Training
Featured CourseView All Courses
Get a free hour of SANS training

Experience SANS training through course previews.

Learn More
Learning Paths
FeaturedView all Focus Areas
Cloud Security Training
Can't find what you are looking for?

Let us help.

Contact us
Resources
SANS Community Benefits

Connect, learn, and share with other cybersecurity professionals

CISO Network

Engage, challenge, and network with fellow CISOs in this exclusive community of security leaders

Join the SANS Community

Become a member for instant access to our free resources.

Sign Up
For Organizations
Public Sector

Mission-focused cybersecurity training for government, defense, and education

Partnerships

Explore industry-specific programming and customized training solutions

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsor a SANS event or research paper

Interested in developing a training plan to fit your organization’s needs?

We're here to help.

Contact Us
Talk with an expert
Talk with an expert

US Department of Defense 8140 Mandate

Talk with an expert
Department of Defense
Jump to:

8140 Framework Categories

The 8140 Framework Categories are a high-level grouping of common cybersecurity functions. Select a category below to help you identify the right certifications and affiliate training for your current or desired cybersecurity role.

Cyber IT

Build and sustain secure mission systems with expertise in administration, network operations, and technical support. These roles ensure reliable, resilient infrastructure.

Cyber IT
View Roles

Cybersecurity

Train defenders to identify threats, respond to incidents, and implement cyber controls across critical DoD systems. These roles support mission assurance through secure operations.

Cybersecurity
View Roles

Cyber Enablers

Personnel who perform work roles to support or facilitate the functions of cyber IT, cybersecurity, cyberspace effects, or intelligence workforce (cyberspace) work roles. This includes actions to support acquisition, training and leadership activities.

Enablers
View Roles

Cyber Effects

Equip cyber operators and planners for offensive missions--red teaming, joint targeting, and cyber exploitation. These roles shape the fight in contested domains.

Cyber Effects
View Roles

Intelligence (Cyberspace)

Develop cyber intelligence capabilities to support both strategic and tactical missions. Includes all-source analysts, collection managers, and cyber intel planners.

Intelligence
View Roles

Software Engineering

Design secure systems and mission apps with a focus on cloud, DevSecOps, and testing. These roles drive innovation and meet technical assurance goals.

Software Engineering
View Role

Download Your Comprehensive Guide to the DoD 8140 Directive

The updated DoD 8140 Qualification Program provides a comprehensive approach to managing cyber workforce talent. It establishes baseline standards for qualifications that directly support operational needs and workforce readiness. With the expansion of the DoD 8140 Cyber Workforce Qualification Program, around 225,000 military, civilian, and contractor positions will have foundational and residential qualification criteria for each DoD Cyber Workforce Framework role.

GIAC offers the largest range of DoD-approved certifications. In this at-a-glance guide to 8140, discover compliance timelines, practical implications, a list of work roles mapped to qualifying GIAC Certifications, and more.

DoD 1840

Who is Affected by DoD 8140

All DoD personnel assigned to positions requiring the performance of cyberspace work, in accordance with the DoD Cyberspace Workforce Framework (DCWF). This includes Service members, DoD civilian employees (including non-appropriated fund employees), personnel who provide contracted services (referred to in this issuance as "contractors"), and foreign nationals. 

  • Office of the Secretary of Defense
  • Military Departments
  • Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
  • Combatant Commands
  • Office of the Inspector General of the DoD
  • US Coast Guard
  • Defense Agencies
  • DoD Field Activities
  • All other organizational entities in the DoD

DoD 8140 Requires:

Foundational Qualification

  • Proficiency Levels - Basic, Intermediate and Advanced
  • Options - Certification (GIAC), Training (SANS) and Education (SANS EDU)

Residential Qualification

  • On the Job Qualification - Always Required
  • Environment-Specific Requirements - Component Discretion

Annual Maintenance

  • Certification CPE's (Keep Current) or 20 Hours Annually
DoD 1840

Additional Information

DoD 8140 Cyber Workforce Qualification Provider MarketplaceDoD CIO Cyber Workforce Recording
DoD 1840

Reviews

Slide 1 of 0
US Department of Defense 8140 Mandate