You are here
Home» Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Migration from FAITAS to Cornerstone OnDemand FAQs
Acquisition Workforce Members
Administration, Courseware and Workflow
Training FAQs
Online Training Through DAU
Certification Training Requirements
Continuous Learning
Online Training
Course IDs
General Policies
Certification FAQs
Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting (FAC-C)
FAC-P/PM Certification
Acquisition Workforce Competency Survey FAQs
General FAQs
FAI.gov FAQs
Technical Issues
For further assistance, please submit a help desk ticket or call (703) 752-9604.
Training
Online Training Through DAU
The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) hosts a large amount of online acquisition training in its Virtual Campus that is available to all Federal employees. The results for completing any of this training automatically feed your FAITAS profile.
Orientation videos for the DAU Virtual Campus, instructions for obtaining a DAU account, and guidance for completing the DAU System Authorization Access Request (SAAR) for access to the Virtual Campus should be the first items you review if you do not already have a DAU account.
For additional information about DAU’s Virtual Campus and how to enroll in its online training, please review the DAU’s Frequently Asked Questions.
To view a listing of current DAU online course offerings, please visit the DAU iCatlog.
Further help about DAU’s training services is available at https://www.dau.edu/helpdesk.
CERTIFICATION TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
What are the training requirements for FAC-C, FAC-COR, and FAC-PPM?
For any certification training requirements, consult your agency’s Acquisition Career Manager (ACM). Some agencies have training requirements that are beyond these basic levels, and your ACM will be able to explain them.
The basic FAC-C training requirements are found in the OFPP Memo on Revisions to the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C), dated May 7, 2014. A summary of the training requirements is found on the FAC-C Page.
The FAC-COR training requirements are found in the OFPP Memo on Revisions to the Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer's Representatives (FAC-COR), dated September 6, 2011. An explanation of training requirements is found on the FAC-COR page.
The FAC-PPM training requirements are found in the OFPP Memo on Revisions to the Federal Acquisition Certification in Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM), dated December 16, 2013. An explanation of the training requirements is found on the FAC-P/PM page.
CONTINUOUS LEARNING
How many Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) do I need?
To maintain your FAC-C or FAC-PPM, you must earn eighty (80) CLPs every two years. To maintain your FAC-COR, you must earn forty (40) CLPs every two years (with the exception of Level I CORs, who only require 8 CLPs every two years). This is outlined in the Federal Acquisition Certification guidance for each specialty. Be sure to check with your Agency for additional continuous learning requirements that may be needed.
What are examples of acceptable training and activities that would allow me to earn continuous learning points? How much credit can I receive for the different types of training and activities?
Continuous learning opportunities should be used to obtain training in core competencies, maintain critical acquisition skills and obtain agency specific training. Review the general guidance on continuous learning. If you have a specific question about a course or activity, please see your agency ACM.
What will happen if I don't meet the required number of training hours every two years?
Contracting Officers (COs) may have their warrants suspended or revoked until the CLP requirement is met. CORs may have their appointment suspended or rescinded until their CLP requirement is met.
ONLINE TRAINING
When looking for online training, I find terms like distance learning courses, continuous learning modules, and virtual instructor-led training. What’s the difference and why should I care?
These names and phrases are for different flavors of online training. It’s important to familiarize yourself with them so you can better understand how to find and register for the training you seek.
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT) – vILT classes are classroom training delivered online. They are not “on demand” classes you complete at your pace. They are synchronous which means there are times when the instructor and students meet at the same time in structured online settings. They are generally for training leading to certification (i.e., FAC-C, FAC-COR, FAC-PPM).
Continuous Learning Modules – continuous learning modules (CLMs) are self-paced online training assets available “on demand” 24/7. Most take 1-2 hours to complete, but a few can take up to 9 hours. Students are given an unlimited number of chances to get a 100% on the final test.
