Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the FAC-C Modernization effort?

OFPP’s FAC-C Modernization fosters a culture of lifelong learning for acquisition professionals. The FAC-C Modernization memo, dated January 19, 2023 updated the training and certification requirements for civilian contracting professionals and provided additional professional development opportunities through the introduction of credentials. The memo updated the certification program to a single-level certification FAC-C (Professional) that included a new curriculum, an updated competency model, and a professional certification exam. FAI developed three informational videos - one for the acquisition workforce, one for supervisors, and one covering some Frequently Asked Questions. 

I’m currently in progress towards achieving a FAC-C level I certification and won’t be certified by February 1, 2023 - how does this affect me?

If you are currently in progress toward legacy FAC-C Level I, you have the option of completing the legacy FAC-C curriculum OR can choose to begin the new curriculum. If you choose to complete the legacy curriculum, you must have all legacy training completed and you must meet the education and experience requirements AND apply for certification by September 30, 2023.  Otherwise, you should begin the new FAC-C (Professional) curriculum.  Be sure to consult with your supervisor and ACM for agency-specific guidance before determining your next steps. 

I’m currently in progress towards achieving my FAC-C level II or III, and I would like to continue pursuing the higher level certification - how does this affect me?

You will need to complete all legacy certification training, and you must meet education and experience requirements and apply for certification by September 30, 2023. If you wish to complete a legacy certification, but your status is not currently “In Progress”, you should contact your ACM or SAR who can assist you with initiating the certification. If you are in progress for Level II or III certification, you can also choose not to continue, but instead work toward mission-related credentials. You can check with your supervisor, Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) or Small Agency Representative (SAR) for more specific guidance if you are in progress toward higher level FAC-C certifications.

I'm a new contracting professional who has not yet started any FAC-C certification training. How do I proceed?

You will follow the new FAC-C (Professional) requirements which focus on initial readiness.

The requirements of the FAC-C PC are:

Training: You will need to complete four core training courses – CON 1100 (Guiding Principles), CON 1200 (Pre-Award), CON 1300 (Award) and CON 1400 (Post-Award).

1. Experience: You will need to meet the minimum requirement of twelve months full-time experience applying a representative sample of the technical contracting common competencies.
2. Professional Exam: You will need to receive a passing score on the Contracting Professional certification exam. The professional contracting exam is a closed book, 150-question proctored exam on contracting competencies. An optional  exam prep course is available to assist student preparation for the exam - CON 3910.   And, work closely with your supervisor, who will help you secure on-the-job training and experiential opportunities during your first year.

Did the competency model change?

Yes - a new competency model took effect on February 1, 2023.  The new model is relevant and applicable across DoD, Federal Civilian agencies and industry.  The new competency model aligns and simplifies the previous model and details both buyer and seller tasks, and includes an industry perspective.

Are there any educational requirements for the FAC-C (Professional)?

There is no separate education requirement for certification, but OPM’s 1102 Hiring Qualifications standards remain in effect.

What about continuous learning point (CLP) requirements?

The continuous learning point requirement remains at 80 hours until April 30, 2024. Effective May 1, 2024 (the start of the next common period) the continuous learning points required to maintain the FAC-C (Professional) certification will increase to 100 hours for every two year common period.

What is a credential?

A credential is designed to document your knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform a specific function, skill, or set of tasks. Credentials provide the knowledge and associated skills to perform job-centric, niche, and/or emerging functions in the acquisition environment. Credentials do not replace certifications or certification-related requirements. Instead, a credential is a curated learning package focused on a specific knowledge or skill area and will include multiple learning assets totaling 20 - 80 training hours. Credentials will provide just-in-time, on-demand training to acquisition workforce members in support of the lifelong learning model.

Do credentials have continuous learning requirements?

No, credentials do not have continuous learning requirements. In fact, earning a credential is one of many ways to earn continuous learning points towards your certification requirements.

How do I earn a credential?

