What Is FAC-C Certification?
The Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) is the federal government’s professional certification for civilian contracting professionals — the acquisition workforce members who write solicitations, evaluate offers, negotiate terms, award contracts, and administer them through closeout. It’s the contracting counterpart to FAC-COR (which certifies the people who monitor contracts) and FAC-P/PM (which certifies program managers).
If your position involves contracting officer or contracting officer warrant authority — or if you’re on a career path toward either — FAC-C is the certification framework that governs your professional development requirements.
Three Levels of FAC-C
FAC-C Level I
Entry-level certification for contracting professionals early in their federal careers. Requires completion of specific foundational courses covering the federal acquisition process, contract types, simplified acquisition procedures, and basic contracting principles. Typically relevant for GS-5 through GS-9 contracting staff.
FAC-C Level II
Mid-career certification covering more complex contracting authorities and processes — competitive negotiated acquisitions, source selection, cost and price analysis, subcontracting, and contract administration. Required for many GS-11 through GS-13 contracting positions. In some agencies, Level II is required to hold a contracting officer warrant above a specific dollar threshold.
FAC-C Level III — Professional
The senior-level certification for experienced contracting professionals managing complex, high-dollar, or mission-critical acquisitions. Requires substantial course completion, demonstrated experience, and often the DAWIA Level III equivalent for DoD-background professionals transitioning to civilian agencies. Positions with senior contracting officer warrant authority at major agencies typically require Level III.
FAC-C vs. FAC-COR vs. FAC-P/PM
The three FAC certifications address three different roles in the acquisition process:
- FAC-C: The contracting professional — writes the solicitation, awards the contract, holds contracting authority
- FAC-COR: The Contracting Officer’s Representative — monitors contractor performance on a specific contract, serves as the technical interface
- FAC-P/PM: The program manager — owns the program, manages the portfolio, oversees budget and schedule across multiple contracts
On a complex acquisition program, all three certifications may be active simultaneously. The CO (FAC-C) awards and administers the contract. The COR (FAC-COR) monitors day-to-day performance. The PM (FAC-P/PM) manages the program at the portfolio level. Each certification governs a distinct set of responsibilities.
Training Requirements and Continuous Learning
FAC-C training requirements vary by level. Initial certification requires completing the required course hours at the applicable level — a combination of core contracting courses plus electives drawn from the FAI Course Catalog or DAU offerings. Once certified, FAC-C holders must earn 80 continuous learning points (CLPs) every two years.
Common CLP-eligible training sources include:
- DAU (Defense Acquisition University) courses — free for federal employees, widely accepted
- FAI-approved commercial training providers
- Agency-sponsored acquisition training programs
- Professional certifications (NCMA CFCM/CPCM count toward CLP requirements)
How GGS Supports FAC-C Development
Gotham Government Services delivers acquisition workforce training for civilian agencies including contracting staff working toward FAC-C certification or recertification. Our training covers the competency areas addressed in the FAC-C framework, delivered by instructors with direct federal contracting experience — not just familiarity with the FAR.
We work with contracting offices and agency acquisition career managers to:
- Assess FAC-C certification gaps across the contracting workforce
- Design training plans that map to Level I, II, or III requirements
- Deliver targeted acquisition training that applies to your agency’s procurement environment
- Support continuous learning point requirements for certified contracting officers
GGS training is available under HCaTS SB and GSA MAS contract vehicles — no separate procurement required. Contact us to discuss your contracting workforce development needs.
See also: our Federal Acquisition Workforce Development hub article for a comprehensive overview of FAC-COR, FAC-P/PM, and FAC-C certification frameworks.
Related: GSA MAS Contract | GGS Training and Consulting Services