Difference Between IAM and IAT Certifications- The distinction between IAM and IAT certificates is sometimes misunderstood. These terms are frequently misunderstood and used interchangeably.
The Department of Defense developed both IAM and IAT in 2004. These are technical and managerial qualification criteria designed to ensure that the Department of Defense’s IT systems are staffed with employees who meet a particular level of technical expertise.
Information Assurance Technical (IAT) is an acronym for Information Assurance Technical. Passing various exams and having specified work experiences that meet specific requirements are required for each level of IAT certification. These standards are intended toward technical workers and are focused on technical knowledge.
Information Assurance Management (IAM) is an acronym for Information Assurance Management. Passing various exams and having specified work experiences that meet specific requirements are required for each level of IAM certification. These standards are directed for management and leadership personnel.
There are three tiers of IAT and IAM standards: 1, 2, and 3. Level 1 certifications are considered entry-level, level 2 certifications are intermediate, and level 3 certifications are expert.
To be considered for government positions and many commercial business jobs, applicants must meet one of the certification levels as a minimum requirement.
The chart below lists the IT certifications that fall under each of the IAT and IAM levels, as provided by the government.
DoD 8570.01-M. DoD Approved Baseline Certifications
| IAT Level I | IAT Level II | IAT Level III |
| CompTIA A+ CompTIA Network+ SSCP | GSEC CompTIA Security+ SCNP SSCP | CISA GSE SCNA CISSP (or Associate) GCIH |
| IAM Level I | IAM Level II | IAM Level III |
| CAP GISF GSLC CompTIA Security+ | CAP GSLC CISM CISSP (or Associate) | GLSC CISM CISSP (or Associate) |
Obtaining the necessary certification levels is crucial and may be extremely lucrative if you work in or plan to work in the IT or cybersecurity area.
Obtaining IAM1 or IAT1 level certifications is frequently the first step toward obtaining an entry-level career in the IT industry.
Many experienced technical and management IT professionals strive for IAM3 or IAT3 level certifications, which demonstrate expert-level knowledge and expertise.
