Work roles All 76 DCWF work roles across every workforce element. Despite the name, 8140 is not only about cyber jobs: help desk, system administration, network operations, database administration, program management and software development are all in scope.
Certification is only one of the three foundational routes — you complete any one of education, training, or certification , then residential qualification on top. Elements marked with a dot have no full matrix published yet.
Does your contract say IAT, IAM, IASAE or CSSP instead? Many contracts still require an 8570 level rather than a work role. Pick yours to see every certification listed for it and what each takes to earn. Levels and work roles are separate systems — there is no official mapping between them.
Prep courses for certifications in the matrix Expand a role below for its full qualification options. Courses are available for these certifications:
Only roles with published requirements (37 of 76) All (76) IT (Cyberspace) (11) Cybersecurity (14) Cyberspace Enablers (14) Software Engineering (8) Data/AI (11) Cyberspace Effects (13) Intelligence (Cyberspace) (5)
411 Technical Support Specialist Provides technical support to customers who need assistance utilizing client level hardware and software in accordance with established or approved organizational process components. (i.e., Master Incident Management Plan, when applicable). 421 Database Administrator Administers databases and/or data management systems that allow for the storage, query, and utilization of data. 431 Knowledge Manager Responsible for the management and administration of processes and tools that enable the organization to identify, document, and access intellectual capital and information content. 441 Network Operations (NETOPS) Specialist Plans, implements, and operates network services/systems, to include hardware and virtual environments. 451 System Administrator (SYSADMIN) Installs, configures, troubleshoots, and maintains hardware, software, and administers system accounts. 452 Secure Configuration Specialist (SCS) matrix pending Applies, verifies, and continuously monitors security configuration baselines for platforms, applications, and networked systems. Advises system owners on secure configuration requirements, drafts secure baseline artifacts (e.g., STIG checklists, CIS Benchmarks), and integrates automated compliance tooling. Collaborates with vulnerability management, DevSecOps, and Assessment & Authorization teams to ensure misconfiguration findings are identified, prioritized, and remediated across on prem and cloud environments. . 632 Systems Developer Designs, develops, tests, and evaluates information systems throughout the systems development lifecycle. 641 Systems Requirements Planner Consults with customers to evaluate functional requirements and translate functional requirements into technical solutions. 651 Enterprise Architect Develops and maintains business, systems, and information processes to support enterprise mission needs; develops information technology (IT) rules and requirements that describe baseline and target architectures. 661 Research & Development (R&D) Specialist Conducts software and systems engineering and software systems research in order to develop new capabilities, ensuring cybersecurity is fully integrated. Conducts comprehensive technology research to evaluate potential vulnerabilities in cyberspace systems. 671 System Testing and Evaluation (T&E) Specialist Plans, prepares, and executes tests of systems to evaluate results against specifications and requirements as well as analyze/report test results. 212 Cyber Defense Forensics Analyst Analyzes digital evidence and investigates computer security incidents to derive useful information in support of system/network vulnerability mitigation. 462 Control Systems Security Specialist Responsible for device, equipment, and system-level cybersecurity configuration and day-to-day security operations of control systems, including security monitoring and maintenance along with stakeholder coordination to ensure the system and its interconnections are secure in support of mission operations. 511 Cyber Defense Analyst Uses data collected from a variety of cyber defense tools (e.g., IDS alerts, firewalls, network traffic logs.) to analyze events that occur within their environments for the purposes of mitigating threats. 521 Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist Tests, implements, deploys, maintains, and administers the infrastructure hardware and software. 531 Cyber Defense Incident Responder Investigates, analyzes, and responds to cyber incidents within the network environment or enclave. 541 Vulnerability Assessment Analyst Performs assessments of systems and networks within the NE or enclave and identifies where those systems/networks deviate from acceptable configurations, enclave policy, or local policy. Measures effectiveness of defense-in-depth architecture against known vulnerabilities. 611 Authorizing Official/Designated Representative (AO/DR) Senior official or executive with the authority to formally assume responsibility for operating an information system at an acceptable level of risk to organizational operations (including mission, functions, image, or reputation), organizational assets, individuals, other organizations, and the Nation (CNSSI 4009). 