Is CySA+ approved for DoD 8140?

Last updated: October 15, 2026. This is general information, not official guidance. DoD requirements are set by the Department and its components, so confirm your exact requirement against the official DoD Cyber Workforce Qualification Matrices on cyber.mil and with your employer or contracting officer.

If you are looking at CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-004) for a government or defense-related job, you will see it described as "DoD 8140 approved." That phrase is useful, but it is also easy to misread. Here is what it actually means.

The short answer

CySA+ is listed as an approved foundational qualification option for several cyber work roles under DoD Manual 8140.03, the Pentagon's current cyber workforce qualification program. CompTIA states that CySA+ is approved for DoDM 8140.03 requirements, including the current CS0-004 version.

What DoD 8140 is

DoD Directive 8140.01 sets the policy for managing the cyberspace workforce, and DoDM 8140.03, effective February 15, 2023, explains how people are qualified. It replaced the older DoD 8570.01-M program. Instead of broad job categories such as IAT Level II, 8140 uses the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF), which defines individual work roles with their own tasks and proficiency levels (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced). For the work role in your position, you need:

• Foundational qualification: an approved option for that role and level, which can be education, training or a certification.
• Residential qualification: role-specific, on-the-job requirements set by your organization.

Where CySA+ fits

CySA+ appears in the qualification matrices for core defensive roles, including Cyber Defense Analyst, Cyber Defense Incident Responder and Vulnerability Assessment Analyst, as well as forensics-related roles. For several of these it is listed at the Advanced level. See our breakdown in which DCWF work roles CySA+ covers.

Who this applies to

DoDM 8140.03 applies to military personnel and civilian employees in cyber work roles, and to contractors performing that work under their contracts. Compliance deadlines have been phased in by workforce element, with the cybersecurity element first.

What "DoD 8140 approved" does not mean

• It does not mean the DoD requires CySA+. Each work role lists several acceptable options.
• It is not the whole qualification. Residential qualification is separate.
• It does not override stricter rules. Components, employers and contracts can set additional requirements.
• It is not a clearance. Security clearances are a different process.

How to check your own requirement

1. Find the DCWF work role code and proficiency level in your position description or contract.
2. Look up that role in the official DoDM 8140.03 qualification matrix on cyber.mil.
3. Check whether CySA+ is listed at your required level, and whether your component adds conditions.
4. Confirm with your security manager or contracting officer before you book an exam.

Keep it current

CySA+ is valid for three years and renewed through CompTIA's continuing education program or by passing a qualifying exam. Let it lapse and your qualification may lapse with it. See CompTIA's renewal rules and our renewal guide for how CEUs work.

Preparing for CySA+ CS0-004

Not sure whether to start with study materials, labs or both? Read CySA+ CS0-004: Which CertMaster Option Is Right for You?

Frequently asked questions

Is CySA+ approved for DoD 8140?
Yes. It is an approved foundational option for several work roles under DoDM 8140.03, according to CompTIA and the qualification matrices.

Is DoD 8570 still in use?
DoDM 8140.03 replaced the 8570.01-M manual, although some job postings still use the old IAT terminology.

Does the CS0-004 version qualify, or only CS0-003?
CompTIA states that CySA+ V4 is approved for DoDM 8140.03 requirements. Confirm against the current matrix for your role.

Do contractors need it too?
Contractors in cyber work roles generally must meet the qualification for their assigned role, as set by their contract.

Written by an instructor who holds Security+, CySA+, PenTest+ and SecurityX. CertInstructor is an Authorized CompTIA Partner. We are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.