AND VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES |
FEDERAL ACQUISITION CERTIFICATION IN CONTRACTING
STUDY GUIDE
QUESTION 1
What is the minimum passing score required for the FAC-C
(Professional) certification exam (CON 3990V)?
A) 60%
B) 65%
C) 70%
D) 75%
E) 80%
CORRECT ANSWER: C) 70%
RATIONALE: The FAC-C (Professional) certification exam is graded on a
pass/fail basis with a minimum passing score of 70%. The exam is a
closed-book, proctored assessment consisting of 150 questions that
evaluates critical competencies for initial readiness in federal
contracting.
QUESTION 2
Which agency administers the FAC-C certification program?
,A) Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
B) Government Accountability Office (GAO)
C) Department of Defense (DoD)
D) Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI)
E) General Services Administration (GSA)
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI)
RATIONALE: The Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) administers the FAC-
C certification program and the professional contracting exam. The
exam is being updated to align with the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul,
with updates completed by March 31, 2026, and implementation
beginning in April 2026.
QUESTION 3
What is the name of the certification exam for FAC-C (Professional)
certification?
A) CON 3910
B) CON 3990V
C) FCN 3920
D) FAC 3990
E) CON 3890
CORRECT ANSWER: B) CON 3990V
RATIONALE: The FAC-C (Professional) certification exam is officially
designated as CON 3990V. It is administered by FAI and consists of 150
questions in a closed-book, proctored format. Candidates must
complete required training courses before attempting the exam.
,QUESTION 4
What is the primary purpose of the Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR)?
A) To establish prices for all federal contracts
B) To replace agency-specific acquisition policies entirely
C) To provide uniform policies and procedures for acquisition by
executive agencies
D) To limit the number of contractors eligible to bid on federal contracts
E) To eliminate competition in the federal marketplace
CORRECT ANSWER: C) To provide uniform policies and procedures for
acquisition by executive agencies
RATIONALE: The FAR provides uniform policies and procedures for
acquisition by executive agencies, ensuring consistency and compliance
with federal laws. It does not set prices, limit competition, or replace
agency policies entirely. The FAR's fundamental purpose is to promote
competition, ensure fair dealing, and achieve value for money on behalf
of the federal government. FAR Part 1 establishes the vision and
overarching goals of the Federal Acquisition System.
QUESTION 5
Under FAR Part 6, what does "sealed bidding" require?
A) Offers must be submitted in person only
B) A two-step process with technical proposals followed by price
proposals
, C) Competitive bids to be opened publicly after the bid deadline, with
award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder
D) Pre-qualification of bidders before solicitation release
E) Negotiation with all bidders before final selection
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Competitive bids to be opened publicly after
the bid deadline, with award to the lowest responsive and responsible
bidder
RATIONALE: Sealed bidding, prescribed in FAR Part 6, requires formal
advertising, public opening of sealed bids, and award to the lowest
responsive and responsible bidder. This method does not allow for post-
bid negotiations and is used when specifications are clear and price is
the primary award factor. The public opening is a transparency
mechanism ensuring fair treatment of all bidders.
QUESTION 6
Which FAR part addresses contract administration and audit services?
A) FAR Part 15
B) FAR Part 30
C) FAR Part 42
D) FAR Part 49
E) FAR Part 37
CORRECT ANSWER: C) FAR Part 42
RATIONALE: FAR Part 42 addresses contract management, including
contract administration, oversight, and termination procedures. It
prescribes policies and procedures for assigning and performing