Civilian training and/or certification for FAR? Is there anything similar to FAC-C?

[chadinark]

My apologies if this inquiry is not properly directed but I've searched some on the forums here and I'm not seeing a question like this one exactly.

I have a question about the FAC-C (Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting) and FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) training in general.  First off, I should clarify that I'm a civilian and not currently a gov't employee.  I have a law degree and I work in contract management.  I see a lot of great jobs advertised (or at least they sure look like great jobs) asking for knowledge, experience and/or certification in FAR and/or DFARS (Defense Supplement to FAR).  So I've been asking myself: how can I get this type of certification? 

In researching this, it appears to me that the FAC-C (or a DAWIA reciprocal certification) is the applicable "gold-standard" certification to possess in the FAR field, but everything I see seems to indicate that this type of certification is only open to current Federal Gov't employees.  Is that correct?  If so, is there any type of education program or civilian-equivalent FAC-C certification that a non-gov't employee job seeker can obtain?  I'd really like to learn more about this field and how I might be able to gain some training or certifications. 

How does one ever get a job in gov't that requires this certification, if you first have to be in gov't to sit for the certification exam?

Thanks so much for your time.  I would really appreciate any ideas / pointers that you can share with me!

Chad

[Witty_Username]

14 hours ago, chadinark said:

If so, is there any type of education program or civilian-equivalent FAC-C certification that a non-gov't employee job seeker can obtain?

There are certifications like NCMA Certified Professional Contract Manager or Certified Federal Contract Manager, but they are not FAC-C or DAWIA equivalent. Depending on the hiring manager they may or may not get your resume a closer look. But most Federal contracting jobs will have an experience requirement at the time you are hired but you'll have a reasonable grace period to meet any contracting certification requirements, giving you time to take the required FAC-C or DAWIA classes once you're in the position.

[joel hoffman]

Do you want an attorney or contracting specialist job with the government?

[chadinark]

7 hours ago, joel hoffman said:

Do you want an attorney or contracting specialist job with the government?

hi Joel,

id like a contract specialist job either in govt or private sector.  The problem is even the private sector jobs seem to require expert knowledge of FAR, so to me that essentially seems like former Fed Govt employees only? 

thanks

 Chad

[Vern Edwards]

On 4/4/2024 at 1:59 PM, chadinark said:

[I]s there any type of education program or civilian-equivalent FAC-C certification that a non-gov't employee job seeker can obtain?

https://www.law.gwu.edu/government-procurement-courses-and-degree-offerings

See also George Mason University.

Florida Institute of Technology. https://www.fit.edu/programs/acquisition-and-contract-management-ms/

There are a few others. Search!

[Don Mansfield]

@chadinark

If you want to demonstrate knowledge of the FAR, then I would recommend getting a CFCM from NCMA.