Distance Learning Courses – distance learning (DL) courses are structured much the same way as CLMs. They are self-paced, online training assets but longer - 10 to 40 hours - and more rigorous. Students are given only three chances to pass the final test or the entire course must be retaken. Students are allowed to confer with an instructor about the course content prior to their third attempt on the test.
COURSE IDS
FCN, FCR, FPM, FAC, etc. What do all of these letters mean?
These are course identification prefixes that federal civilian agencies have agreed to use in FAITAS to make finding the type of training they offer and students seek consistent and easier. Review the table below to get a better understanding of the prefixes used by federal civilian agencies. The Defense Acquisition University uses a slightly different set of IDs for their training courses and continuous learning modules.
| Prefix | Subject |
| FAC | FAI Continuous Learning Modules |
| FQN | Acquisition Management |
| FAU | Auditing |
| FCE | Cost Estimating |
| FCM | Contract Management |
| FCN | Contracting |
| FCR | Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) |
| FEN | Engineering |
| FEV | Earned Value Management |
| FFE | Facilities Engineering |
| FFM | Business, and Financial Management |
| FGR | Grants |
| FIN | Industrial/Contract Property Management |
| FIR | Information Resource Management |
| FLD | Leadership and Development |
| FLG | Logistics |
| FMS | Facility Management Services |
| FPM | Program Management |
| FPQ | Production, Quality, and Management |
| FRQ | Requirements Management |
| FSA | Software Acquisition Management |
| FSE | Systems Planning, Research, Development, and Engineering |
| FST | Science and Technology Management |
| FTE | Test & Evaluation |
The (FED) suffix is used to identify training hosted by a federal agency that has been deemed equivalent to training from the Defense Acquisition University. Some of the courses this applies to are CON 170, CON 270, CON 280, CON 290, CON 360, CON 243, and CON 244. When a federal civilian agency offers DAU-equivalent courses, IDs will have the (FED) suffix.
If CON 121, CON 124, CON 127, CON 200, and CON 216 are online training, why do I see some with the (FED) suffix?
CON 121, CON 124, CON 127, CON 200, and CON 216 are online and available to students 24/7; however, some federal agencies prefer that their employees take these classes in the classroom. Therefore, because these are DAU-equivalent courses, they are identified with the (FED) suffix.
GENERAL POLICIES
What are FAI’s policies about their training, attendance policies, wait lists, no shows, etc.?
FAI’s Student Training Guidebook contains all of the policies for participating in FAI-provided training.
Can anyone register for training through FAI?
Only federal employees can register for training through FAI because FAI training is funded by the Acquisition Workforce Training Fund. Some training resources, like our Acquisition Seminars, Knowledge Nuggets, and Podcasts are available through our Media Library, but the bulk of our assets are only available to federal employees through FAITAS.
How much does training through FAI cost?
FAI training is free. There is no tuition costs to students or their agencies. FAI training is funded by the Acquisition Workforce Training Fund.
Certification
FEDERAL ACQUISITION CERTIFICATION - CONTRACTING (FAC-C)
What do I need to do to become FAC-C certified?
FAC-C certification is based on meeting specific education, training, and experience requirements. These requirements can be found on the FAC-C (Refresh) Certification Requirements page. Because FAC-C certifications are approved and processed by the Federal agency an individual works for at the time of application, the individual should contact their agency Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) for specific guidance.
I am not an 1102. Can I pursue a certification in contracting?
Yes, the FAC-C program is not limited to the GS-1102 series. The decision whether to FAC-C certify non-1102’s is an individual agency decision.
How do I apply for the FAC-C?
Because applications for the FAC-C are approved and processed by the Federal agency an individual works for, you should contact your agency Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) for specific directions.
Why can’t I send my FAC-C application to FAI?
FAI does not approve or process FAC-C applications. FAI is responsible for implementing and disseminating the FAC-C policy established by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP). The approval and processing of FAC-C applications is performed by the Federal agency an individual works for at the time of application for a FAC-C.