To earn a credential, acquisition workforce members need to complete the predetermined requirements for the specific credential, which may include a combination of one or more training courses along with other learning assets such as videos, games, simulations, and/or a capstone assessment. Credentials can be found in FAI CSOD.

Please continue to visit FAI.gov for more information and the latest FAQs and updates.  

I received my legacy FAC-C certification. How do I now apply for the FAC-C (Professional) certification?

You need to log into FAI CSOD and request a FAC-C (Professional) certification. It will only take about five minutes! Here are the steps:

1. Log into FAI CSOD.
2. Click on the “Find Certifications” icon located in the center of the home
   screen.
3. Type “FAC-C (Professional)” in the global search bar and select “search”.
4. A listing of FAC-C certifications will appear, select the FAC-C (Professional).
5. Click “Request” on the Training Detail Screen
6. Screen will update- Click on “Manage”
7. Certification will open, click on the arrow next to “Granted by legacy certification”
8. Select the “Request” button by the legacy FAC-C level you have.
9. The system will award you the FAC- C (Professional)
10. In a few minutes, you will receive an email and also will see FAC-C (Professional) on your active transcript.

Are you having problems logging into FAI CSOD?

If you need assistance setting up your user account, please contact the DAU Help Desk.

I have a DAWIA certification in contracting. How can I become FAC-C certified?

Contact your agency Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) for specific directions on applying for a FAC-C PC using your DAWIA certification. At a minimum when you apply for your FAC-C PC, you will need to provide proof of your continuous learning points.

A DAWIA certification in contracting is equivalent to a FAC-C PC, provided the continuous learning criteria for FAC-C PC has been met. Requirements for continuous learning can be found on the Continuous Learning page.

I currently work for DoD. How can I obtain FAC-C PC?

FAC-C PC is limited to individuals who work for federal civilian agencies.

I am applying for a position in DoD. Will I have to retake my training in order to become DAWIA certified?

A valid, current FAC-C PC does not necessarily meet the requirements for the DAWIA certification. Determination of equivalency will be made by the DoD Agency on an individual basis. 

Can federal contractor employees earn Federal Acquisition Certifications?

No. Federal Acquisition Certification (FAC) programs are only intended for federal government employees.

When a person transfers to a new agency, must their warrant be accepted also?

Contracting warrants, or Certificates of Appointment, are position specific. Warrants are granted to acquisition workforce members because of the position they hold at the time the warrant is granted. When a workforce member moves from position to position within an agency, the warrant does not necessarily move with them. The same is true when a workforce member moves from agency to agency. The warrant does not move with them.

When will the exam begin being offered?

The exam will begin being offered in July 2023.

If I’m already certified, can I still take the exam?

No, since you are already certified, there is no need for you to take the exam. There is a cost for each exam that is administered.

I have never been certified, so when will I be eligible to take the exam?

After you have completed all of the required training for the FAC-C (Professional): CON 1100V, CON 1200V, CON 1300V and CON 1400V, you will be able to access the CON 3990V Contracting Certification Exam in FAI CSOD and, within 24 hours, you will receive a welcome email from the exam contractor, PearsonVUE, (PearsonVueconfirmation@pearson.com) with all the necessary information on how to schedule your exam which must be done within 90 days. If you do not receive a link, please check your junk mail, if you still cannot find your email from PearsonVUE, send an email to FAIregistrar@fai.gov. Remember, current FAC-C certified workforce members SHOULD NOT request to take the exam.

Is the Contracting Certification Exam open or closed-book?

The CON 3990V Contracting Certification Exam is completely closed book. You will not be able to use or reference any subject material during the exam, to include but not limited to notes, books, computers, personal devices, etc.

What is the passing score?

You must obtain a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam.

How many questions are on the exam?

There are 150 questions, each randomly pulled from a robust database ensuring each exam delivered is slightly different from the next. FAI and DAU will use a common industry practice of periodically reviewing exam item performance to determine whether adjustments are needed to any exam questions, or to the passing score.

When am I eligible to take the exam?

