What certification do I need?
Someone told you to get certified — a contract, an offer letter, or your security officer. Tell us what they said and we’ll tell you which certification satisfies it, how long it takes here, and where to start.
IAT — technical positions
The most common. A higher level satisfies the ones below it.
IAM — management positions
For positions responsible for security rather than hands-on administration.
CSSP — cybersecurity service provider roles
Five separate specialties. These do not cascade — each needs its own certification.
IASAE — architects and engineers
Design and build roles. These do not cascade either.
If it just names a certification — “must obtain Security+” — that’s IAT Level II in the table above; the Security+ course starts free.
Not sure which applies? Most govcon IT positions are written as IAT Level II, and Security+ is the certification that satisfies it.