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The New Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) (Professional)
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.
Completion of the four core course training curriculum:
CON 1100 (Guiding Principles)
CON 1200 (Pre-Award)
CON 1300 (Award)
CON 1400 (Post-Award)
The new single-level FAC-C (Professional) focuses on the basics for the first year with the goal of achieving foundational knowledge.
After completing the four core course training curriculum, there will be a proctored exam that consists of 150 questions that are based upon the contracting competencies.
A new competency model will take effect on Feb. 1, 2023. The new model is relevant and applicable across the Department of Defense, 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.
There will be no separate requirement for certification, but Office of Personnel Management's 1102 hiring qualifications standards remain.
The legacy FAC-C model didn't readily support our diverse contracting missions and certification training delivery didn't always align with the skills needed to meet the task assigned. Moving forward both current and future workforce members will complete initial certification and then move forward to expand their professional knowledge and skills through credentials and specialized experiences. More than 30 credentials are planned and will provide training on technical and professional contracting competencies at the time of need.
For the common CL period of 5/1/22 - 4/30/2024, continuous learning requirements for FAC-C (Professional) are 80 hours. Effective May 1, 2024, (the start of the next common period) the continuous learning hours required to maintain the FAC-C (Professional) will increase to 100 for every two-year common period.
Required Education
There will be no separate requirement for certification, but Office of Personnel Management's 1102 hiring qualifications standards remain.
New Competency Model
A new competency model will take effect on Feb. 1, 2023. The new model is relevant and applicable across the Department of Defense, 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.
New Single-Level Certification
The new single-level FAC-C (Professional) focuses on the basics for the first year with the goal of achieving foundational knowledge.
New Certification Curriculum
Completion of the four core course training curriculum:
CON 1100 (Guiding Principles)
CON 1200 (Pre-Award)
CON 1300 (Award)
CON 1400 (Post-Award)
Note: Unique agency certification requirements: federal agencies may have unique certification requirements in addition to the requirements for FAC-C. 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.
New Certification Exam
After completing the four core course training curriculum, there will be a 150 question closed-book proctored exam that covers the competencies required for initial readiness. Successful completion of this exam is a requirement for all contracting professionals who have never previously held a FAC-C or DAWIA certification. The exam will be graded on a pass/fail basis and has a minimum passing score of 70%. For more information on the Contracting Certification Exam, see FAI’s list of Frequently Asked Questions.
New Credential Training Packages
The legacy FAC-C model didn't readily support our diverse contracting missions and certification training delivery didn't always align with the skills needed to meet the task assigned. Moving forward both current and future workforce members will complete initial certification and then move forward to expand their professional knowledge and skills through credentials and specialized experiences. More than 30 credentials are planned and will provide training on technical and professional contracting competencies at the time of need.
Continuous Learning Requirements
For the common continuous learning period of May 1, 2022 - April 30, 2024, continuous learning requirements for FAC-C (Professional) are 80 hours. Effective May 1, 2024, (the start of the next common period) the continuous learning hours required to maintain the FAC-C (Professional) will increase to 100 for every two-year common period.
Click on the option that best describes your certification status as of Feb. 1, 2023 -
Good news! You will automatically be awarded the new FAC-C (Professional) in FAI-CSOD. Workforce members currently certified will not need to take the new FAC-C curriculum or the certification exam.
Effective on Feb. 1, 2023, the new single-level FAC-C (Professional) will be established. The new certification training focuses on initial readiness, and consists of four new courses and a proctored exam and the requirements are:
Training: Completion of the four core course training curriculum - CON 1100 (Guiding Principles), CON 1200 (Pre-Award), CON 1300 (Award) and CON 1400 (Post-Award).
Experience: A minimum of twelve months full-time experience applying a representative sample of the technical contracting common competencies.
Professional Exam: 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.
Make sure to work closely with your supervisor, who will help you secure on-the-job training and experiential opportunities during your first year.
You have choices! You have the option of completing the legacy FAC-C curriculum OR you can choose to begin the new curriculum. You must complete all legacy certification training and you must meet education and experience requirements and apply for certification by Sept. 30, 2023. You must initiate your certification request in FAI CSOD no later than Feb. 15, 2023. Be sure to consult with your acquisition career manager or small agency representative for agency-specific guidance before determining the appropriate next steps.
You may still pursue the higher FAC-C certifications, but you will need to complete all legacy certification training, and you must meet education and experience requirements and apply for certification by Sept. 30, 2023. You must initiate your certification request in FAI CSOD no later than Feb. 15, 2023. It's important to note that, 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 instead. You can check with your supervisor, acquisition career manager or small agency representative for more specific guidance if you are in progress toward higher level FAC-C certifications.