After you have completed all of the required training: CON 1100V, CON 1200V, CON 1300V and CON 1400V, you will be able to access the CON 3990V Contracting Certification Exam in FAI CSOD. Within 24 hours after registration, you will receive a welcome email from Pearson VUE (pearsonvueconfirmation@pearson.com) with detailed instructions on how to schedule your exam. You will not be able to register for the exam without the link provided in the PearsonVUE welcome email. and will receive an email from PearsonVUE with information on how to schedule your exam. Current FAC-C certified workforce members should not request to take the exam.

How is the exam delivered?

The proctored exam is delivered by Pearson VUE, a commercial test service provider under contract with the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI). You may choose one of two ways to take the exam: 1) In person at a Pearson VUE physical test center; or 2) Virtually on a personal computer using OnVUE, a Pearson VUE software client application. PearsonVUE’s website provides excellent information for both options. If you choose to take the exam virtually, it is highly unlikely that your government issued computer will allow the software add-on that is required. If that’s the case, you will need to use a personal computer. There are minimum technical requirements and system requirements that must be met.

How do I choose whether to take the exam virtually (onVUE), or at a physical test center?

The choice is up to you, however, this decision should be coordinated with your supervisor prior to enrollment.

Are there any advantages to taking the exam in-person at a test center vs. virtually using OnVUE?

Although the exam is the same regardless of delivery method, historical data reflects an apparent advantage to taking the exam in-person vs. virtually. Statistically speaking, the passing rate is ~5% higher for tests taken at a test facility. There are several factors that may contribute to the delta in the rates, i.e., IT/connectivity issues, increased test anxiety in the virtual environment, early termination due to examinee test environment compromise, etc. As such, FAI recommends that you take the exam in-person, if at all possible.

Where can I take the Contracting Certification Exam in-person?

When you choose to schedule “at a test center”, the search function will default to Pearson Professional Centers (PPC)’s based on the zip code in your FAI CSOD profile address. If you are located near a DoD installation, you can also search to see if there is a test center on a base/post near you by choosing the “Military Community” link below the search bar in the “Find a Test Center” page.

What if there are no Pearson Professional Centers (PPC), or military on-base test centers within commuting distance from my home of record or near my duty location?

If your test center search yielded no PPC’s or on-base location test centers within commuting distance to your home or near your duty location, your best option would be to take the test virtually using OnVUE. If testing virtually is not a viable option, then you must secure a travel authorization working through your supervisor prior to scheduling an exam appointment.

What happens if I am unable to test on the date that has been scheduled?

You must cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours prior to your appointment date and time.

Are there any study materials available for the Contracting Certification Exam?

FAI highly encourages taking the CON 3910 Contracting Certification Exam Prep Course which will automatically be assigned to you upon registering for the exam. There is also a game called A FAR Better View, that can help you gain familiarity with the FAR parts and their titles.

Will I have to pay any fees to take the exam?

No, all exam fees are paid by the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI). Be aware, though, that in the event you are a “no-show”, the Government will still be charged for a full exam fee and your no show will be recorded as a failed exam attempt.

Is there anything specific I should be aware of before registering for CON 3990V?

Yes, please ensure that your CSOD profile first and last name match your official Gov't ID or state ID. Pearson VUE requires an ID check prior to starting the exam, if they do not match you will not be allowed to sit for the exam.

How much time will I have to take the exam?

You will be allowed three (3) hours to take the exam - this encompasses all “seat time” at the Pearson VUE test facility, and includes the exam intro, tutorial, 150-question exam, breaks, and any pre-submission review. There are no breaks allowed if you take the exam virtually via onVUE.

What material is covered in the exam, what is being tested?

You will need to be able to demonstrate a foundational understanding of the Contracting Common Technical Competencies (and related job tasks) found in the DoD Contracting Competency Model. The questions in the exam, and more importantly, the correct answers, are derived from the policy and guidance in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and, very minimally, the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) as it relates to the competencies and job tasks in the DoD Contracting Competency Model. Additionally, you should be familiar with the titles of the following FAR Parts: 1, 2, 3. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 31, 33, 42, 44, 46, and 49

How many questions are on the exam for each of the competencies in the DoD Contracting Competency Model? The table below depicts the distribution of questions in the exam per competency:

Is there any TDY or travel required to take the Exam?