I have a lot of contracting experience. Can I apply for a FAC-C Level III without being Level I and II certified?
No. The education, training, and experience requirements found on the FAC-C page are cumulative. You must complete the requirements for each level before moving to the next level. You will need to complete FAC-C Level I before moving to FAC-C Level II. You will need to complete FAC-C Level II before moving to FAC-C Level III.
I want to become certified but I took my classes in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Will I have to retake the training classes?
There is no crosswalk between the training classes in the new FAC-C (Refresh) and the FAC-C (Legacy) programs. The content in these classes is out of date and the performance objectives have changed. Depending on agency policy, you may be able to use the fulfillment process instead of retaking the training classes. If you use fulfillment, you will need to include in your fulfillment package proof that you have taken other classes, possibly for continuous learning that include current material and meets the performance outcomes of the new training classes.
I am an 1102 Contract Specialist. Do I have be FAC-C certified?
Yes. Per the May 7, 2014 Memo on Revisions to the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) from OFPP, Contracting Officers, regardless of their series, and other contracting professionals in the 1102 job series must be certified at an appropriate level as of October 1, 2014, pursuant to agency policy.
Should certification packages and waivers be sent to FAI?
Certification packages and waivers are approved and processed at the agency level. Acquisition Workforce members should always contact their agency’s Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) with questions concerning certification, waivers, continuous learning, and other questions. FAI does not process or approve certification packages, waivers, or continuous learning.
I am applying for FAC-C Level III certification. Can I retake a required FAC-C Level I or Level II course to fulfill the 32 hours of elective training?
No. The intent of the FAC-C Level III electives is to expand and build upon your extensive acquisition knowledge base. Retaking a previous course can be a great refresher, however, the training requirements for FAC-C are intended to build upon previously learned knowledge and skills.
As a reminder, the 32 hours of electives may be one course or a series of courses. Each course should be at least eight hours in length and can be classroom, online, or a combination of the two. Topics must be related to acquisition and may include general business courses such as statistics or budgeting. Topics of subject areas may also be in a technical area related to the individual’s specific work, such as IT. Agencies have the option of specifying the courses their workforce members must take to meet the 32 hours of electives.
FAC-C (REFRESH)
I already have a FAC-C, issued before the FAC-C policy letter dated May 7, 2014. Will I have to retake all the training listed in the policy letter?
Current FAC-C holders certified under the previous FAC-C will be transitioned at their current level of certification, as long as their continuous learning requirements are met. Agencies covered by the FAC-C program may require additional training and experience. Contact you agency Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) for specific details.
I completed my FAC-C Level I before the FAC-C policy letter was issued on May 7, 2014. Why do I have to take additional Level I training in order to register for Level II courses?
The Level I, II, and III courses used in the Refreshed FAC-C program have prerequisites. In order to meet the prerequisites for Level II, you must take additional Level I training.
I don’t have a FAC-C Level III certification. When/how do I transition from FAC-C (Legacy) to FAC-C (Refresh)?
Transition strategies from FAC-C (Legacy) to FAC-C (Refresh) are agency specific. Please contact your agency Acquisition Career Manager (ACM).
Can I mix and match FAC-C (Legacy) and FAC-C (Refresh) coursers for certification?
FAC-C (Legacy) and FAC-C (Refresh) courses cannot be mixed at the same FAC-C certification level.
Can I start FAC-C (Legacy) Level certification after October 1, 2014?
In accordance with the May 7, 2014 Memo on Revisions to the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) from OFPP, contracting professionals who have not yet started a FAC-C (Legacy) certification level by October 1, 2014, must obtain certification at that level under the FAC-C (Refresh) program.
Example 1. An individual new to the Federal contracting workforce did not take any of the required FAC-C (Legacy) Level I courses prior to October 1, 2014. Per the OMB memorandum, that individual must use the FAC-C (Refresh) certification program.
How does a contracting professional demonstrate that they have started a FAC-C (Legacy) certification level prior to October 1, 2014?
