Cyber Workforce Management implements people-focused strategies that are an essential part of improving and transforming cyber capabilities. VA Cyber Workforce develops programs for VA to leverage to improve recruitment, retention, development, and growth opportunities for cyber professionals at the agency. Cyber Workforce strategies allow VA to stay compliant with Federal Cyber Workforce requirements as well as developing the workforce to prepare for future cyber needs and vulnerabilities.

State of the Federal Cyber Workforce

State of the Federal Cyber Workforce Report

Our Priorities

Workforce Analysis and Planning

Policy and Standards

NICE Cyber Workforce Framework Application

Learning and Development

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Cyber positions are identified based on the functional work required to perform the role.
  • For example, any position with privileged access qualifies as a cyber position
  • Cyber positions may be related to Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or Cross-Functional duties
  • Some positions have limitations to the Cybersecurity Operations Center, intel communities, etc. (see Coding Guidance for details)

  • Work role codes are additional descriptors applied in conjunction with occupational series
  • Codes are not occupation series-specific and may align to more than one occupation series (e.g., 2210, 0332, 0390, 2502)
  • Codes were created by OPM, 43 of 52 which are applicable to VA

  • The Federal Government must assign codes to all filled and vacant cyber-related positions
  • Positions must be coded using guidance from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework, issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Codes can be applied from two different perspectives:

  • Baseline skill requirements to execute the tasks as written, or
  • Baseline skill requirements to be employed for alternative purposes, including audit, compliance, inspections, oversight, etc.

  • There are two types of work roles within the IT community — breadth and depth
  • Breadth work roles require knowledge of a range of skills at a high level (e.g., Software Developers and Systems Developers)
  • Depth work roles require knowledge of a specific set of skills at an intimate level (e.g., Research and Development Specialists, System Requirements Planners, and Systems Test and Evaluation Specialists)