FAI expects that there will be a Pearson VUE test location within commuting distance from most everyone’s home of record or duty station. In the rare event there is not a Pearson VUE test site available within commuting distance, and if testing virtually is not a viable option, then you must receive travel authorization through your agency prior to scheduling the exam.

If I pass the CON 3990V exam, can I avoid taking the CON 1100V through 1400V certification courses?

No. Completion or fulfillment of the certification courses, CON 1100V, 1200V, 1300V, and 1400V, are required for certification. CON 3990V is a separate and distinct FAC-C (Professional) requirement from the four courses.

Where can I submit any questions, concerns, or feedback about the exam that hasn’t been addressed in any of the policy, FAQ’s, or other guiding documents or websites?

You can either submit an inquiry to FAIregistrar@fai.gov or through the Pearson VUE customer service link.

How do I know if I’m subject to the new Federal Acquisition Certification in Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM)? 

Check with your Acquisition Career Manager (ACM).

How do I find my ACM? 

Go to the contact your ACM page on this website.

To whom does the FAC-P/PM Certification apply? 

The FAC-P/PM applies to all Federal employees of executive branch agencies EXCEPT those covered under 10 USC, such as the Department of Defense. Private industry or contractors are not eligible for FAC-P/PM certification.

What is required for FAC-P/PM Certification? 

You can satisfy the competency requirements through successful completion of certification training, completion of comparable education or certification programs, or demonstration of or evidence provided of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.  Additional guidance can be found on this website under the Certification tab, or through your agency Acquisition Career Manager.

Where do I find courses to begin the certification process?

Private vendors, the Defense Acquisition University, FAI and other government agencies offer a variety of online and classroom courses that address many of these competencies. Workforce members should register through  FAI CSOD.

Can we use bureau/agency developed courses in lieu of vendor courses or do they need to be approved by FAI first?

Yes, if your agency ACM has determined a course meets training requirements, it can be used to satisfy that coursework area. 

Is FAC-P/PM certification sufficient for a project manager in Information Technology (IT)?

The revised FAC-P/PM certification policy provides for a new core-plus specialty certification for those P/PMs involved in managing IT projects and programs.  There are not ascending levels of certification for this specialty certification, however, to receive the FAC-P/PM/IT specialty certification, the workforce member must first be certified at FAC-P/PM mid-level, have at least two years experience managing IT projects, and meet the performance outcomes in the IT PM competency model.

I have considerable experience in project management. Must I start the certification process at the Entry level? 

Achieving each certification level in progression from entry- through senior-level is not required; however, P/PMs may only be certified at a certain level after they achieve all competencies for that certification level. In addition, lower level competencies needed to perform at the level being certified must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the certifying agency.

I am being considered for assignment to a “major acquisition/investment.” Must I have my P/PM certification to be given this assignment?

The policy that established FAC-P/PM states that project and program managers must be senior-level certified for such assignments. However, this certification must be attained within one year of such an assignment – not before you are initially assigned.

What happens if I am not able to attain senior-level certification within a year of such an assignment?

The agency’s Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO), or his/her designee, may extend in writing, on a case-by-case basis, the date upon which a P/PM must be certified by an additional 12 months, if it is in the best interest of the agency. Written justification shall be provided that includes the reason for and conditions of the extension, and the agency’s Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) or designee shall maintain all supporting documentation.

I’ve been tasked as a new Program Manager and am not certified.  Now what?

Agencies assign personnel to be program and/or project managers and determine the appropriate level of certification they should hold.  This is a decision involving the level of risk, complexity, cost and impact of the program to the agency mission. Unless an extension is granted, new program/project managers who are not certified have twelve months from the date of assignmsent to the project/program to achieve certification.

Should certification packages be sent to FAI?

