Explore Cisco
The DoD 8140 is a mandate to provide qualified cyberspace government civilian and military personnel to identified and authorized positions, augmented where appropriate by contracted services support.

Cisco DoD Approved Certifications

DoD 8140 compliance and recognition

Cisco certifications compliant with DoD Directive 8140

The DoD 8140 is a mandate to provide qualified cyberspace government civilian and military personnel to identified and authorized positions, augmented where appropriate by contracted services support.

What you need to know

DoD approval of Cisco certifications

Cisco is an approved certifications vendor included in the DoD 8140 DCWF Workforce Qualification program. Cisco's DoD 8140 training has met the mandate to unify the cyber workforce, establish a common data model with the DCWF to identify and track workforce requirements and capabilities, develop and advance cyber workforce capabilities.

Why certify with Cisco?

Cisco's DoD 8140 training establishes a program with standard identification and qualification requirements for interoperability, while providing flexibility for Enterprise implementation and individual career path development.

Sign up for newsletter

Cisco Certifications approved for DoD 8140

Below is a table that indicates Cisco CCNA certification qualifies for 8140 work role, and Technical Support Specialist (441). Additionally, the Cisco CyberOps Associate certification has two approved 8140 work roles.

NOTE: Cisco is currently in process for adding additional certifications (CCNP Security and CyberOps Professional) and approved work roles.

CertificationWorkforce element8140 approved rolesCisco training
CCNACyberspace IT411 - Technical Support SpecialistCCNA
CyberOps AssociateCybersecurity

511 - Cyber Defense Analyst

521 - Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist

CyberOps Associate
CCNP Security

Cybersecurity

Cyberspace IT

631 - Information Systems Security Developer

651 - Enterprise Architect

652 - Security Architect

CCNP Security
CyberOps ProfessionalCybersecurityPending approvalCyberOps Professional
CCNP EnterpriseCyberspace IT

411 - Technical Support Specialist

441 - Network Operations Specialist

651 - Enterprise Architect

652 - Security Architect

CCNP Enterprise

Frequently asked questions

DoDM 8140.03 focuses on the demonstration of capability, which ensures the cyber workforce is able to perform required functions in the job environment. In addition, DoDM 8140.03 takes a targeted, role-based approach to ensure DoD cyber workforce requirements meet both position and mission needs. Finally, DoDM 8140.03 was designed with flexibility in mind. It allows personnel to leverage varied development pathways, while ensuring organizations are empowered to maintain their own unique requirements based on operational demands.

Yes, part of the DoD 8140.03 requirement is that Cisco must maintain ANSI 17024 for all those certifications listed on DoD 8140 Cyber Workforce Qualification Provider website.

DoD has decided on a phased approach.

  • February 15, 2025 the DoD will require civilian employees and military service members in DCWF work roles under the cybersecurity workforce element to be qualified in accordance with DoDM 8140.03.
  • February 15, 2026 all DoD civilian employees and military service members in DCWF work roles under the cyberspace IT, cyberspace effects, intelligence (cyberspace), and cyberspace enabler workforce elements qualified in accordance with DoDM 8140.03.

The DoD has contracted Aveu to host the DoD 8140 Cyber Workforce (DCWF) Qualification Provider Marketplace website.

Cisco will Learning team will be evaluating our current and future certifications for inclusion on this list. Please continue to check back to the DoD 8140 Cyber Workforce Qualification Provider Marketplace.

To earn a CCNP Security certification, you pass two exams: a core exam (350-201 SCOR) and a security concentration exam of your choice. And now every exam in the CCNP Security program earns an individual Specialist certification, so you get recognized for your accomplishments along the way.

Learn more about CCNP Security

Additional resources

Stay informed

Join the mailing list to stay up to date on the military program at Cisco.

Sign up for newsletter