DoD 8140 Certifications: System Administrator (451)

Installs, configures, troubleshoots and maintains hardware and software, and administers system accounts.

Validates knowledge of securing cloud environments, including architecture, data, platforms, applications, operations and cloud legal and compliance requirements.

734Has prerequisites

Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate · Advanced

CompTIA A+ credential artwork

CompTIA A+

CompTIA · Exam 220-1201 / 220-1202

Validates foundational IT support knowledge across hardware, operating systems, networking, security and troubleshooting common technical problems.

548No prerequisites

Approved DoD levels: Basic

CompTIA Cloud+ credential artwork

CompTIA Cloud+

CompTIA · Exam CV0-004

Validates knowledge of cloud architecture, deployment, operations, security, DevOps fundamentals and troubleshooting across multi-vendor cloud environments.

399No prerequisites

Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate

CompTIA Network+ credential artwork

CompTIA Network+

CompTIA · Exam N10-009

Validates knowledge of networking concepts, implementation, operations, security and troubleshooting for managing and supporting modern networks.

399No prerequisites

Approved DoD levels: Basic

CompTIA Security+ credential artwork

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA · Exam SY0-701

Validates knowledge of security threats, protective controls, risk management and incident response across modern IT environments.

439No prerequisites

Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate

CompTIA SecurityX credential artwork

CompTIA SecurityX

CompTIA · Exam CAS-005

Validates knowledge of enterprise security architecture and engineering, including governance, risk, compliance and security operations.

544No prerequisites

Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate · Advanced

Validates hands-on knowledge of securing industrial control systems, including architecture, threats and attacks, communications, hardening, governance and recovery.

999No prerequisites

Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate

Validates knowledge of access control, networking, cryptography, Linux and Windows security, cloud security and incident handling.

999No prerequisites

Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate

Validates practical skills in implementing access controls, monitoring risk, responding to incidents and securing networks, systems and applications.

384Has prerequisites

Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate

Choosing a certification for DoD 8140

What does DoD proficiency mean?

Use the DoD proficiency required for your work role by the employer or supervisor. It describes the work, not the difficulty of a certification.

  • Basic: routine work with guidance.
  • Intermediate: less routine work with periodic guidance.
  • Advanced: complex work with little guidance.

A higher approved level also satisfies lower levels for the same role. Leave the filter at “Any proficiency” if you do not know the requirement.

What does certification approval cover?

A certification meets only the relevant foundational qualification option; on-the-job qualification, environment-specific requirements and continuing development are separate.

Sources and scope

Explicit certification mappings come from the official DoD 8140 qualification matrix v2.1, effective September 19, 2025 and checked October 17, 2026. Rows marked pending OPR validation are excluded. This directory covers the credentials in CertUp, not every qualification option in the matrix.

Confirm the work role, proficiency and accepted qualification with the employer or supervisor before choosing a credential. See the official document library for current policy and guidance.