Contracting professionals must have successfully completed one of the required FAC-C (Legacy) courses in the level under which they are seeking certification, prior to October 1, 2014. Taking a course for elective purposes or a continuous learning module does not demonstrate a contracting professional has started working on FAC-C certification.
Example 1. A workforce member started working on their FAC-C (Legacy) Level II on August 19, 2014 by taking a course on incentive contracting. This course is not a required course for the FAC-C. The workforce member planned on using the course on incentive contracting as an elective for FAC-C (Legacy) Level II. They did not take any other courses between August 19, 2014 and October 1, 2014.
As of October 2, 2014, the workforce member has not demonstrated they have started the FAC-C (Legacy) Level II certification. They must follow the FAC-C (Refresh) Level II certification program.
If the workforce member had taken one of the required FAC-C (Legacy) Level II courses, such as CON 215, prior to October 1, 2014, they would have demonstrated that they had started FAC-C (Legacy) Level II and would be allowed to continue following the FAC-C (Legacy) Level II certification program.
Example 2. A workforce member started working on their FAC-C (Legacy) Level II on June 30, 2014 by taking CON 200, a required course for Level II under the Legacy program, and completed it on July 18, 2014. On October 1, 2014, they will be allowed to continue to follow FAC-C (Legacy) Level II certification program because they demonstrated that they started it before October 1, 2014.
DAWIA CERTIFICATION
I have a DAWIA certification in contracting. How can I become FAC-C certified?
Contact you agency Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) for specific directions on applying for a FAC-C using your DAWIA certification. At a minimum when you apply for your FAC-C, you will need to provide a copy of your college transcripts and proof of your continuous learning points.
A DAWIA certification in contracting is equivalent to a FAC-C at the same certification level, provided the education and continuous learning criteria for FAC-C is met. The education requirements for FAC-C can be found on the FAC-C page. Requirements for continuous learning can be found on the FAC-C page under Continuous Learning.
I currently work for DoD. How can I obtain FAC-C certification?
FAC-C certification is limited to individuals who work for federal civilian agencies.
Can I use my DAWIA certification in contracting to become FAC-C certified or will I have to take all the courses over again?
A valid current DAWIA certification in contracting is equivalent to a FAC-C at the same certification level, provided the education and continuous learning criteria for FAC-C is met. Contact your agency Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) for specific directions. The education requirements for FAC-C can be found on the FAC-C page. Requirements for continuous learning can be found on the FAC-C page under Continuous Learning.
I have a FAC-C Level III. Can I apply for a job in DoD?
You can always apply for a job in DoD. Whether you are selected for an interview will be based on how well you meet the experience, education, and training requirements in the job announcement.
I am applying for a position in DoD. Will I have to retake my training in order to become DAWIA certified?
A valid, current FAC-C does not necessarily meet the requirements for the DAWIA certification. Determination of equivalency will be made by the DoD Agency on an individual basis.
CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION
I currently work for a contractor. How can I obtain FAC-C certification?
FAC-C certification is limited to individuals who work for federal civilian agencies.
WARRANTS
When a person transfers to a new agency, must their warrant be accepted also?
Contracting warrants, or Certificates of Appointment, are position specific. Warrants are granted to acquisition workforce members because of the position they hold at the time the warrant is granted. When a workforce member moves from position to position within an agency, the warrant does not necessarily move with them. The same is true when a workforce member moves from agency to agency. The warrant does not move with them.
I already hold a warrant. Do I need to become certified?
The FAC-C is mandatory for members of the workforce holding Contracting Officer (CO) warrants as of the effective date of the FAC-C (Refresh), regardless of GS series. Any contracting professional issued an unlimited warrant after October 1, 2014 must be Level III certified. Those COs not required to be certified under the previous policy shall be given a period of two years to complete their certification requirements.
The new FAC-C policy, the FAC-C (Refresh), does not apply to non-1102s whose warrants are either generally used to procure emergency goods and services or whose warrants are so limited as to be outside the scope of this program, as determined by the agency Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO) or his or her designee.
