Certification Roadmaps

Industry certifications relevant to CWT career progression, funded through Navy COOL.

DoD 8140 Cybersecurity Workforce

DoD 8140 (successor to 8570) defines mandatory certifications for cybersecurity workforce roles.

  • BaselineCompTIA Security+ (E4+)
  • AdvancedCompTIA SecurityX (CASP+) (E7+)
  • ExpertCISSP (E7+)
  • USCC BasicCWT3+ Qualification
  • USCC Senior/MasterAdvanced Qualifications
View on Navy COOL
Offensive Track

Certifications aligned with offensive cyberspace operations NECs.

  • OSCP — Offensive Security Certified Professional
  • CEH — Certified Ethical Hacker
  • GPEN — GIAC Penetration Tester
  • GXPN — GIAC Exploit Researcher
Defensive Track

Certifications aligned with defensive cyberspace operations and analysis NECs.

  • GCIH — GIAC Certified Incident Handler
  • GCFE — GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner
  • CySA+ — CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst
  • GNFA — GIAC Network Forensic Analyst
Foundational (All CWTs)

Core certifications recommended for all CWT sailors regardless of track.

  • CompTIA Security+ DoD Baseline
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA A+
  • USCC Basic / Senior / Master Qualifications

DoD 8140 Workforce Role Mapping

DoD Directive 8140 (successor to 8570) defines Cyberspace Workforce roles and their certification requirements. The roles most relevant to CWTs are listed below.

Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
Operate & Maintain

Identifies and assesses vulnerabilities in systems and networks. Maps to H14A/H12A NECs.

Security+ CEH GPEN
Cyber Defense Analyst
Protect & Defend

Uses data from various sources to analyze events that could indicate a cyber threat. Maps to H10A/H13A NECs.

Security+ CySA+ GCIH
Cyber Defense Incident Responder
Protect & Defend

Investigates, analyzes, and responds to cyber incidents. Maps to H10A/H13A NECs.

GCIH Security+ CySA+
Digital Forensics Analyst
Investigate

Collects, processes, and analyzes digital evidence. Maps to H11A (Digital Forensic Examiner — OCO) NEC.

GCFE EnCE Security+
Exploitation Analyst
Collect & Operate

Collaborates with operators to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Maps to H12A/H12B NECs.

OSCP GPEN CEH
Systems Security Analyst
Operate & Maintain

Responsible for the analysis and development of systems security policies. Common for senior CWTs.

CASP+ CISSP Security+

Recommended Certifications by Paygrade

Based on official CWT documentation target paygrades for certifications. These recommendations align with Navy COOL funding eligibility.

E4-E5 (CWT3-CWT2)
  • CompTIA Security+ DoD Baseline
  • CompTIA Network+
  • GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
  • CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA)
  • GIAC Cloud Forensics Responder (GCFR)
E5-E6 (CWT2-CWT1)
  • CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA)
  • GIAC Red Team Professional (GRTP)
  • EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH)
E6+ (CWT1+)
  • GIAC Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN)
  • GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • CompTIA PenTest+
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
E7+ (Chief+)
  • CompTIA SecurityX (CASP+)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
  • GIAC Security Leadership Certification (GSLC)
  • Rocheston Certified Cybersecurity Engineer (RCCE)
Special Qualifications: CNODP, WTI, WTD, Mission Director, and other advanced qualifications are considered technical expert designations and should show documented contributions to the cyberspace domain.
Many of these certifications are funded by Navy COOL. Contact your Command Career Counselor or visit Navy COOL CWT page to request exam funding.