Skip to main content

DoD 8570/8140 Certification List & Baseline Requirements

See which DoD 8570/8140 certifications you need for IAT, IAM, IASAE and CSSP roles – and how to fast-track your baseline exam with guaranteed pass help.

See which certifications meet DoD 8570/8140 requirements for IAT, IAM, IASAE and CSSP roles – and how to fast-track your required baseline cert without months of stressful study.

If you work with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) systems, you must match your job role to an approved DoD 8570/8140 baseline certification. The problem? The official charts are confusing, job titles rarely match exactly, and many contractors only have 30–60 days to become compliant.

This guide explains the DoD 8570/8140 certification list by category and level, maps it to real-world roles, and shows how busy professionals use CertWizard to pass required exams fast through safe, private exam assistance.

Get DoD 8570/8140 Exam Help (Fast & Guaranteed Pass) 

⭐ Trusted by busy DoD & contractor staff – see reviews on Trustpilot 

DoD 8570 8140 certification list and baseline cybersecurity certifications for IAT, IAM and IASAE roles

DoD 8570/8140 at a Glance

Before diving into the full certification list, here’s a quick overview of what DoD 8570/8140 actually means for your cybersecurity career and your job contract.

  • DoD 8570 is the original directive defining mandatory cybersecurity certifications for DoD IT, cyber and contractor roles.
  • DoD 8140 is the updated framework that replaces 8570 and maps certifications to specific work roles and baseline requirements.
  • Most job descriptions and contracts still say “DoD 8570 compliant” even though the underlying rules are now 8140-based.
  • Your role (help desk, sysadmin, manager, architect, SOC, red team, etc.) is mapped to a category & level such as IAT I–III, IAM I–III, IASAE I–III or CSSP roles.
  • For each category and level, the directive lists specific approved certifications (Security+, CISSP, CISM, CEH, CySA+, CASP+/SecurityX and others).
  • If you work on a DoD contract, failure to obtain the right baseline certification in time can mean losing your position or contract eligibility.

DoD 8570 vs DoD 8140 – Why Both Still Matter

Officially, DoD 8140 is the newer directive that modernizes and expands the original DoD 8570 rules. In practice, recruiters, HR systems and contract documents continue to use the older wording – they ask for “DoD 8570 compliant” staff while referencing the DoD 8140 work role matrix behind the scenes.

For you as a candidate or contractor, the key question is simple: Which certification do I need to satisfy my IAT, IAM, IASAE or CSSP requirement? In the next sections, we’ll break the DoD 8570/8140 certification list down by category and level and map it to the most commonly required credentials.

If you want a deeper dive into every role and work category, check our in-depth guide Ultimate Overview of DoD 8570/8140, IAT, IAM and IASAE Certifications .

DoD 8570/8140 Role Categories: IAT, IAM, IASAE & CSSP

Under DoD 8570/8140, every cybersecurity and IT position that touches DoD systems is mapped to a category and level. Your required baseline certification depends on which of these buckets your job fits into.

Below is a simplified overview of the most common role categories. In the next section, we will connect these categories to the actual DoD 8570/8140 certification list (Security+, CISSP, CISM, CEH and more).

IAT – Information Assurance Technician (Levels I–III)

IAT roles are hands-on technical positions: help desk, desktop support, system administrators, network admins and incident responders working directly on DoD systems and networks.

Typical requirements include baseline certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or equivalent technical security certs that prove you can secure and troubleshoot DoD IT infrastructure.

IAM – Information Assurance Manager (Levels I–III)

IAM roles focus on managing cybersecurity programs, policy, risk and compliance. These are team leads, security managers and senior engineers responsible for ensuring systems meet DoD security requirements.

Common baseline certifications here include management-focused credentials such as CISSP or CISM, which demonstrate your ability to govern and oversee security.

IASAE – Information Assurance System Architect & Engineer (Levels I–III)

IASAE roles are aimed at architects and senior engineers who design, integrate and validate secure DoD systems and mission platforms.

These positions typically require advanced certifications such as CISSP (often with a concentration) or equivalent high-level security engineering credentials.

CSSP – Cybersecurity Service Provider Roles

CSSP work roles cover SOC analysts, incident responders, auditors, infrastructure support and managers providing always-on cyber defense services to DoD networks.

