Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework)

Published

November 16, 2020

Author(s)

Rodney Petersen, Danielle Santos, Karen Wetzel, Matthew Smith, Greg Witte

Abstract

This publication from the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) describes the Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework), a fundamental reference for describing and sharing information about cybersecurity work. It expresses that work as Task statements and describes Knowledge and Skill statements that provide a foundation for learners including students, job seekers, and employees. The use of these statements helps students to develop skills, job seekers to demonstrate competencies, and employees to accomplish tasks. As a common, consistent lexicon that categorizes and describes cybersecurity work, the NICE Framework improves communication about how to identify, recruit, develop, and retain cybersecurity talent. The NICE Framework is a reference source from which organizations or sectors can develop additional publications or tools that meet their needs to define or provide guidance on different aspects of cybersecurity education, training, and workforce development.

Citation

Special Publication (NIST SP) - 800-181 Rev. 1

Report Number

800-181 Rev. 1

NIST Pub Series

Special Publication (NIST SP)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Supercedes Publication

NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework: National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-181r1

Local Download

Keywords

competency, cybersecurity, cyberspace, education, knowledge, role, security, skill, task, team, training, workforce, work role.

Citation

Petersen, R. , Santos, D. , Wetzel, K. , Smith, M. and Witte, G. (2020), Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework), Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-181r1, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=931370 (Accessed October 8, 2025)