CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is one of the few entry-level credentials that satisfies Department of Defense workforce requirements under both DoD 8140 and the legacy DoD 8570 framework. The current exam, launched November 7, 2023, carries a maximum of 90 questions across a 90-minute window and requires a passing score of 750 on a scale of 100 to 900. For anyone targeting federal or defense cybersecurity positions, this single certification opens IAT Level II and IAM Level I eligibility, covering the majority of technical and entry-management roles in the DoD cyberspace workforce. CompTIA recommends but does not require Network+ certification and two years of systems administration experience before attempting the exam.
How Security+ Maps to DoD Roles
Under the DoD 8140 Cyber Workforce Qualification Program, individual certifications may carry over from 8570 to 8140 depending on the work role and proficiency level assigned to a position. Security+ appears on the DoD approved list for multiple work roles, making it one of the most versatile entry points into government cybersecurity careers.
| DoD Tier | Level | Qualifying Certifications | Typical Roles | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IAT Level II | Mid-level technical | Security+, CySA+, GICSP, CCNA Security | Security Analyst, Systems Security Admin | $70,000–$110,000 |
| IAM Level I | Entry-level management | Security+, CAP, Cloud+, GSLC | IA Manager, Compliance Officer | $65,000–$95,000 |
These salary ranges reflect published federal and contractor data and vary by locality pay, security clearance level, and years of experience. IAT Level II remains the most frequently required qualification across DoD job postings, which is why Security+ consistently ranks as the most widely held DoD-approved certification among defense-sector professionals. The DoD 8140 framework assigns each position a primary work role code and up to two additional codes, allowing organizations to describe the full scope of cyber work for a single role.
From DoD 8570 to DoD 8140
The DoD transitioned from the 8570 Information Assurance Program upon release of DoDM 8140.03 on February 15, 2023. The newer framework shifts from a prescriptive, compliance-based approach to one that emphasizes demonstrated capability across work roles defined by the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework, also known as the DCWF.
- Broader scope: covers all cyberspace positions, not only Information Assurance
- Work-role-based structure: aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework
- Proficiency levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced replace simple tier designations
- Organizational flexibility: components can add requirements based on operational needs
The DoD explicitly states there is no formal crosswalk between 8570 and 8140 qualifications. This means an individual’s certifications may or may not carry over depending on the specific work role assigned to their position. Many job postings still reference 8570 terminology alongside 8140 work role codes, so understanding both frameworks remains essential for navigating defense-sector opportunities. When reviewing a posting, check both the 8570 level designation and any 8140 work role identifiers to confirm that Security+ meets the stated requirement.
Meeting IAT Level II Requirements
IAT Level II is the most commonly required DoD technical qualification, and Security+ is the most widely held certification that satisfies it. This tier covers positions such as Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Control Assessor, and Systems Security Administrator.
To qualify at IAT Level II under the legacy 8570 framework, candidates needed one approved certification from a list that includes Security+, SSCP, CCNA Security, CySA+, and GICSP. Under 8140, the same credential may satisfy the foundational qualification for equivalent work roles, though the specific mapping depends on the position’s assigned work role code and proficiency level.
Candidates targeting these roles should verify the exact certification listed in the job posting, as some positions accept multiple credentials while others specify Security+ by name. The credential remains valid for three years from the exam date, after which holders must renew through continuing education units or by retaking the current exam version.
CSSP Roles and Advancement
Beyond IAT and IAM levels, the DoD also defines Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP) roles that monitor, analyze, and respond to network threats. These specialized positions include CSSP Analyst, Infrastructure Support, Incident Responder, Auditor, and Service Provider Manager. Security+ is not the primary credential for these specialized roles, but it establishes the foundational knowledge that candidates need before pursuing CSSP-specific certifications such as CySA+ or CEH.
Professionals who start with Security+ can build a clear advancement path within the DoD framework. Earning CySA+ adds depth in threat detection and incident response, qualifying additional CSSP roles such as Analyst and Incident Responder. CASP+ or CISSP unlocks IAT Level III and IAM Level II or III positions, which correspond to senior architect and management roles with compensation ranges above $100,000. Each step in this progression builds directly on the foundational knowledge that Security+ establishes.
Building a Study Plan for SY0-701
The Security+ SY0-701 exam covers five domains, with Security Operations carrying the heaviest weight at 28 percent of total questions. General Security Concepts accounts for 12 percent, Threats Vulnerabilities and Mitigations for 22 percent, Security Architecture for 18 percent, and Security Program Management and Oversight for 20 percent.
- Download the official exam objectives from CompTIA and use them as a study tracker
- Complete at least one structured course aligned with the SY0-701 blueprint
- Run timed practice exams to build pacing for the 90-question, 90-minute format
- Practice performance-based questions, which require hands-on configuration tasks
- Review domain gaps identified by practice scores, prioritizing Security Operations
The official exam voucher costs $425 per attempt in the United States, purchased through Pearson VUE for either in-center or online proctored delivery. Because each voucher covers a single attempt, thorough preparation directly reduces total certification cost and avoids unnecessary retake fees.
If you are weighing whether this credential justifies the investment, our Security+ salary and ROI analysis breaks down the numbers. For a detailed walkthrough of what each domain tests, the Security+ exam objectives breakdown maps every topic.