Here you often see certifications such as CEH, CySA+, advanced GIAC certs and other hands-on cyber defense credentials mapped to specific CSSP roles under DoD 8140.

Not sure which category your current job or target role falls into? Our team can help you map your position to the correct DoD 8570/8140 baseline requirement and choose the fastest, safest certification path.

DoD 8570/8140 Certification List by Category & Level

The official DoD 8570/8140 charts look intimidating, but in practice most roles rely on a core group of well-known certifications. Below is a simplified view of the most commonly required baseline certifications by category and level, so you can quickly see which certs match your job.

Always check your contract or position description for the exact requirement, but you can safely use this list as a starting point when planning your DoD 8570/8140 path.

IAT – Information Assurance Technician (Levels I–III)

IAT staff install, operate and secure servers, endpoints and networks. Think help desk, desktop support, system and network admins working directly on DoD systems.

  • IAT Level I (entry-level technicians)
    Typical baseline options include vendor-neutral foundational certs that prove basic security skills.
  • IAT Level II (experienced sysadmins & network admins)
    Frequently accepted certifications:
    • CompTIA Security+ – the most common IAT II baseline; covers core network security, risk and incident response.
    • Other equivalent security technician certs (SSCP, GSEC and similar), depending on command or contract.
  • IAT Level III (senior technical leads)
    Typically mapped to advanced technical security certifications such as high-level vendor-neutral or vendor-specific security credentials (including advanced CompTIA, GIAC or similar).

IAM – Information Assurance Manager (Levels I–III)

IAM roles focus on governance, risk and compliance. These are team leads, security managers and senior engineers ensuring systems meet DoD security policy.

  • IAM Level I
    Often accepts intermediate management or security governance certifications.
  • IAM Level II
    Commonly requested:
  • IAM Level III
    Senior managers and CISOs typically need CISSP, CISM or equivalent high-level leadership certs accepted by their command.

IASAE – Information Assurance System Architect & Engineer (Levels I–III)

IASAE professionals design and validate secure architectures, crypto, software and mission systems. These are senior engineers and architects.

  • IASAE I & II
    Typically require advanced certifications that prove deep technical and design expertise, such as CISSP or similar architect-level credentials.
  • IASAE III
    Senior architects and engineering authorities often need CISSP with an architecture or engineering concentration or equivalent high-end security engineering certs.

CSSP – Cybersecurity Service Provider Roles

CSSP positions cover SOC analysts, incident responders, auditors, infrastructure support and managers who provide 24/7 defense of DoD networks.

  • CSSP Analyst / Incident Responder
    Frequently aligned with hands-on cyber defense and ethical hacking certifications such as:
    • CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker – widely used for offensive security and vulnerability assessment roles.
    • Other blue-team / SOC certifications (for example, threat detection and incident response-focused certs).
  • CSSP Auditor & Manager
    Often mapped to governance and audit-oriented certifications, including CISM, CISSP or audit-focused certs depending on the exact work role.

If your command, unit or contractor HR gave you a specific IAT/IAM/IASAE/CSSP requirement but you are still unsure which exam to take, CertWizard can review your situation and recommend the fastest acceptable baseline certification for your role.

How to Choose the Right DoD 8570/8140 Certification for Your Role

The DoD 8570/8140 certification list can feel overwhelming. Most professionals don’t start with a blank page – they already have a job title, a contract requirement and a rough deadline. The smartest way to choose is to start from your role and constraints, not from the full matrix.

Below are common real-world situations and which baseline certifications typically make the most sense. Use these as guidance, then confirm with your unit, HR or contract manager.

Scenario 1: New to Cybersecurity (Help Desk, Junior Admin) – IAT I / IAT II

You work in support, desktop, junior sysadmin or network roles and need a quick, recognized baseline cert to stay compliant and open doors into cyber roles.

  • For most IAT II positions, the safest and fastest choice is CompTIA Security+ – it is widely accepted across DoD and satisfies many entry- to mid-level security requirements.
  • If your command allows alternatives, comparable foundational security certifications may also qualify, but Security+ remains the most common request in job postings.

If you are under a tight deadline or worried about failing, CertWizard can help you secure Security+ fast via safe remote exam assistance instead of months of self-study.

Scenario 2: Moving into Management – IAM II / IAM III

You are a senior engineer, team lead or aspiring manager and want a certification that proves your ability to govern, manage and audit security programs.

