Washington, DC - In September 2010 the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) launched a governmentwide cybersecurity survey to approximately 50,000 employees and their supervisors who handle cybersecurity as part of their daily job responsibilities. The survey results are being used to construct a cybersecurity competency model that pinpoints the skills necessary for a cybersecurity professional and to establish a plan for successful recruitment, performance, and development in Federal cybersecurity positions.

"Cybersecurity is essential to protecting the American people," said OPM Director John Berry. "The Federal government must create a comprehensive model to recruit and retain the corps of highly skilled cybersecurity experts necessary to support our national security."

The OPM survey is a part of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), a government led initiative supporting the President's cybersecurity, education, and innovation goals. NICE is an integrated awareness, education, and training initiative to create a cyber-savvy citizenry and workforce for the 21st century. OPM is leading the Federal workforce track of the initiative, and the survey is one of several deliverables that will come of the department's efforts.

In 2009, OPM, the Chief Information Officers Council, and the Chief Human Capital Officers Council of Workforce Development Subcommittee identified cybersecurity as a high priority for governmentwide competency models. Cybersecurity positions include network operations and defense, information assurance, security of Federal IT systems, networks and information, law enforcement, digital forensics, cyber crime investigations and counterintelligence activities.

The results of the cybersecurity survey identified critical competencies for Information Technology Management, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering and Telecommunications occupations. These extensive competencies vary by occupation and grade level. Important competencies across occupations include integrity, computer skills, technical competence, teamwork and attention to detail. The identified competencies may be used in workforce planning, training and development, performance management, recruitment and selection.