Certification packages are approved at the agency level. Acquisition Workforce members should always contact their agency’s acquisition career manager (ACM) with questions concerning certification, continuous learning, and other questions. FAI does not process or approve certification packages or continuous learning.

When applicants submit a certification or fulfillment package is there a required form that must be completed? 

The agency provides the application process and template. 

Why must I meet the FAC-P/PM continuous learning requirements?

FAC-P/PM describes core, minimum competencies that are considered essential for successful program and project management. If you are required by your CAO to attain P/PM certification you must not only acquire these competencies and have a certain number of years of experience associated with each of three levels, you must also earn 80 continuous learning points (CLPs) every two years to maintain the currency of your certification. Contact your agency ACM for more information.

What are examples of acceptable skills currency training and continuous learning points?

See the guidelines for continuous learning. These guidelines reflect best-in-practice recommendations for continuous learning. Agencies retain flexibility and supervisors remain responsible for working with program and project managers to identify those activities and opportunities of greatest benefit to the professional development of an individual. The training, professional activities, education and experience that are used to meet the CLP requirements must be job related. 

Who keeps track of my Continuous Learning Points? 

Individuals are responsible for maintaining continuous learning records, and agency ACMs, or their designees, will monitor the continuous learning requirements to ensure certifications remain active. 

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) and the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) are pleased to announce that we have completed the transition from the Federal Acquisition Institute Training Application System (FAITAS) to the FAI Cornerstone OnDemand (CSOD), a Defense Acquisition University (DAU) instance of CSOD.

We understand that, as we all get more comfortable with the new system, the Acquisition Workforce (AWF) at-large will have questions about FAI CSOD. As with all large-scale system changes, we want to ensure all users are informed and have access to answers and information in these FAQs, which are updated frequently.

FAI has partnered with DAU to provide service and support for FAI CSOD. Use the table below to determine the best resource to contact for your FAI CSOD related questions.

I no longer wish to receive FAI CSOD emails and would like to be removed from the distribution list.

FAI CSOD does not have a function that enables us to delete individuals from the 'all contacts' list. When FAI sends emails to all users, it is usually for a significant update and is therefore delivered infrequently.

What is the status of the Continuous Learning (CL) Extension?

All Continuous Learning (CL) Achievement requirements with a "current" status as of February 1, 2020 are still considered valid until further notice. FAI CSOD is not automatically processing CL achievements at this time. FAI is working with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) and federal agencies to examine CL processes going forward. Certification holders should still pursue continuous learning through all available methods. You should be aware:

• Training completed and recorded in FAI CSOD awards the associated CLPs
• FAI CSOD is not recording external CLPs at this time; you should maintain your records of external training; FAI will provide instructions for submitting external CLP requests after processes are established in FAI CSOD.
• The data for external event CLPs approved in FAITAS is recorded but not available in FAI CSOD.  When a final decision is made regarding resumption of CL tracking, these CLPs records will be applied in line with that decision.

Please consult with your agency's Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) for further guidance.

Find contact information for your agency’s ACM on the FAI.gov ACM Page.

Should I upload external continuous learning training in FAI CSOD that I took during the CL pause period.

No, there is no need to upload external CL activities that were taken during the pause (Feb. 2020-April 2022). OFPP paused the CL requirements certification periods during this time and per the Acquisition Flash, you are in good standing for this period.

How do I update my FAI CSOD user profile data?

Federal users have the ability to update the information in their universal profile in FAI CSOD. Refer to the Employee Task Aid and training videos within the FAI CSOD ‘Help’ tab for step-by-step guidance for how to update your user profile data.

NOTE: A change in the user profile may take up to 4 hours to update in the system and sync with the Okta login service. Please close your browser completely and do not log back into FAI CSOD until 4 hours has elapsed from making a user profile change.  Keeping your session active or logging back in may overwrite the change you made.

I completed an online training course, but my FAI CSOD transcript is not reflecting a completion status. How do I get this corrected?

If you completed a CSOD online course and your transcript is not showing a completion status, submit a ticket via the ServiceNow Online Portal with a copy of the Completion Certificate or the completion confirmation email that you received after completing the online course and request an update to your training record.

DAU Help Desk (via ServiceNow Online Portal): https://services.dau.edu/psp?id=public_portal 

NOTE: You must provide the Completion Certificate or the completion confirmation email in order for your training record to be updated.

My FAI CSOD transcript is not reflecting the correct training status (e.g., No Show, Withdraw, Fail) for an instructor-led training session. How do I get this corrected?

If your transcript shows an inaccurate training status (no show, withdraw, fail) for an instructor lead training session, use the table below to contact the Registrar team of the agency that conducted the training session and request an update to your training status.

I am registered for instructor-led training, but I have not received any information about how to access the training. What should I do? Who should I contact?

If you are registered for instructor-led training (ILT), but you have not received any information about how to access the training, do not wait until the first day of class to contact someone. At least one week before a class begins, you should contact the Registrar team of the agency conducting the training. Use the table below for agency’s Registrar contact information.

Why am I not able to register for DAU training events?

Currently, FAI CSOD does not support registering in DAU Instructor-Led Training  (ILT) or Virtual ILT (vILT). Furthermore, because of high demand and capacity restrictions, DAU limits seats to Department of Defense students. You should consider DAU-equivalent Federal Organization events such as those in this table:

If you are interested in alternatives to particular DAU ILT and vILT sessions, consult your agency ACM.

Find contact information for your agency’s ACM on the FAI.gov ACM Page

DAU Online Training (OLT) is available to all students.

Who can I contact if I have questions about certifications or warrants?

Contact your agency’s Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) for questions related to certifications or warrants. ACM’s can provide targeted information in the following areas:

• Agency-specific Acquisition Training, Certification, Warrants, and Continuous Learning (CL) Requirements
• Agency-specific Acquisition Policies and Procedures
• Career Development
• Training and Development Opportunities

Find contact information for your agency’s ACM on the FAI.gov ACM Page

How do I create a user account in order to access FAI CSOD?

Federal government users, contractors, and foreign nationals must submit a System Authorization Access Request (SAAR) form to obtain an FAI CSOD user account. The FAI SAAR is available online at https://saar.dau.edu/. Refer to the SAAR Job Aid for guidance on how to complete the SAAR form:

• Non-DoD Federal Agency Users, refer to page 13.
• Foreign National Users with a DAUID, refer to page 13.
• Foreign National Users without a DAUID, refer to page 23.

All users should submit requests for log-in assistance, password resets, and other issues or questions related to your FAI CSOD access via the ServiceNow Online Portal.

DAU Help Desk (via ServiceNow Online Portal): https://services.dau.edu/psp?id=public_portal 

You can also watch  these video tutorials that will further explain FAI CSOD access.

How do I access FAI CSOD from the DAU dashboard in Identity Management after activating my account?

You have reached the DAU dashboard because you logged in from this URL   id.dau.edu. To access FAI CSOD from this URL click on the Virtual Campus button as shown in the screenshot below. To access FAI CSOD directly by going to  dau.csod.com

What browser should I use to access FAI CSOD?

You need to use one of the following browsers to access FAI CSOD:

• Microsoft Edge for Windows 10 (Microsoft Edge Chromium)
• Apple Safari
• Mozilla Firefox
• Google Chrome

Note: Internet Explorer (IE) is NOT supported by FAI CSOD.

Am I able to use my Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card to login? 

Currently, login to FAI CSOD is with your work email and a password provided by DAU. FAI plans to have PIV authentication capability, but this is not available at this time.

I need permissions and access within FAI CSOD to perform tasks that are above the standard employee and/or supervisor/manager roles. How can I get assigned to an elevated system role (i.e., role other than the standard employee and supervisor/manager roles)?

FAI CSOD role changes must be coordinated through the agency ACM. Contact your agency’s Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) for assistance.

Find contact information for your agency’s ACM on the FAI.gov ACM Page.

Are there any training, resources, or guidance available to help me learn and navigate FAI CSOD?

