification for a work role typically requires a combination of:

• Foundational qualification: Education, training, or certification
• Resident qualification: Position-specific certification or demonstrated competency
• Continuous professional development: Ongoing learning requirements

Security+ continues to be recognized as a foundational qualification under 8140 for numerous work roles, particularly those in the Protect and Defend and Operate and Maintain categories.

Security+ and IAT Level II: Your Gateway to DoD Careers

CompTIA Security+ holds a privileged position in the DoD certification landscape. It's approved as a baseline certification for IAT Level II under 8570 and continues to qualify personnel for numerous work roles under 8140.

What IAT Level II Covers

IAT Level II positions are the sweet spot for cybersecurity careers. These roles involve implementing and maintaining security controls on systems, analyzing security threats and vulnerabilities, configuring security tools and monitoring systems, responding to security incidents, ensuring compliance with security policies, and supporting security assessments and audits.

Common IAT Level II Job Titles

Security+ qualifying you for IAT Level II opens doors to positions like Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Control Assessor, Systems Security Administrator, Network Security Specialist, IT Security Specialist, Information Assurance Analyst, and Vulnerability Assessment Analyst.

Why Security+ is the Preferred Choice

While other certifications also satisfy IAT Level II requirements (like SSCP, CySA+, or CCNA Security), Security+ offers distinct advantages including vendor-neutrality, wide recognition, achievable difficulty, cost-effectiveness, foundation for growth, and a manageable three-year validity period.

Understanding DoD Job Categories in Detail

Let's dive deeper into each major job category to help you understand where Security+ fits and what career paths are available.

IAT (Information Assurance Technical)

IAT positions focus on the technical implementation and maintenance of security controls. These are hands-on roles where you'll work directly with systems, networks, and security tools. IAT Level I positions pay $50,000-$70,000, IAT Level II (Security+ eligible) pays $70,000-$110,000, and IAT Level III pays $100,000-$150,000+.

IAM (Information Assurance Management)

IAM positions involve oversight, policy development, and management of IA programs. Security+ qualifies for IAM Level I ($65,000-$90,000), while higher levels require CISM, CISSP, or similar certifications.

CSSP (Cybersecurity Service Provider)

CSSP roles focus specifically on defending networks and responding to cyber threats. While Security+ alone doesn't satisfy most CSSP requirements, it provides an excellent foundation before pursuing CySA+ or CEH.

IASAE (Information Assurance System Architect and Engineer)

IASAE positions are senior technical roles responsible for designing and engineering secure systems. These require advanced certifications like CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, or CASP+. Security+ serves as the foundation certification before progressing to these senior roles.

Salary Data and Career Opportunities

Government and contractor cybersecurity positions offer competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and job security.

Entry-Level Positions (0-2 years experience)

Government (GS-7 to GS-9): $50,000-$70,000. Contractor: $55,000-$75,000. Common titles include Junior Security Analyst, IT Security Specialist, and IA Technician.

Mid-Level Positions (2-5 years experience)

Government (GS-11 to GS-13): $75,000-$115,000. Contractor: $85,000-$130,000. Common titles include Cybersecurity Analyst, ISSO, and Security Engineer.

Senior Positions (5+ years experience)

Government (GS-14 to GS-15): $115,000-$165,000. Contractor: $130,000-$200,000+. Common titles include Senior Security Engineer, ISSM, and Security Architect.

Location-Based Salary Adjustments

Government positions include locality pay adjustments: Washington D.C./Northern Virginia (+32%), San Francisco Bay Area (+44%), San Diego (+30%), and Colorado Springs (+20%).

Security Clearance Premium

Holding an active security clearance significantly increases your market value: Secret clearance (+$5,000-$15,000), Top Secret (+$10,000-$25,000), and TS/SCI (+$20,000-$40,000).

How to Get Started: Your Action Plan

Ready to pursue a government cybersecurity career? Here's your step-by-step roadmap:

Step 1: Obtain CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701). Study for 2-3 months, pass with 750/900.

Step 2: Build your resume using federal resume format for government applications.

Step 3: Apply on USAJobs.gov, ClearanceJobs.com, LinkedIn, and Indeed.

Step 4: Prepare for the clearance process with 10 years of history and references.

Step 5: Continue your certification journey with CySA+, CASP+, or CISSP.

Special Guidance for Veterans and Transitioning Service Members

Veterans and transitioning service members are uniquely positioned for success in government cybersecurity careers.

Advantages You Already Have

Security clearance (if active), military experience valued by DoD, discipline and work ethic, understanding of DoD culture, and leadership experience.

Programs to Leverage

DoD SkillBridge: Civilian job training within 180 days of separation. GI Bill Benefits: Cover exam fees, boot camps, and degree programs. Veterans' Preference: 5-10 preference points in federal hiring.

Military MOS Translation

Cyber-related specialties directly translate: Army (25B, 35Q, 17C), Navy (IT, CTN, CTI), Air Force (1D7, 3D0X2, 3D0X3), Marines (0651, 0689, 1721). Non-cyber MOS experience is also valuable.

Transition Timeline

Start 12+ months before separation: Study for Security+, pass exam at 6 months out, apply for SkillBridge at 3 months, finalize offers at 1 month.

Conclusion: Your Path to Government Cybersecurity

The DoD 8570 and 8140 frameworks have created clear pathways for cybersecurity careers in government and defense contracting. CompTIA Security+ serves as the cornerstone certification, opening doors to IAT Level II positions and providing a foundation for advancement.

Key takeaways: Security+ satisfies IAT Level II requirements, salaries range from $50,000 to $200,000+ depending on experience and clearance, veterans have significant advantages, and Security+ combined with a clearance dramatically increases earning potential.

References

1. Department of Defense. "DoD 8570.01-M: Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program." public.cyber.mil/wid/dcwf. IAT/IAM level certification requirements for DoD workforce positions.
2. CompTIA. "DoD Approved 8570 Baseline Certifications." comptia.org/testing/military-testing. Security+ approved for IAT Level II and other DoD work roles.
3. U.S. Office of Personnel Management. "General Schedule Pay Tables." opm.gov. Federal salary scales and locality pay adjustments for government positions.
4. CyberSeek. "Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map." cyberseek.org/heatmap. Government and defense sector cybersecurity workforce data.
5. CompTIA. "CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)." comptia.org/certifications/security. Exam objectives, pricing, and renewal requirements.