Pentagon Piloting Skills-Based Assessments for Cyber Workers

Proponents Favor Performance Tests Over Certs Shaun Waterman • March 26, 2026

Facing a huge gap between the cybersecurity workforce it needs, and the personnel it can recruit or train, the U.S. Department of Defense is for the first time piloting new skills-based assessments for its cyber hiring as an alternative to checking paper qualifications. Many certificates, officials say, don't reflect the skills their cyber teams need in the real world.

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The assessments, two of which were on display for visitors to try out at the AFCEA Cyber Workforce Summit this week, are designed to realistically replicate true-life operational situations and test the skills needed to respond, said Matt Isnor, the division chief for cyber workforce development in the Defense Department's CIO's office. They're being piloted with current staff, military and civilian ...