612 Security Control Assessor Conducts independent comprehensive assessments of the management, operational, and technical security controls and control enhancements employed within or inherited by an information technology (IT) system to determine the overall effectiveness of the controls (as defined in NIST 800-37). 622 Secure Software Assessor Analyzes the security of new or existing computer applications, software, or specialized utility programs and provides actionable results. 631 Information Systems Security Developer Designs, develops, tests, and evaluates information system security throughout the systems development lifecycle. 633 System Security Engineer (SSE) matrix pending Contributes to the design, development, and delivery of mission-capable systems and supporting systems-of-systems (such as development, operational, or maintenance systems) so that they are protected against intentional subversion or forced failure. This includes ensuring stakeholder cybersecurity, survivability, and resiliency needs are addressed across the entire system lifecycle; and that there is necessary assurance in the system’s ability to operate in evolving mission and threat environments. . 652 Security Architect Designs enterprise and systems security throughout the development lifecycle; translates technology and environmental conditions (e.g., law and regulation) into security designs and processes. 722 Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) Responsible for the cybersecurity of a program, organization, system, or enclave. 723 Communications Security (COMSEC) Manager Manages the Communications Security (COMSEC) resources of an organization (CNSSI No. 4009). 211 Forensics Analyst Conducts deep-dive investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, to include digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. 221 Cyber Crime Investigator Identifies, collects, examines, and preserves evidence using controlled and documented analytical and investigative techniques. 711 Cyber Instructional Curriculum Developer Develops, plans, coordinates, and evaluates cyber training/education courses, methods, and techniques based on instructional needs. 712 Cyber Instructor Develops and conducts training or education of personnel within cyber domain. 731 Cyber Legal Advisor Provides legal advice and recommendations on relevant topics related to cyber law. 732 Privacy Compliance Manager Develops and oversees privacy compliance program and privacy program staff, supporting privacy compliance needs of privacy and security executives and their teams. 751 Cyber Workforce Developer and Manager Develop cyberspace workforce plans, strategies and guidance to support cyberspace workforce manpower, personnel, training and education requirements and to address changes to cyberspace policy, doctrine, materiel, force structure, and education and training requirements. 752 Cyber Policy and Strategy Planner Develops cyberspace plans, strategy and policy to support and align with organizational cyberspace missions and initiatives. 801 Program Manager Leads, coordinates, communicates, integrates and is accountable for the overall success of the program, ensuring alignment with critical agency priorities. 802 IT Project Manager Work that involves directly managing information technology projects to provide a unique service or product. 803 Product Support Manager Manages the package of support functions required to field and maintain the readiness and operational capability of systems and components. 804 IT Investment/Portfolio Manager Manages a portfolio of IT capabilities that align with the overall needs of mission and business enterprise priorities. 805 IT Program Auditor Conducts evaluations of an IT program or its individual components, to determine compliance with published standards. 901 Executive Cyber Leader Executes decision making authorities and establishes vision and direction for an organization's cyber and cyber-related resources and/or operations. (to be used for Go/FO/SES only) 461 Systems Security Analyst matrix pending Responsible for the analysis and development of the integration, testing, operations, and maintenance of systems security. 621 Software Developer matrix pending Develops, creates, maintains, and writes/codes new (or modifies existing) computer applications, software, or specialized utility programs. 625 Product Designer User Interface (UI) matrix pending Manages the user interface design portion of the design process of a product. 626 Service Designer User Experience (UX) matrix pending Manages the user experience of a product focused on human factors by making products intuitive and maximizing usability, accessibility, and simplicity. 627 Development, Security, Operations (DevSecOps) Specialist matrix pending Selects/Deploys/Maintains the set of Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) tools and processes used by the development team and/or maintains the deployed software product and ensures observability and security across the lifecycle. 628 Software/Cloud Architect matrix pending Manages and identifies program high-level technical specifications, which may include application design, cloud computing strategy and adoption, and integration of software applications into a functioning system to meet requirements. 