The Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Modernization Memo was issued by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy on Jan. 19, 2023 with the goal of modernizing the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C). Beginning on Feb. 1, 2023, the new framework will transform how contracting professionals are managed and trained to support the federal procurement mission.
The modernized FAC-C framework includes a refreshed contracting competency model, a single-level certification, updated certification requirements and the introduction of credentials which are mission-focused training packages. The new single-level FAC-C (Professional) requirements include completion of foundational training, one year of experience, a professional certification exam and an updated continuous learning requirement.
The FAC-C (Professional) is a single-level certification with the following requirements. See below for more detailed information on each.
| Experience | Education | Training | Examination |
|---|---|---|---|
|
One (1) year of contract work experience based on the Contract Specialist (GS-1102) Qualification Standard |
There is no separate education requirement for FAC-C certification, but The Office of Personnel Management's 1102 Individual Qualifications Standardsremain for hiring |
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CON 3990V: Contracting Certification Exam: 150 question closed-book proctored exam with a minimum passing score of 70% |
Experience
The requirements for experience are generally based upon the Contract Specialist (GS-1102) Qualifications Standard. Experience may be time spent on the job in a contracting-related job assignment, either in the private or public sector, which reflects the accumulation of knowledge, skills and abilities during years of progressively responsible work assignments. There is no exception to the experience requirement and candidates must provide evidence of their experience to their certifying official. As a best practice, experience can be tracked using FAI’s1102 Experience Development Tool.
Education
There is no separate education requirement for FAC-C certification, but The Office of Personnel Management's 1102 Individual Qualifications Standardsfor hiring remain in place.
Training (must be taken from a DAU equivalent provider)
- CON 1100V: Contract Foundational Skills
- CON 1200V: Contract Pre-Award
- CON 1300V: Contract Award
- CON 1400V: Contract Post-Award
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Unique Agency Requirements: Federal agencies may have unique certification requirements in addition to the requirements for FAC-C (Professional). Members of the civilian contracting workforce are encouraged to consult their agency acquisition workforce policies, internal agency websites, and/or their acquisition career manager or small agency representative for additional information.
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Fulfillment: Experienced contracting professionals have the option to use fulfillment as an alternative method to satisfy certification training prerequisites, provided it aligns with agency policies. Fulfillment relies on documented evidence showcasing proficiency in meeting performance benchmarks and learning objectives within a particular course. This evidence may stem from prior contracting roles, supplementary training, or certifications from other reputable organizations in the contracting and procurement field, as well as other relevant developmental activities. If you have inquiries regarding the submission process for fulfillment, please reach out to your Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) or Small Agency Representative (SAR). Note: The requirement for the CON 3990V Contracting Certification Exam cannot be met through fulfillment.
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Predecessor Courses: The following courses may be used for equivalency/fulfillment until Sept. 30, 2024:
- CON 1100V: CON 091, CON 100, CON 121, CON 124
- CON 1200V: CON 091, CON 100, CON 121, CON 124
- CON 1300V: CON 0070 or CON 0072 or CON 0074, CON 124, CON 170
- CON 1400V: CON 091, CON 127
- Also see: DAU Course Prerequisites and Predecessors.
CON 3990V Contracting Certification Exam
Upon successful completion of all necessary training, candidates may register for the CON 3990V Contracting Certification Exam. This closed-book, proctored examination evaluates critical competencies for initial readiness and is mandatory for contracting professionals who have never held a FAC-C or DAWIA certification. The exam is graded on a pass/fail basis, with a minimum passing score of 70%. For further information regarding the Contracting Certification Exam, please consult the Exam Frequently Asked Questions.
Reciprocity with Other Certifications
Contracting Officers transitioning from DoD with an active DAWIA certification will be eligible for an equivalent FAC-C (Professional), subject to meeting FAC-C (Professional) experience and continuous learning requirements, and obtaining approval from the agency ACM. To apply for a FAC-C (Professional), individuals must furnish their agency ACM with documentation validating their DAWIA certification, along with their experience and continuous learning record.
Helpful Links
FAC-C Modernization Video for Legacy and New Contracting Professionals
FAC-C Modernization Employee Checklist
FAC-C Modernization Supervisor Checklist
