Proctored Exams

Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) Contracting Certification Exam: A Comprehensive Guide

The Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) offers a crucial certification for those pursuing careers in federal contracting through the Contracting Certification Exam (CON 3990V). This guide provides essential information about eligibility, exam options, personal identification requirements, reasonable accommodations, and frequently asked questions to help candidates navigate the certification process smoothly.

Overview of the Contracting Certification Exam

The CON 3990V Contracting Certification Exam is a critical step for individuals seeking certification in federal contracting. The exam evaluates competencies necessary for a successful career in federal acquisition and is designed to ensure that candidates possess the skills required to perform effectively in this field.

Eligibility for the CON 3990V Exam

Who Can Take the Exam? To be eligible for the CON 3990V exam, candidates must have completed the required FAC-C (Professional) training courses:

  • CON 1100V
  • CON 1200V
  • CON 1300V
  • CON 1400V

If you have completed these courses, you will receive an invitation to register for the exam. The exam is not available to current FAC-C certified personnel.

Accessing the Exam Once eligible, candidates should register for the exam through the FAI’s CSOD. After registration, you will receive a welcome email from pearsonvueconfirmation@pearson.com with instructions on how to schedule your exam. If you do not receive this email within 24 hours, check your junk mail or contact FAIregistrar@fai.gov.

Examination Options

Candidates have two options for taking the exam:

  1. In-Person Testing
    • Location: Pearson VUE Professional Test Centers (commercial locations) or Military test centers.
    • Scheduling: Choose a test center within your local area. If none are available, obtain agency-approved travel authorization before scheduling. Note that FAI does not cover travel expenses.
  2. Virtual Testing
    • Platform: OnVUE online proctoring.
    • Requirements: You must use a personal computer as most government IT systems are not compatible with the required software add-on. For detailed technical requirements, visit OnVUE Proctoring.

Personal Identification Requirements

ID Policy

  • Ensure that your ID matches the name in the testing system. For discrepancies between your ID and the Authorization to Test email, contact FAIregistrar@fai.gov with official documentation to update your profile.
  • For a complete list of acceptable IDs, refer to the Pearson VUE ID Policy.

Reasonable Accommodations

If you need special accommodations due to a disability:

  1. Universal Profile: Set the disability setting to “Yes” in your Universal Profile in FAI CSOD.
  2. Accommodation Request: Email your agency-approved accommodation letter to fairegistrar@gsa.gov with details of your needs.
  3. Approval: FAI will coordinate with Pearson VUE to update your profile and confirm your accommodation.

Common accommodations include extra time, breaks, a separate room, or a reader. Comfort aids such as medications or water do not require prior authorization but must be approved through visual inspection by test center staff.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the exam open or closed book? The CON 3990V is a closed book exam. No external materials or devices are allowed.

2. What is the passing score? A minimum score of 70% is required to pass.

3. How many questions are on the exam? The exam consists of 150 questions, randomly selected from a comprehensive database.

4. When can I take the exam? You can take the exam after completing all required training courses. You will receive an email with scheduling instructions once you are eligible.

5. How is the exam delivered? The exam is delivered by Pearson VUE and can be taken in-person or virtually using OnVUE.

6. How should I decide between in-person and virtual testing? Coordinate with your supervisor and consider the benefits and potential challenges of each method. Historically, in-person testing has shown slightly higher pass rates.

7. What if I can’t find a test center nearby? If no local test centers are available, you may need to opt for the virtual exam or obtain travel authorization for an out-of-area test center.

8. What if I need to cancel or reschedule? You must do so at least 48 hours before your scheduled time to avoid forfeiting your exam fee.

9. Are there any study materials available? Candidates are encouraged to take the CON 3910 Exam Prep Course and use tools like the “A FAR Better View” game to familiarize themselves with FAR parts.

10. Do I need to pay any fees? No, exam fees are covered by FAI. However, no-shows will incur costs for the government.

11. How do I address further questions or concerns? Contact FAIregistrar@fai.gov or use Pearson VUE’s customer service for additional support.

Conclusion

Successfully navigating the Federal Acquisition Institute’s Contracting Certification Exam requires understanding the eligibility criteria, exam options, and preparation requirements. By following the outlined steps and utilizing available resources, candidates can enhance their chances of achieving certification and advancing their careers in federal contracting.

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