673 Software Test & Evaluation Specialist matrix pending Plans, prepares, and performs testing, evaluation, verification, and validation of software to evaluate results against specifications, requirements, and operational need. 806 Product Manager matrix pending Manages the development of products including the resource management, product strategy (physical or digital), functional requirements, and releases. Coordinate work done by functions (like software engineers, data scientists, and product designers). 422 Data Analyst matrix pending Examines data from multiple disparate sources with the goal of providing new insight. Designs and implements custom algorithms, flow processes and layouts for complex, enterprise-scale data sets used for modeling, data mining, and research purposes. 423 Data Scientist matrix pending Uncovers and explains actionable insights from data by combining scientific method, math and statistics, specialized programming, advanced analytics, AI, and storytelling. 424 Data Steward matrix pending Develops and maintains plans, policies, and processes for data management, data governance, security, quality, accessibility, use, and disposal. 623 Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) Specialist matrix pending Designs, develops, and modifies AI applications, tools, and/or other solutions to enable successful accomplishment of mission objectives. 624 Data Operations Specialist matrix pending Builds, manages, and operationalizes data pipelines. 653 Data Architect matrix pending Designs a system’s data models, data flow, interfaces, and infrastructure to meet the information requirements of a business or mission. 672 AI Test & Evaluation Specialist matrix pending Performs testing, evaluation, verification, and validation on AI solutions to ensure they are developed to be and remain robust, resilient, responsible, secure, and trustworthy; and communicates results and concerns to leadership. 733 AI Risk & Ethics Specialist matrix pending Educates those involved in the development of AI and conducts assessments on the technical and societal risks across the lifecycle of AI solutions from acquisition or design to deployment and use. 753 AI Adoption Specialist matrix pending Facilitates AI adoption by supporting the users of AI-enabled solutions. 902 AI Innovation Leader matrix pending Builds the organization’s AI vision and plan and leads policy and doctrine formation including how AI solutions can or will be used. 903 Data Officer matrix pending Holds responsibility for developing, promoting, and overseeing implementation of data as an asset and the establishment and enforcement of data-related strategies, policies, standards, processes, and governance. 121 Exploitation Analyst matrix pending Collaborates to identify access and collection gaps that can be satisfied through cyber collection and/or preparation activities. Leverages all authorized resources and analytic techniques to penetrate targeted networks. 122 Digital Network Exploitation Analyst (DNEA) matrix pending The DNEA analyzes intercepted intelligence information for metadata and content. They use this data to reconstruct and document target networks to judge the intelligence value and maintain target continuity. DNEAs understand and analyze target implementation of communication technologies and digital network systems. They discover methods and suggest strategies to exploit specific target networks, computer systems, or specific hardware and/or software. 131 Joint Targeting Analyst (JTA) matrix pending Joint Targeting Analysts conduct target development at the system, component and entity levels. Builds and maintains Electronic Target Folders (ETFs), to include inputs from JIPOE, Target System Analysis (TSA), GMI and other IC sources. Senior analysts run collaborative target working groups across Geographic Combatant Commands (GCCs) and IC members, and present candidate targets for IC vetting and commander’s approval for inclusion on target lists. JTAs assess damage resulting from the application of lethal or non-lethal military force, and write Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) reports and coordinate federated support as required. 132 Target Digital Network Analyst (TDNA) matrix pending The TDNA conducts advanced analysis of collection and open-source data to ensure target continuity, profile targets and their activities, and develop techniques to gain more target cyberspace operations related information. They possess knowledge of target cyberspace technologies and apply skills and knowledge of cyberspace networks and the applications on them to determine how targets communicate, move, operate, and live within the cyberspace domain. TDNAs apply analytical techniques to review relevant content carried in target cyberspace communications. The TDNA uses data from networks of all forms for target development. TDNAs are technology savvy and can be flexible enough to rapidly shift from one target to another. 