  • For IAM II roles, the classic choices are CISSP and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) .
  • These certifications are preferred when you want to lead teams, own risk registers and talk to auditors, not just configure firewalls.

CISSP and CISM are challenging, multi-domain exams. Many DoD professionals use CertWizard’s exam proxy help to guarantee a pass and move into IAM roles without sacrificing evenings and weekends for months.

Scenario 3: SOC, Red Team or Incident Response – CSSP Roles

Your work is hands-on: monitoring, hunting, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment or incident response. You need a certification that proves offensive or defensive cyber skills.

  • Many CSSP Analyst and Incident Responder positions accept CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker or similar hands-on offensive/defensive certs.
  • Some roles may also require additional blue-team or GIAC-style certifications, depending on command and mission.

If your contract mentions a specific CSSP role but lists multiple acceptable certs, we can help you pick the easiest exam option and handle the entire online proctored exam process for you.

Scenario 4: Contractor Under Deadline – Any Category

You already know which certification you need, but you have very little time and cannot risk a failed attempt because your position or project depends on compliance.

In this case, the question is not “Which exam?” – it is “How can I pass this exam on the first try?”. This is exactly where CertWizard’s DoD 8140/8570 exam help service is designed to help:

  • We confirm your required baseline certification and eligibility.
  • We handle scheduling and remote assistance for the online proctored exam.
  • You get a guaranteed pass and official certification in your vendor account.

Not sure which path matches your background, budget and deadline? Share your current role, target job and contract requirement with us and we will propose the simplest DoD 8570/8140 certification route for you.

Traditional DoD 8570/8140 Study vs CertWizard Fast-Track Exam Help

Once you know which DoD 8570/8140 certification you need, you face a tough choice: spend months studying and hope you pass, or use a fast, guaranteed exam assistance service that takes the risk and stress off your shoulders. Here is how the two paths really compare for busy DoD staff and contractors.

Traditional Path – Self-Study & Multiple Exam Attempts

  • Spend 2–6 months reading books, watching videos and doing practice tests after work.
  • Pay for bootcamps and training on top of the official exam fee.
  • Risk failing the exam once or twice, wasting time and money and delaying DoD 8140 compliance.
  • Constant stress that a failed attempt may affect your contract renewal or promotion.
  • No guarantee of success – even strong professionals sometimes miss the passing score by a few points.

CertWizard Fast-Track – Online DoD 8570/8140 Exam Assistance

  • We confirm your required baseline cert (Security+, CISSP, CISM, CEH, etc.) based on your work role.
  • You get a clear price and timeline for passing your online proctored exam with our exam proxy help.
  • Our certified experts assist you remotely on exam day, so you pass on the first attempt.
  • Your official result and certificate appear in your vendor account (Pearson VUE, Prometric, etc.).
  • 100% guaranteed exam pass – if we don’t deliver, you don’t lose your money.

This approach is ideal when your DoD 8570/8140 compliance deadline is close, you have family or deployment duties, and you simply cannot afford a failed attempt.

Instead of guessing, let our team review your current role, contract requirement and target certification, then design a done-for-you DoD 8570/8140 exam pass plan that fits your schedule and risk tolerance.

How CertWizard Helps You Pass DoD 8570/8140 Exams Step-by-Step

Most DoD professionals we work with are already overloaded with missions, shifts and family life. They don’t have the time or energy for months of self-study – especially when their job, clearance or contract depends on passing a single exam. That is exactly why the CertWizard DoD 8140/8570 exam help service exists.

Here is how we take you from “I need this baseline cert fast” to “officially certified and compliant” with a 100% guaranteed exam pass.

Step 1 – You Tell Us Your Role, Contract and Deadline

You contact us with your current job title, DoD 8570/8140 requirement (IAT/IAM/IASAE/CSSP), any instructions from HR or your manager, and your timeline for compliance. We also ask which certifications you already hold and whether you have attempted any exams before.

Step 2 – We Map You to the Easiest Approved Baseline Certification

Our team reviews your information and confirms which approved DoD 8570/8140 certification (for example Security+, CISSP, CISM, CEH and others) is both accepted for your work role and realistic to complete quickly. You receive a clear recommendation so you don’t waste months aiming for the wrong exam.

