Q. Is the Contracting Certification Exam open or closed book?
A. The CON 3990V Contracting Certification Exam is completely closed book. You, as the exam candidate, 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.
Q. What is the passing score?
A. You must obtain a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam.
Q. How many questions are on the exam?
A. 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.
Q. When am I eligible to take the exam?
A. 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 and will receive an email from Pearson VUE with information on how to schedule your exam.
Q. How is the exam delivered?
A. 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. Pearson VUE’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.
Q. How do I choose whether to take the exam virtually (OnVUE), or at a physical test center?
A. The choice is up to you. However, this decision should be coordinated with your supervisor prior to enrollment.
Q. Are there any advantages to taking the exam in-person at a test center vs. virtually using OnVUE?
A. 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.
Q. Where can I take the Contracting Certification Exam in person?
A. 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.
Q. What if there are no Pearson Professional Centers (PPC), or on-base test centers within commuting distance from my home of record or near my duty location?
A. 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.
Q. What happens if I am unable to test on the date that has been scheduled?
A. You must cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours prior to your appointment date and time.
Q. Are there any study materials available for the CON Cert Exam?
A. Candidates are highly encouraged to take CON 3910 Exam Prep Course. There is also a game called A FAR Better View, that can help you gain familiarity with the FAR parts and their titles.
Q. Will I have to pay any fees to take the exam?
A. 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.
Q. 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?
A. You can either submit an inquiry to FAIregistrar@fai.gov or through the Pearson VUE customer service link. Candidates should practice discretion in determining where to send inquiries dependent upon the nature of the question.