Typically, having an IA will lead to an increase in pay. But Colby Barron, Aviation Safety Inspector, Safety Standards, Aircraft Maintenance Division, Airmen Section, FAA, said thats not the only benefit.
“It broadens your scope of experience and scope of ability. It just gives a whole different perspective, particularly in the general aviation realm. Being able sign off on those major repairs and alterations and the annual inspections, thats a big feather in most mechanics cap,” he continued.
Per the FAA, IA holders may inspect and approve for return to service any aircraft or related part or appliance after a major repair or major alteration, except aircraft maintained in accordance with a continuous airworthiness program under Part 121. They also perform annual inspections and supervise progressive inspections.
“Probably the most common thing that IAs do is annual inspections,” said Barron. “That’s about it, above and beyond what an AMP can do – the major repairs and alterations and the annuals. In the GA or general aviation world, that’s the whole meat of being an IA.”
Information assurance (IA) certifications are becoming increasingly important for cybersecurity professionals. With rising cyber threats, organizations need qualified personnel to secure their systems and data. IA certifications validate your skills and knowledge in areas like risk management, auditing, and access controls.
If you’re interested in getting into cybersecurity, obtaining an IA certification is a great way to kickstart your career. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know about getting IA certified
What is IA Certification?
IA refers to measures that protect and defend information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation IA certifications measure competency in these areas through exams offered by accredited organizations
Professionals with IA certifications have the skills to implement security controls, identify vulnerabilities, respond to incidents, and reduce risks. There are certifications available for various roles like security analysts, auditors, and managers.
Why Get IA Certified?
Here are some key reasons to get an IA certification:
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Validates your skills – Certifications act as proof that you possess the knowledge and skills for the job. Employers trust certified professionals to effectively secure their systems and data.
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Sets you apart – Certifications help you stand out from the crowd in a competitive cybersecurity job market. Being IA certified makes you a more attractive candidate.
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Higher salaries – On average, certified cybersecurity professionals earn higher salaries than those without certifications. IA certs qualify you for lucrative senior and leadership positions.
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Fulfills DoD requirements – The US Department of Defense (DoD) requires IA certifications for many cybersecurity roles. Obtaining the right certs makes you eligible for government and military jobs.
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Keeps you current – Maintaining your certification through continuing education ensures your skills are up-to-date on the latest threats and technologies.
DoD Approved IA Certifications
The DoD 8570 policy outlines the IA certification requirements for cyber positions across the US Department of Defense. If you want to qualify for DoD cybersecurity jobs, you need to obtain one of the approved certifications for your role and skill level.
Here are the DoD approved baseline IA certifications categorized by roles:
Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level I
- A+ CE
- Network+ CE
- SSCP
IAT Level II
- CCNA Security
- CySA+
- GICSP
- GSEC
- Security+ CE
IAT Level III
- CASP+ CE
- CCNP Security
- CISSP (or Associate)
- GCED
- GCIH
Information Assurance Manager (IAM) Level II
- CAP
- GSLC
- Security+ CE
IAM Level III
- CISM
- CISSP (or Associate)
- GSLC
- CCISO
Information Assurance System Architect and Engineer (IASAE) Level II
- CASP+ CE
- CISSP (or Associate)
- CSSLP
IASAE Level III
- CISSP-ISSAP
- CISSP-ISSEP
- CCSP
The policy has similar certification requirements for other cyber roles like Incident Responders, Auditors, and Managers. DoD approved certifications generally remain the same but may be updated periodically.
Choosing the Right IA Certification
With dozens of IA certifications to choose from, how do you select the right one? Here are some tips:
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Assess your skills – Know your strengths and weaknesses. Select a cert that focuses on areas you want to strengthen.
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Research job roles – Understand the cert requirements for your target job. Obtain a certification that aligns with the role.
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Consider experience – Entry-level vs advanced certs. Choose one that matches your experience level.
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Pick a vendor – Vendors like ISC2, ISACA, CompTIA offer certs for various IA domains.
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Factor in costs – Bigger certs are expensive. Select one offering value for money.
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Check DoD approval – For DoD jobs, ensure the cert is on the approved 8570 baseline list.
Think about your career goals, skills, and experience when choosing an IA certification. The right cert will set you up for success.
