What the DoD and Certification – Directive 8570
Updated: 02/18-2021
Obviously, the best measure of the value of a certification is how much it is in demand. Large companies and agencies are very influential with regards to the credibility and value of any certification track. Today we are focusing on how the Department of Defense views these certifications through its Directive 8570.
The Department of Defense Directive 8570
The Department of Defense Directive 8570.1 aka the Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program is a DoD program that sets the rules and offers guidance and procedures for the training, certification, and management of all government employees who fulfill IT Support and Information Assurance functions for the benefit of the DoD. These individuals are required to carry an approved and current certification for their particular job classification. CompTIA certifications are prominently featured among those required for Technical and Management functions.
Who do these requirements apply to?
All full or part-time military service members or local nationals with privileged access to a DoD IT system performing information assurance functions. This applies regardless of job or occupational functions. This also applies to any contractors working on DoD information assurance functions. This means that even though you may not be employed by the DoD if your employer does contract work for the DoD then the certification requirement applies to you too.
Information Assurance Technical Level I
For Information Assurance Technical Level I (IAT Level I) both the CompTIA A+ and Network+ exams meet the qualification requirement.
Information Assurance Technical Level II
For Information Assurance Technical Level II (IAT Level II) the CompTIA Security+ credential meets the qualification requirement.
Information Assurance Management Level I
For Information Assurance Management Level I (IAM Level I) the CompTIA Security+ credential meets the qualification requirement.
Below is a table showing the Department of Defense Directive 8570 as it pertains to the Information Assurance Technical Level I & II with the CompTIA certifications highlighted:
You will notice that it says “CE” after the certifications. This refers to Continuing Education. As CompTIA certifications earned post-2011 have to be renewed every three years there are Continuing Education programs available to help you keep the certification current without actually having to retake the exam(s). More on that in a future post.
CertBlaster practice tests prepare you to take these CompTIA exams, here are the links:
