What the Course Entails and Exam Details

This certification process is not about a single course, but rather a structured learning journey and a final exam.

The underlying training and the competencies tested cover the entire acquisition lifecycle.

You will delve deep into crucial topics like acquisition planning, market research, and different contract types.

Expect to gain expertise in solicitation methods, source selection procedures, and negotiation techniques.

Crucially, you will also master contract administration, quality assurance, and proper closeout procedures.

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) form the bedrock of this entire program.

You must be thoroughly familiar with navigating these extensive regulations to succeed.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

Prepare yourself for a rigorous assessment of your contracting knowledge.

The actual official Contracting Certification Exam (often referred to as CON 3990V) is a closed-book, proctored test.

You will typically have around 3 hours to complete the examination, which currently consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.

To pass and earn your certification, you must achieve a score of 70% or higher.

The questions will test both your knowledge of regulatory principles and your ability to apply them in practical scenarios.

This means you cannot rely on looking up information during the test; your understanding must be genuine and readily accessible.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Effective studying is paramount to conquering this demanding certification exam.

Develop a structured study plan that covers all the key technical competencies.

Actively engage with official DAU training materials, guidebooks, and relevant FAR and DFARS sections.

Immerse yourself in practice questions and reputable practice exams whenever possible to simulate the actual testing experience.

Identify your weak areas and dedicate ample time to reviewing and reinforcing those specific concepts.

Consider enrolling in the official DAU exam preparation course, CON 3910V, which is highly recommended by DAU itself.

This self-paced, online course is specifically designed to maximize your chances of success on the real exam.

When you are ready to take the official exam, you will need to schedule it through the approved proctoring service.

DAU primarily utilizes Pearson VUE for exam delivery, offering both physical testing centers worldwide and secure online proctoring options.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Earning your DAU Contracting Certification unlocks numerous fulfilling career paths within the federal government and beyond.

Here are some specific job titles that this certification can help you secure:

• Contract Specialist (GS-1102 series)

• Contracting Officer

• Procurement Analyst

• Contract Manager

• Purchasing Agent

• Cost/Price Analyst

• Contract Administrator

Beyond government roles, your knowledge is highly sought after in the private sector.

Companies supporting government contracts actively recruit certified professionals for positions like:

• Private Sector Contract Manager (Government Contractor)

• Acquisition Consultant

• Subcontract Administrator