Yes. The following training materials are available from the 'Help' tab within FAI CSOD  to help you learn and navigate FAI CSOD:

1. Training Videos - These short (30-second to 3-minute) videos will provide answers to many of your FAI CSOD questions on topics that include: Updating User Records, Registering for Certification, Submitting Education and Experience Requirements, Registering for Instructor-led Training, Requesting Equivalencies and Fulfillments, and more.

Is there help desk support available?

Yes. Submit requests to the DAU Help Desk via the ServiceNow Online Portal for assistance with the following types of issues:

• FAI CSOD system questions and issues
• FAI CSOD system errors and troubleshooting
• Password issues and resets

DAU Help Desk (via ServiceNow Online Portal): https://services.dau.edu/psp?id=public_portal 

Does it matter if I register for a training session offered by an agency other than my own?

We have an agreement among agencies that instructor-led training sessions are the same from one agency to the next (e.g., FCR 201, CON 170 (FED), FPM 121, etc.). They all address the same competencies and job requirements. The difference might be that some agencies prioritize their own employees before allowing others to get a seat, they charge a fee to employees of other agencies, or they conduct the training over different periods of time.

For example, FCR 201 consists of 40 hours of training. Training sessions might be conducted 8 hours per day over 5 days, 5 hours per day over 8 days, or 4 hours per day over 10 days.

Always consult your agency’s ACM for training requirements particular to your agency.

Find contact information for your agency’s ACM on the FAI.gov ACM Page.

Am I able to print copies of course completion certificates and acquisition certifications?

Yes. CSOD supports printing course completion certificates and certifications from your transcript. 

How do I request an FAI Official Transcript?

Submit your request for an FAI Official Transcript to the DAU Help Desk via the ServiceNow Online Portal.

DAU Help Desk (via ServiceNow Online Portal): https://services.dau.edu/psp?id=public_portal 

Is CSOD 508 compliant? Is CSOD content 508 compliant? 

CSOD is 508 compliant. The user pages of the Cornerstone system are generally compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, depending on the features used and the way the client has configured its portal. The Cornerstone system is compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA. This ensures that all user features are accessible to people with disabilities. Cornerstone maintains support for the latest version of JAWS screen reading software.

Individual content providers must verify 508 compliance for their course content prior to upload.

The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) hosts a large amount of online acquisition training available to all Federal employees through  FAI CSOD.

To view a listing of current DAU online course offerings, please visit the  DAU iCatalog.

Further help about DAU’s training services is available at  https://www.dau.edu/help-center.

What are the training requirements for FAC-C, FAC-COR, and FAC-P/PM?

For any certification training requirements, consult your agency’s Acquisition Career Manager (ACM). Some agencies have training requirements that are beyond these basic levels, and your ACM will be able to explain them.

The FAC-C (Professional) requirements are found in the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Modernization Memo, dated January 19, 2023 and on the  FAC-C (Professional) page.

The FAC-COR training requirements are found in the OFPP Memo on Revisions to the Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer's Representatives (FAC-COR), dated September 6, 2011. An explanation of training requirements is found on the FAC-COR page.

The FAC-P/PM training requirements are found in the OFPP Memo on Revisions to the Federal Acquisition Certification in Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM), dated December 16, 2013.  An explanation of the training requirements is found on the FAC-P/PM page.

If I earn another certification during the common CL period, will my CL window be different?

No, the new certification earned will have the same CL period as your initial certification.

Will I be able to upload external CLP requests?

Yes, you will be able to submit an External Continuous Learning Activity request via the  FAI CSOD home page. There will be training guides and videos to guide you through the process.

Will my completed CLPs count towards all of my certifications?

Yes, your completed CLPs will count toward all FAC certifications that are in a certified status.

Will my data and previous CLP period display on the CLIP dashboard?

No, your previous CLP period will not display on the dashboard, but any training that was completed via the FAI/DAU course catalog will display on your transcript.

How will I know that I have met my CLP requirements?

