FAC-C Level I Certification: Requirements and How to Earn It
The Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level I is the entry-level professional certification for federal contracting personnel. It demonstrates foundational knowledge of federal acquisition law, regulations, and procedures. For civilian agency contracting officers and specialists, FAC-C Level I is typically required to be appointed as a contracting officer and to receive a warrant. Understanding the exact requirements helps you plan your training path efficiently.
Level I Requirements
FAC-C Level I requires: 24 Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) from approved training, a baccalaureate degree (any field, though business or related preferred), completion of specific required training courses, and demonstrated experience in federal acquisition. The required courses cover core competencies: federal acquisition fundamentals, contract pricing, source selection, and contract administration. The specific required courses are defined in FAI Contracting Curriculum and may be completed through DAU (Defense Acquisition University), FAI-recommended commercial providers, or agency-specific training programs.
Approved Training Providers
FAC-C training is available through DAU (free for federal employees), FAI-approved commercial training vendors, agency-specific training programs, and college courses aligned to acquisition competencies. DAU's online courses are self-paced and available to all federal employees without cost. Completing DAU courses that map to the FAC-C Level I curriculum is the most efficient and cost-effective path for most federal contracting professionals.
| FAC-C Level | CLP Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | 24 CLPs | As defined by agency HCA |
| Level II | 80 CLPs total | 2 years federal contracting experience |
| Level III | 120+ CLPs total | 4 years experience; advanced courses required |
| Renewal (all levels) | 80 CLPs every 2 years | Continuing education to maintain certification |
Maintaining FAC-C Certification
All FAC-C levels require renewal every two years, accomplished by earning 80 CLPs during the renewal period. CLPs can be earned through formal training, on-the-job assignments, conferences, and other approved development activities. Agencies track FAC-C renewals through their learning management systems — your contracting officer warrant renewal is typically tied to your FAC-C renewal. Plan to earn approximately 40 CLPs per year to stay current with renewal requirements and avoid certification lapses.