DoD Approved 8570 Baseline Certifications, also known as DoD 8570 certifications or DoD Directive 8570 certifications, refer to a set of cybersecurity certifications that are required by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for certain information security positions within the department. The certifications are part of the DoD’s initiative to improve the cybersecurity skills and capabilities of its workforce.

DoD Directive 8570, which was originally introduced in 2005 and updated in 2010 and 2017, mandates that personnel performing specific information assurance (IA) functions within the DoD must obtain and maintain baseline certifications that align with their job roles. The directive recognizes different certification levels based on the complexity and sensitivity of the IA functions.

The DoD Approved 8570 Baseline Certifications are divided into different categories or levels, known as Information Assurance Technical (IAT) and Information Assurance Management (IAM) levels. These levels are associated with specific job roles and responsibilities within the DoD’s cybersecurity workforce. Some common certifications within these categories include:

1. IAT Level I: This level is for personnel performing basic network administration and technical support tasks. Example certifications include CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

2. IAT Level II: This level is for personnel involved in system administration and security tasks. Example certifications include CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security.

3. IAT Level III: This level is for personnel responsible for enterprise-level security operations and management. Example certifications include Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

4. IAM Level I: This level is for personnel involved in the management of information security functions. Example certifications include CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+, and CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+).

5. IAM Level II: This level is for personnel responsible for managing and directing the IA workforce. Example certifications include CISSP, CISM, and CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+).

The DoD Approved 8570 Baseline Certifications help ensure that individuals responsible for the security and protection of DoD information systems possess the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties effectively. These certifications provide a standardized framework for training and certifying cybersecurity professionals within the DoD, helping to enhance the overall cybersecurity posture of the department.

It’s important to note that the specific certification requirements may vary based on the job roles and positions within the DoD, and they may change over time as new certifications are introduced or existing ones are updated. Therefore, individuals seeking employment or career advancement within the DoD’s cybersecurity workforce should consult the latest guidelines and requirements provided by the DoD to ensure compliance.