Steps to Get IA Certified
Follow these key steps to earn your IA certification:
1. Choose a Certification
- Determine your target job role and skills gap
- Research various IA certifications
- Select a certification that meets your goals
2. Prepare and Train
- Obtain training materials and books for your chosen certification
- Take online or classroom training courses
- Leverage free resources like practice tests and study guides
3. Schedule the Exam
- Register for the exam through the vendor website
- Find a local testing center or schedule for an online proctored exam
- Pay the exam registration fee
4. Take the Exam and Get Certified!
- Take the certification exam, typically 60-120 multiple choice questions
- Pass the exam with the minimum cut-off score (usually 70%+)
- Get your certification proof and add the credentials after your name!
5. Maintain Your Certification
- Certifications expire after 3 years and need to be renewed
- Earn CPEs through training courses and conferences
- Pass the renewal exam or retake the certification test
Proper planning, preparation, and focus are key to successfully getting IA certified. The certification exam tests your knowledge across multiple security domains, so thorough training is essential.
Top 5 Entry-Level IA Certifications
If you’re new to cybersecurity, starting with a foundational IA certification is recommended. Here are 5 popular entry-level options:
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CompTIA Security+ – Validates core security skills. Ideal for junior IA roles.
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EC-Council CND – Covers network defense, compliance, threats. Entry-level DoD approved cert.
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ISACA CSX Cybersecurity Practitioner – Foundational knowledge for a career in cybersecurity.
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ISC2 CISSP Associate – Proves you have the knowledge (but not experience) to become a CISSP.
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GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) – Solid introductory IA and security principles cert from GIAC.
Build up your fundamental IA skills before attempting advanced certifications. Entry-level certs get your foot in the door for exciting cybersecurity careers.
Tips for Passing IA Certification Exams
Here are some handy tips to help you succeed in your IA certification exam:
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Thoroughly read the exam outline to understand the topic coverage
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Learn acronyms and key terms that are frequently tested
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Attempt practice questions to assess your knowledge gaps
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Read technical concepts from multiple sources for better retention
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Make your own study notes and flashcards to remember key facts
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Attempt mock exams under timed conditions for exam readiness
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Read questions carefully and eliminate wrong choices to select the best answer
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Manage your time during the exam and pace yourself to attempt all questions
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Get a good night’s sleep before the exam and avoid cramming at the last minute
Preparation and being exam-ready are vital to pass your IA certification test confidently.
Recertify and Progress Your Career
Recertifying your IA credential is essential to stay current and progress in your cybersecurity career.
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Maintain CPEs by taking training courses and attending conferences
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Gain work experience and advance to higher cyber roles
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Attempt more advanced IA certifications to validate enhanced skills
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Consider cross-certifying with vendors like ISACA, ISC2, and CompTIA
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Apply for senior IA positions with your updated qualifications
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Negotiate higher salaries based on your certifications and experience
Continuous learning and career development are critical for success in the dynamic cybersecurity landscape.
IA certifications are invaluable for building a rewarding career in cybersecurity. This guide provided a comprehensive overview of the IA certification process – from choosing a certification to maintaining your credentials.
Key steps include selecting the right IA cert based on your role and skills, properly preparing for the exam, and recertifying to stay current. Popular entry-level certs can help you get started in the field.
With rising threat levels and warnings of a massive cybersecurity skills gap, obtaining IA certifications gives you a distinct competitive advantage. Investing the time and effort to get certified will pay rich dividends in developing a high-growth cyber career. So start your IA certification journey today!
How To Get an IA
Potential IA applicants must hold an effective mechanic certificate with both an airframe rating and a powerplant rating and have had them for at least 36 months. “It can be spread out over however long, but 36 months as a mechanic. But for the 24 months immediately preceding when you apply to be an IA, you have to be actively engaged on maintaining aircraft using the privileges of your A&P,” added Barron.
For mechanics who qualify, the next step is to contact their local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) to set up an appointment with an Aviation Safety Inspector. Different offices may differ in how they handle the interview, said Barron, adding some may do a prescreen phone interview.
When the mechanic is found to be eligible for the IA, they complete FAA Form 8610-1. That form, once signed by an aviation safety inspector, authorizes the mechanic to take “the written test,” which takes three hours.