Your CLIP dashboard will reflect your status as completed.

Will the system display which CLP activities count for CLPs on my dashboard?

Yes, you can use the “view details” bar on the CLIP dashboard to see a list of all the Continuous Learning activities that you have completed to date.

What if I wasn't in good standing as of February 2020?

Please contact your agency point of contact for assistance.

Where do I go to see my CLIP Dashboard?

Log in to  FAI CSOD. Look for the CLIP dashboard icon. If you need to  establish an FAI CSOD account, click  here for log-in assistance.

How many Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) do I need?

To maintain your FAC-C or FAC-P/PM, you must earn eighty (80) CLPs every two years. To maintain your FAC-COR, you must earn forty (40) CLPs every two years (with the exception of Level I CORs, who only require 8 CLPs every two years). This is outlined in the Federal Acquisition Certification guidance for each specialty. Be sure to check with your Agency for additional continuous learning requirements that may be needed.

What are examples of acceptable training and activities that would allow me to earn continuous learning points? How much credit can I receive for the different types of training and activities?

Continuous learning opportunities should be used to obtain training in core competencies, maintain critical acquisition skills and obtain agency specific training. Review the general guidance on continuous learning. If you have a specific question about a course or activity, please see your agency ACM.

What will happen if I don't meet the required number of training hours every two years?

Contracting Officers (COs) may have their warrants suspended or revoked until the CLP requirement is met. CORs may have their appointment suspended or rescinded until their CLP requirement is met. Program/Project Managers may be removed from the program or project.

What’s the difference between online training (OLT) and virtual instructor-led training (vILT) and why should I care?

These names and phrases are for different flavors of online training. It’s important to familiarize yourself with them so you can better understand how to find and register for the training you seek.

Online Training (OLT) – online training is made up of self-paced, online material (e.g., videos, documents, slides, etc.) available “on demand” 24/7. Students are given 3 chances to earn 80% or higher on the final test. If you fail, you will be automatically re-enrolled into the course for another opportunity to master the content.

Virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT) – vILT classes are essentially classroom training delivered online. They are not “on demand” classes you complete at your pace. They are synchronous which means there are specific times when the instructor and students meet at the same time in structured online settings. They are generally for training leading to certification (i.e., FAC-C, FAC-COR, FAC-P/PM).

FCN, FCR, FPM, FAC, etc. What do all of these letters mean? 

These are course identification prefixes that federal civilian agencies have agreed to use to make finding the type of training they offer and students seek consistent and easier. Review the table below to get a better understanding of the prefixes used by federal civilian agencies. The Defense Acquisition University uses a slightly different set of IDs for their training courses and continuous learning modules.

What are FAI’s policies about their training, attendance policies, wait lists, no shows, etc.?

FAI’s Student Training Guidebook contains all of the policies for participating in FAI-provided training.

Can anyone register for training through FAI?

Only federal employees can register for training through FAI because FAI training is funded by the Acquisition Workforce Training Fund. Some training resources, like our Acquisition Seminars, Knowledge Nuggets, and Podcasts are available through our Media Library, but the bulk of our assets are only available to federal employees through  FAI CSOD.

How much does training through FAI cost?

FAI training is free. There is no tuition cost to students or their agencies. FAI training is funded by the Acquisition Workforce Training Fund.

Can the Acquisition Workforce Training Fund (AWTF) be used to pay for contractor training?

No. The AWTF’s statutory purpose is to support the federal acquisition workforce.

The federal acquisition workforce is defined in the implementing statute 41 U.S.C. § 1703. Section 1703(a) states “for purposes of this section , the acquisition workforce of an agency consists of all employees serving in acquisition positions…” The AWTF is authorized in 41 U.S.C. § 1703(i). Subsection (i)(1) states “the purposes of this subsection are to ensure that the Federal acquisition workforce…” This Subsection authorizing the AWTF specifically uses the term Federal acquisition workforce which, as earlier defined, are employees of an agency, not contractors. Therefore, the AWTF cannot be used to pay for training contractors.