133 Target Analyst Reporter (TAR) matrix pending The Target Analyst Reporter (TAR) provides synthesized products to customers by researching, analyzing, and reporting intelligence via appropriate reporting vehicles in response to customer requirements and IAW missions of SIGINT, cybersecurity, and cyberspace operations. They prioritize, assess, evaluate, and report information obtained from SIGINT collection, cyber surveillance, and reconnaissance operations sources. The TAR enhances reporting with collateral information as required, maintains awareness of internal and external customer requirements, and collaborates with other collectors and analysts to refine collection and reporting requirements. The TAR shares target-related information and provides feedback to customers as appropriate. The TAR develops working aids and provides database updates on target activity to enhance and build target knowledge and improve collection. The TAR performs quality control and product-release functions. 321 Access Network Operator matrix pending Access Network Operators conduct access collection, processing, and/or geolocation of wired or wireless computer and digital networks in order to exploit, locate, and/or track targets of interest. 322 Cyberspace Operator matrix pending Cyberspace Operators use a wide range of software applications for network navigation, tactical forensic analysis, surveillance and reconnaissance, and executing on-net operations in support of offensive cyberspace operations when directed. 332 Cyber Operations Planner matrix pending Develops detailed plans for the conduct or support of the applicable range of cyber operations through collaboration with other planners, operators and/or analysts. Participates in targeting selection, validation, synchronization, and enables integration during the execution of cyber actions. 341 Cyberspace Capability Developer (CCD) matrix pending Cyberspace Capability Developer (CCD) provides software and hardware capabilities that produce cyberspace effects in and throughout cyberspace operations through vulnerability analysis, and software research and development. 442 Network Technician matrix pending The Network Technician provides enterprise and tactical infrastructure knowledge, experience, and integration to the Cyber Protection Team (CPT). The Network Technician supports CPT elements by understanding of network technologies, defining mission scope, and identifying terrain. 443 Network Analyst matrix pending The Network Analyst will understand network traffic signatures and discover anomalies through network traffic and packet capture (PCAP) analysis. The Network Analyst will identify, assess, and mitigate intrusions into networks that are vital to cyberspace operations security. Network Analysts also use GUI or command-line based tools and assist in developing network mapping and signatures. Network Analysts will develop advanced network detection rules and alerts, queries and dashboards to gain a holistic view of the network. 463 Host Analyst matrix pending A Host Analyst (HA) will have knowledge of various system configurations encountered. This work role also performs analysis using built-in tools and capabilities. A Host Analyst will have knowledge of system services and the security and configuration of them, as well as knowledge of file systems, permissions, and operation system configurations. The Host Analyst conducts analysis using built-in tools and capabilities. 551 Red Team Specialist matrix pending Leverages tools, systems, and utilities necessary to enhance the security posture of an organization, conducts threat and risk assessments, and performs testing and evaluation in accordance with legal and organizational requirements, policies, and regulations. 111 All-Source Analyst matrix pending Analyzes data/information from one or multiple sources to conduct preparation of the environment, respond to requests for information, and submit intelligence collection and production requirements in support of planning and operations. 151 Multi-Disciplined Language Analyst matrix pending Applies language and culture expertise with target/threat and technical knowledge to process, analyze, and/or disseminate intelligence information derived from language, voice and/or graphic material. Creates, and maintains language specific databases and working aids to support cyber action execution and ensure critical knowledge sharing. Provides subject matter expertise in foreign language-intensive or interdisciplinary projects. 311 All Source-Collection Manager matrix pending Identifies collection authorities and environment; incorporates priority information requirements into collection management; develops concepts to meet leadership’s intent. Determines capabilities of available collection assets, identifies new collection capabilities; and constructs and disseminates collection plans. Monitors execution of tasked collection to ensure effective execution of the collection plan. 312 All Source-Collection Requirements Manager matrix pending Evaluates collection operations and develops effects-based collection requirements strategies using available sources and methods to improve collection. Develops, processes, validates, and coordinates submission of collection requirements. Evaluates performance of collection assets and collection operations. 331 Cyber Intelligence Planner matrix pending Develops detailed intelligence plans to satisfy cyber operations requirements. Collaborates with cyber operations planners to identify, validate, and levy requirements for collection and analysis. Participates in targeting selection, validation, synchronization, and execution of cyber actions. Synchronizes intelligence activities to support organization objectives in cyberspace. 