Step 3 – Agreement, Payment Plan and Exam Scheduling

Once you agree on the certification and terms, we set up a transparent price, timeline and payment plan. Then we schedule your online proctored exam through the official testing provider (such as Pearson VUE or Prometric) for a date and time that fits your duty roster and time zone.

Step 4 – Remote Exam Assistance on the Day of the Test

On exam day, you follow our simple technical instructions to connect with our certified expert. We handle the hard part in the background so you can complete the online exam smoothly. No brain dumps, no risky websites – just a discreet, professional proxy exam service based on real experience with the test.

Step 5 – Guaranteed Pass and Official Certification in Your Account

After the exam, your passing result and certificate appear in your official vendor account just like any other candidate. You can share your certification with your employer, update DoD 8140 compliance records and use it on LinkedIn and CV.

Our service includes a 100% exam pass guarantee. If we don’t deliver a pass as agreed, you are protected by our terms – that is why so many DoD professionals recommend us on Trustpilot .

Whether you need Security+ for IAT II, CISSP/CISM for IAM or CEH for CSSP, CertWizard can turn a stressful, risky exam into a simple, done-for-you process that keeps your career and contract safe.

Salary, Job Roles & Career Impact of DoD 8570/8140 Certifications

DoD 8570/8140 certifications are not “nice to have”. For many military, civilian and contractor positions they are mandatory – and they have a direct impact on your salary, job security and future career options. Here is how earning the right baseline certification changes your day-to-day reality.

1. Stronger Job Security & Contract Eligibility

  • DoD 8570/8140 baseline certs are often a hard requirement for your billet or position.
  • Without the right certification, you can be removed from a role or blocked from certain projects.
  • With the correct baseline cert, it is easier to stay on high-value, long-term contracts.
  • You become less replaceable, because you satisfy both skills and compliance checkboxes.

2. Higher Pay Bands, Bonuses & Promotion Paths

  • HR and recruiters use DoD 8570/8140 certs (Security+, CISSP, CISM, CEH, etc.) as filters for higher-grade roles.
  • Many organizations tie pay bands and bonuses directly to holding a specific baseline certification.
  • Management and lead roles often require IAM-level certs – without them you stay stuck at the technical level.
  • Becoming the person who is “already 8570/8140 compliant” often means you get the promotion or raise first.

3. Easier Lateral Moves, Overseas Posts & Clearance-Friendly Careers

  • Holding a recognized DoD 8570/8140 certification makes it easier to move between units, bases and contractors.
  • For many overseas and deployed roles, being fully compliant is a minimum entry condition.
  • Well-known certs such as Security+, CISSP, CISM and CEH are valued in civilian and private-sector jobs too.
  • If you ever leave the DoD ecosystem, your certifications follow you and help you get remote or commercial cyber roles.

In short, the right DoD 8570/8140 certification does more than tick a compliance box. It protects your current job, increases your earning power and keeps doors open for future moves inside and outside the DoD world. If you cannot afford to fail or delay, CertWizard can help you reach that certified status quickly and safely.

DoD 8570/8140 Certification FAQs – Baseline Requirements, Exams & CertWizard Service

Still have questions about how DoD 8570/8140 works, which certification you really need and how CertWizard can help? Start with the answers below or contact us directly with your specific situation.

Is DoD 8570 still valid, or is everything 8140 now?

DoD 8140 is the newer directive that expands and replaces the original DoD 8570 rules. However, most job ads, HR systems and contract documents still use the phrase “DoD 8570 compliant”. In practice, you are evaluated against the DoD 8140 work role matrix, but recruiters keep using the older wording. That is why this article and our services cover both 8570 and 8140 together.

Which DoD 8570/8140 certification do I personally need?

It depends on your work role (IAT, IAM, IASAE, CSSP), level and contract. For example:

  • IAT II roles commonly use CompTIA Security+.
  • IAM II roles often require CISSP or CISM.
  • CSSP analyst and incident responder roles may accept CEH or similar cyber defense certs.

If you send us your job title, contract requirement and deadline, our team will map you to the easiest accepted baseline certification and propose a fast exam plan.

How long does it normally take to get DoD 8570/8140 certified?

With traditional self-study, most people need 2–6 months to prepare for exams like Security+, CISSP, CISM or CEH – and many still fail on the first attempt. Using CertWizard exam assistance, you skip the long study phase and move straight to a scheduled online proctored exam with a guaranteed pass, which is why our service is popular with DoD staff under strict deadlines.

Can I pass DoD 8570/8140 exams without spending months studying?

Yes. That is exactly what the CertWizard DoD 8140/8570 exam help service is designed for. Instead of reading books and watching videos for months, you work with our team to choose the right approved exam, schedule a convenient online proctored test and use our remote exam assistance to pass on the first attempt. This saves time, reduces stress and protects your job and contract.

How is CertWizard different from brain dumps or cheating sites?

Brain dump websites share stolen or outdated questions and often get candidates banned by the vendor. They are risky, inaccurate and easily detectable.

CertWizard provides a professional exam proxy service with experienced experts. We do not sell files or “latest dumps”. Instead, we manage the full online proctored exam process so you can get a guaranteed pass and a valid certification in your official vendor account, backed by real Trustpilot reviews .

Will my employer or DoD be able to verify my certification?

Yes. After we complete the process, your official result and certificate appear in your vendor account (for example, CompTIA, (ISC)², ISACA or EC-Council). Your employer and DoD can verify your status using the standard verification tools provided by the certification body, just like any other candidate.

What happens if I fail the exam with CertWizard’s service?

Our DoD 8570/8140 exam help service includes a 100% exam pass guarantee. The exact terms depend on the exam and agreement, but the idea is simple: you are protected. Reach out to our team for details about your specific certification and we will explain the guarantee before you decide.

How do I get started with CertWizard for my DoD 8570/8140 requirement?

The easiest way is to send us a short message with:

  • Your current role and target role (IAT, IAM, IASAE, CSSP).
  • The certification you have been told to obtain (if specified).
  • Your approximate deadline for DoD 8140 compliance.

We will then recommend the best exam for your situation and outline a complete, done-for-you exam pass plan. You can learn more on our dedicated DoD 8140/8570 exam help page .

Next Steps: Get Your DoD 8570/8140 Baseline Certification Done

DoD 8570/8140 is more than a policy document – it is a career filter. The right baseline certification can decide whether you stay on a high-value contract, qualify for a promotion or even keep your current position. Security+, CISSP, CISM, CEH and other approved certs are the “keys” that unlock those roles.

In this article, you saw how the framework maps roles like IAT, IAM, IASAE and CSSP to specific certifications, how to choose the right exam for your situation and how CertWizard can turn a risky, stressful exam into a simple, guaranteed process.

Your next step is simple: decide whether you want to spend months preparing and hoping you pass, or let a specialized team handle the online exam for you with a 100% exam pass guarantee. If you choose the second option, CertWizard is ready to help.

Join hundreds of DoD civilians, military members and contractors who already used CertWizard to become DoD 8570/8140 compliant without sacrificing their family time, leave days or mission focus. Check our real client feedback on Trustpilot and then reach out to discuss your case.

CertWizard IT certification exam proxy and exam help service logo

About CertWizard – Your DoD 8570/8140 Exam Pass Partner

CertWizard is a specialized IT certification exam proxy and remote exam assistance service focused on helping busy professionals pass online proctored exams with a guaranteed result.

For more than a decade, the CertWizard team has helped candidates worldwide secure high-stakes certifications from vendors such as Microsoft, Cisco, AWS, CompTIA, ISACA, (ISC)², EC-Council and others. A large part of our work is dedicated to DoD 8570/8140 baseline certifications (Security+, CISSP, CISM, CEH and more) for military, civilian and contractor staff who must stay compliant under strict deadlines.

We specialize in online exam assistance for remote, proctored exams. Instead of spending months on self-study and risking a failed attempt, our clients use CertWizard to schedule, manage and pass their required exams quickly and discreetly, with a 100% exam pass guarantee backed by real customer feedback.

This article was prepared by the CertWizard editorial team, combining hands-on experience with DoD 8570/8140 candidates, up-to-date knowledge of vendor exam changes and continuous feedback from clients working in DoD, federal agencies and defense contractors.

Connect with CertWizard & read real client reviews:

⭐ Reviews: Trustpilot 
🔗 Social: Facebook · Instagram · X (Twitter) · LinkedIn 

Note: CertWizard is an independent exam assistance provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense, CompTIA, (ISC)², ISACA, EC-Council or any other certification body. All trademarks and certification names are the property of their respective owners.