NICE Framework

This article is derived from NIST Special Publication 800-181 Dated August 2017. See the NIST Special Publication 800-181 resource center.

The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework or NICE Framework provides a fundamental reference resource for describing and sharing information about cybersecurity work roles, the discrete tasks performed by staff within those roles, and the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to complete the tasks successfully.

NICE Framework Components

The NICE Framework Components includes 7 Categories, each containing Specialty Areas. These Specialty Areas have their own definitions, Work Roles, and Work Role definitions. The Work Roles each require different KSAs and defined Tasks.

NICE Framework
Categories (7)	Specialty Area (33)	Work Role (52)
Securely Provision (SP)
	Risk Management (RSK)	Authorizing Official/Designating Representative
		Security Control Assessor
	Software Development (DEV)	Software Developer
		Secure Software Assessor
	Systems Architecture (ARC)	Enterprise Architect
		Security Architect
	Technology R&D (RD)	Research & Development Specialist
	Systems Requirements Planning (SRP)	Systems Requirements Planner
	Test and Evaluation (TST)	System Testing and Evaluation Specialist
	Systems Development (SYS)	Information Systems Security Developer
		Systems Developer
Operate and Maintain (OM)
	Data Administration (DTA)	Database Administrator
		Data Analyst
	Knowledge Management (KMG)	Knowledge Manager
	Customer Service and Technical Support (STS)	Technical Support Specialist
	Network Services (NET)	Network Operations Specialist
	Systems Administration (ADM)	System Administrator
	Systems Analysis (ANA)	Systems Security Analyst
Oversee and Govern (OV)
	Legal Advice and Advocacy (LGA)	Cyber Legal Advisor
		Privacy Officer/Privacy Compliance Manager
	Training, Education, and Awareness (TEA)	Cyber Instructional Curriculum Developer
		Cyber Instructor
	Cybersecurity Management (MGT)	Information Systems Security Manager
		COMSEC Manager
	Strategic Planning and Policy (SPP)	Cyber Workforce Developer and Manager
		Cyber Policy and Strategy Planner
	Executive Cyber Leadership (EXL)	Executive Cyber Leadership
	Program/Project Management (PMA) and Acquisition	Program Manager
		IT Project Manager
		Product Support Manager
		IT Investment/Portfolio Manager
		IT Program Auditor
Protect and Defend (PR)
	Cybersecurity Defense Analysis (CDA)	Cyber Defense Analyst
	Cybersecurity Defense Infrastructure Support (INF)	Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist
	Incident Response (CIR)	Cyber Defense Incident Responder
	Vulnerability Assessment and Management (VAM)	Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
Analyze (AN)
	Threat Analysis (TWA)	Threat/Warning Analyst
	Exploitation Analysis (EXP)	Exploitation Analyst
	All-Source Analysis (ASA)	All-Source Analyst
		Mission Assessment Specialist
	Targets (TGT)	Target Developer
		Target Network Analyst
	Language Analysis (LNG)	Multi-Disciplined Language Analyst
Collect and Operate (CO)
	Collection Operations (CLP)	All Source-Collection Manager
		All Source-Collection Requirements Manager
	Cyber Operational Planning (OPL)	Cyber Intel Planner
		Cyber Ops Planner
		Partner Integration Planner
	Cyber Operations (OPS)	Cyber Operator
Investigate (IN)
	Cyber Investigation (INV)	Cyber Crime Investigator
	Digital Forensics (FOR)	Law Enforcement/CounterIntelligence Forensics Analyst
		Cyber Defense Forensics Analyst