CompTIA and DoDM 8140.03: Upholding cybersecurity classification standards

Released in February 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense Manual 8140.03 (DoDM 8140.03) prescribes standards and assigns responsibilities for the management of the DoD cyber workforce to include workforce identification, tracking, qualification, and reporting.

The DoDM 8140.03 qualification standards focus on a demonstration of capability rather than a compliance-based approach, as was DoDM 8570.03, ensuring that the cyber workforce is competent in performing the required functions of their job role. In addition, organizations can feel empowered to maintain their own unique requirements based on operational needs.

The goals of the DoDM 8140.03 are to:

• Provide a larger array of standards-based certification and training options based on 72 job roles that the DoDM 8140.03 currently defines.
• Allow DoD workers to choose between certification and training options. For example, learners can choose certification for well-defined job roles or assessment-based training for emerging technologies. This gives the individual the choice of creative, compelling learning options that make learning easier, more hands-on, and more practical.
• Attract, upskill, and retain a more inclusive, diverse workforce and track their progress.

By February 2025, all DoD civilian employees and military service members in DCWF work roles under the cybersecurity workforce element must be qualified in accordance with DoDM 8140.03. If you or your organization are in need of training and certification as it relates to DoDM 8140.03 let CompTIA help. CompTIA currently has approval for 8 of their certifications across 31 work roles under DoDM 8140.03, including Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, CASP+ and more.

For essential insights on upskilling under the U.S. DoDM 8140.03 initiative, watch our webcasts Get a Head Start with DoDM 8140.03 Cybersecurity Workforce Qualifications and Upskilling to the DoDM 8140.03 cybersecurity workforce directive: What integrators need to know. Discover approved certifications, key roles like Security Analyst, and how CompTIA certifications align. Gain firsthand knowledge from experts experienced with the program.

See how CompTIA certifications map to DoDM 8140.03 work roles. Explore our interactive chart below.