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DoD · Governance, Risk & Privacy · Associate

DoD 8140 Qualified Workforce (overview guide) exam guide

Exam DoDM 8140.03 (no single exam)

DoD Manual 8140.03 replaced the old DoD 8570.01-M baseline certification model with role-based qualification under the DoD Cyberspace Workforce Framework (DCWF). Personnel in cyber, IT, cybersecurity, data, AI and software work roles must meet foundational qualification (an approved certification, education or training) and residential qualification for their work role and proficiency level.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limitSee official page
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam feeSee official page
Valid forSee official page
DeliveryDetermined by component; certifications are taken through each vendor

Format: Qualification program: foundational options (certifications, education, training) plus residential (on-the-job) qualification. Fee note: Not applicable; costs depend on the certification or training chosen.

Who it's for

DoD civilians, military members and contractors in cyber-related work roles, plus hiring managers and contractors planning compliance.

What the exam covers

IT (Cyberspace) work roles—
Cybersecurity work roles—
Cyberspace Effects work roles—
Cyberspace Intelligence work roles—
Cyberspace Enablers work roles—
Data/AI work roles—
Software Engineering work roles—

A dash means the vendor does not publish a weight for that domain.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: Assignment to a DCWF-coded position; qualification requirements depend on work role and proficiency level (basic, intermediate, advanced).

Recommended: Review your position's DCWF code and the DoD Cyber Exchange qualification matrix for that work role.

Keeping it active

Personnel must keep certifications used for foundational qualification current with their vendors and complete annual continuous professional development (typically 20 hours) under DoDM 8140.03; components may add requirements.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Mapping a position to a DCWF work role
  • Selecting approved foundational qualification options
  • Planning residential qualification tasks
  • Tracking continuous professional development
  • Understanding 8570-to-8140 transition rules
  • Aligning contractor staffing with DFARS clauses

Job roles

Systems AdministratorCyber Defense AnalystNetwork Operations SpecialistInformation Systems Security ManagerAuthorizing Official Designated RepresentativeCyber Defense Incident ResponderSecurity Control Assessor

DoD 8140

This guide covers the DoDM 8140.03 qualification program itself; see each certification's guide for its approved work roles and proficiency levels on the DoD Cyber Exchange. Open the DoD Workforce Navigator

Where it fits in your path

Take before

No prerequisite certification needed.

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DoD 8140 Qualified Workforce (overview guide)

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Step 1: Find your position's DCWF work role code and proficiency level from your supervisor or contract.
  2. Step 2: Check the DoD Cyber Exchange 8140 qualification matrix for approved foundational options for that role.
  3. Step 3: Pick the option that also advances your career (often Security+, CySA+, CISSP or a vendor cert).
  4. Step 4: Complete residential qualification tasks with your component and record evidence.
  5. Step 5: Maintain your certification and log annual continuous professional development.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Confirm the exact work role code before buying a certification; options differ by role and level.
  • Use the DoD Cyber Exchange matrix as the authoritative list, not vendor marketing.
  • Certifications approved under 8570 often map to 8140, but proficiency level matters.
  • Education or DoD training can satisfy foundational qualification for some roles.
  • Keep certification CE requirements current; lapsed certifications break qualification.

Key terms for this exam

All 8 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

Is DoD 8570 still in effect?

No. DoDM 8140.03 replaced the 8570 model; 8570 baseline categories (IAT, IAM) were replaced by DCWF work roles.

What certification do I need for DoD 8140?

It depends on your DCWF work role and proficiency level; check the DoD Cyber Exchange qualification matrix.

Is Security+ still accepted under 8140?

Yes, CompTIA Security+ is an approved foundational option for many basic and intermediate work roles.

Does 8140 apply to contractors?

Yes. Contractors performing cyber work roles must meet qualification requirements through their contracts.

What is residential qualification?

On-the-job qualification in the specific environment, defined by each DoD component, in addition to foundational qualification.

Official page: public.cyber.mil. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.