“It’s a computerized, 50-question, multiple choice test, open book. The testing center provides all the reference material for the test,” explained Barron.
Mechanics have 30 days after Form 8610-1 is signed to complete the test.
“If that 30 days expires, then they need to come back and do it all over again. Because of that actively engaged, during those 24 months, we want to make sure there’s not a gap in that,” said Barron.
If a mechanic fails the test, they will have to wait 90 days then repeat the process. If they pass the written test, they bring the test results back to the FSDO who will issue them an IA card on the spot.
Tests are taken at specific testing centers. Barron said most FSDO geographic areas will have at least one testing center in their area that provides the test.
The test questions come from a large database that generates the questions at random for each test.
Barron said typically, questions aren’t going to be basic mechanic questions. Instead, the questions might involve interpreting regulations, type certificate data sheets, weight and balance, inspection topics, etc.
Previously, Barron was an aviation safety inspector at an FSDO. He said, “what I always told applicants was, the most important thing they need to know is where to find the information and how to interpret it. Because when they go to test, they get a big old binder, a 3-inch binder full of all the different reference material.
“If they just have a general idea of where information is contained, what regulation applies to inspections, which one applies to parts, those types of things, where they can flip through that reference material and find the answer. That’s what we expect of IAs, is for them to be able to find and interpret data and information. We don’t expect them to have all of it memorized. There’s far too much.”
From start to finish, the entire process goes quickly if a mechanic is ready to take the test. Sometimes, Barron said, a mechanic may want to utilize the 30 days they have to study for the IA test, but in his experience, most usually study before they get signed off for the test.
“Most FSDOs, and their workloads, are going to vary all over the country for the different offices, but typically a FSDO can get applicants in pretty quick for both the sign-off and when they come back after a pass to get them their card,” said Barron. “The process of actually issuing it, once they come back with the completed test results, it’s literally a matter of typing out the information on the card and giving it to them.”
An IA is good for two years, or cycles, which always start on April 1 of odd years.
“This year, 2023, April 1 was day one of the IA cycle. It runs for 24 months from there, so March 31 of 2025 will be the last day of the two-year cycle,” said Barron.
In between cycles, there are requirements that must be met to keep the IA. Each year, IA holders have to do one of five things: four annual inspections, eight major repairs or alterations (a combination of those two), one complete progressive inspection, eight hours of training approved for IA renewal, or an oral test given by an aviation safety inspector at an FSDO.
“They have to do that for each year, but you only show the proof of it at the end of the second,” he said.
Renewals are done by mail, email, in person or The Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA). Barron said pilots have been using IACRA for many years, but the FAA fairly recently started getting mechanics involved with it too.
“That’s actually what we encourage people to do. It’s all online, everything, every bit of it they do, they submit there. The aviation safety inspectors review it and approve or deny. Then a renewal letter is issued straight out of the system,” he said.
Barron said he always encourages people to get an IA if it’s something that they’re comfortable with.
“The more we have, the better. The more qualified and capable and eager mechanics, those that want to do better and want to make more out of their career, that’s highly encouraging,” he said.
What is and Inspection Authorized Mechanic?
How do I get an IA certification?
You can meet with an Aviation Safety Inspector, also known as an ASI, who performs an interview about your qualifications and reviews your paperwork. Once the ASI checks that your information is accurate, they’ll provide you with documentation that you can use to register for the IA certification test. 6. Register for testing
How long does it take to get an IA baseline certification?
There is a six-month limit for obtaining an IA Baseline Certification for all Service personnel, Government civilians, local nationals, and Non-Appropriated Fund employees. Contractors should have the appropriate IA Baseline Certification when entering the contract.
What certifications do I need to become an IAT certified person?
For example, an individual in an IAT Level II position could obtain any one of the four certifications listed in the IAT Level II cell. Higher level IAT and IAM certifications satisfy lower level requirements. Certifications listed in Level II or III cells can be used to qualify for Level I.
Should you get a mentor if you have an IA certification?
A mentor with their own IA certification can help you study for the test, gain aircraft maintenance experience, and may provide you with opportunities to expand your professional network. If a mechanic at your job has IA certification, consider asking them to become your mentor.
