USA

Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting Exam (FAC-C)

600 questions

About this exam

The Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) is a federal civilian workforce certification for professionals whose roles involve planning, awarding, or administering contracts. Candidates may include contracting specialists and other acquisition staff, with requirements tied to their position and agency. It is not necessarily a single, nationally standardized exam with one format or test date; agencies establish certification processes under current federal guidance. Professionals working for the Department of Defense or another military organization should confirm whether FAC-C or the DoD contracting certification framework applies to their role.

FAC-C preparation centers on applying acquisition rules and sound judgment throughout the contracting process. Relevant areas include acquisition planning and contracting strategy, requirements development, market research, and performance work statements. Candidates should also understand how these activities support competition, value, and mission needs. Review the current certification requirements for your agency, then use official acquisition guidance and scenario-based study to connect principles with decisions. Online multiple-choice practice can help reveal knowledge gaps, but it should supplement—not replace—current policy and agency-specific direction.

How to prepare for the FAC-C certification process

  1. Map your agency’s current FAC-C requirements to your role, including required training, experience, assessments, and approval steps; verify details with your acquisition career manager.
  2. Review acquisition planning, contracting strategy, requirements development, market research, and performance work statements, using current Federal Acquisition Institute and agency guidance.
  3. Practice applying concepts to realistic contracting scenarios under timed conditions, then review why each answer is appropriate and note topics that need further study.

FAQ

Who is eligible for the FAC-C?

FAC-C is intended for federal civilian acquisition professionals whose positions require contracting certification. Eligibility and certification requirements depend on the role and agency. Defense personnel should confirm whether their position follows FAC-C requirements or the DoD contracting certification framework.

Is the FAC-C a single standardized exam?

FAC-C is a certification program, and candidates should not assume there is one universal exam format, schedule, or admission process. Required training, assessments, experience, and agency approval can vary under current policy. Check your agency’s guidance for the process that applies to you.

What subjects should I review for FAC-C preparation?

Focus on the acquisition process, especially acquisition planning and contracting strategy, requirements development, market research, and performance work statements. Use current official guidance and your agency’s training materials, since certification expectations and policies may change.