Validates knowledge of attacker tools and techniques, including reconnaissance, system, network, web, wireless and cloud attacks, and cryptography.
1,050Has prerequisites
Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate
DoD 8140 Certifications: Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist (521)
Tests, deploys, maintains and administers the hardware and software that support cyber defense infrastructure.
Validates knowledge of designing security architecture, including governance, risk, architecture modeling, infrastructure security and identity and access management.
599Has prerequisites
Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate · Advanced
Validates knowledge of building security into systems from requirements through disposal, using systems engineering and risk management.
599Has prerequisites
Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate · Advanced
Validates foundational IT support knowledge across hardware, operating systems, networking, security and troubleshooting common technical problems.
548No prerequisites
Approved DoD levels: Basic
Validates knowledge of cloud architecture, deployment, operations, security, DevOps fundamentals and troubleshooting across multi-vendor cloud environments.
399No prerequisites
Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate
Validates knowledge of security operations, including alert and log analysis, vulnerability prioritization, incident handling and reporting.
439No prerequisites
Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate
Validates knowledge of networking concepts, implementation, operations, security and troubleshooting for managing and supporting modern networks.
399No prerequisites
Approved DoD levels: Basic
Validates practical skills in planning, performing and reporting penetration tests, from scoping and reconnaissance to exploitation and post-exploitation.
439No prerequisites
Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate
Validates knowledge of security threats, protective controls, risk management and incident response across modern IT environments.
439No prerequisites
Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate
Validates practical skills in network intrusion detection, including packet-level TCP/IP analysis, tcpdump, Wireshark, Snort, Zeek and network forensics.
999No 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 · Advanced
Validates knowledge of access control, networking, cryptography, Linux and Windows security, cloud security and incident handling.
999No prerequisites
Approved DoD levels: Basic · Intermediate
Validates foundational knowledge of security principles, governance, access control, network and cloud security, and security operations.
249No prerequisites
Approved DoD levels: Basic
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.