FAC-P/PM CERTIFICATION
How do I know if I’m subject to the new Federal Acquisition Certification in Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM)?
Check with your Acquisition Career Manager (ACM).
How do I find my ACM?
Go to the contact your ACM page on this website.
To whom does the FAC-P/PM Certification apply?
The FAC-P/PM applies to all Federal employees of executive branch agencies EXCEPT those covered under 10 USC, such as the Department of Defense. Private industry or contractors are not eligible for FAC-PPM certification.
What is required for FAC-P/PM Certification?
You can satisfy the competency requirements through successful completion of certification training, completion of comparable education or certification programs, or demonstration of or evidence provided of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Additional guidance can be found on this website under the Certification tab, or through your agency Acquisition Career Manager.
Where do I find courses to begin the certification process?
Private vendors, the Defense Acquisition University, FAI and other government agencies offer a variety of online and classroom courses that address many of these competencies. Workforce members should register through FAITAS, available on this website as a link.
Can we use bureau/agency developed courses in lieu of vendor courses or do they need to be approved by FAI first?
Yes, if your agency ACM has determined a course meets training requirements, it can be used to satisfy that coursework area.
Is FAC-P/PM certification sufficient for a project manager in Information Technology (IT)?
The revised FAC-PPM certification policy provides for a new core-plus specialty certification for those PPMs involved in managing IT projects and programs. There are not ascending levels of certification for this specialty certification, however, to receive the FAC-PPM/IT specialty certification, the workforce member must first be certified at FAC-PPM mid-level, have at least two years experience managing IT projects, and meet the performance outcomes in the IT PM competency model.
I have considerable experience in project management. Must I start the certification process at the Entry level?
Achieving each certification level in progression from entry- through senior-level is not required; however, P/PMs may only be certified at a certain level after they achieve all competencies for that certification level. In addition, lower level competencies needed to perform at the level being certified must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the certifying agency.
I am being considered for assignment to a “major acquisition/investment.” Must I have my P/PM certification to be given this assignment?
The policy that established FAC-P/PM states that project and program managers must be senior-level certified for such assignments. However, this certification must be attained within one year of such an assignment – not before you are initially assigned.
What happens if I am not able to attain senior-level certification within a year of such an assignment?
The agency’s CAO, or his/her designee, may extend in writing, on a case-by-case basis, the date upon which a P/PM must be certified by an additional 12 months, if it is in the best interest of the agency. Written justification shall be provided that includes the reason for and conditions of the extension, and the agency’s Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) or designee shall maintain all supporting documentation.
I’ve been tasked as a new Program Manager and am not certified. Now what?
Agencies assign personnel to be program and/or project managers and determine the appropriate level of certification they should hold. This is a decision involving the level of risk, complexity, cost and impact of the program to the agency mission. Unless an extension is granted, new program/project managers who are not certified have twelve months from the date of assignment to the project/program to achieve certification.
Should certification packages be sent to FAI?
Certification packages are approved at the agency level. Acquisition Workforce members should always contact their agency’s acquisition career manager (ACM) with questions concerning certification, continuous learning, and other questions. FAI does not process or approve certification packages or continuous learning.
When applicants submit a certification or fulfillment package is there a required form that must be completed?
The agency provides the application process and template.
Why must I meet the FAC-P/PM continuous learning requirements?
FAC-P/PM describes core, minimum competencies that are considered essential for successful program and project management. If you are required by your CAO to attain P/PM certification you must not only acquire these competencies and have a certain number of years of experience associated with each of three levels, you must also earn 80 continuous learning points (CLPs) every two years to maintain the currency of your certification. Contact you agency ACM for more information.
What are examples of acceptable skills currency training and continuous learning points?
See the guidelines for continuous learning. These guidelines reflect best-in-practice recommendations for continuous learning. Agencies retain flexibility and supervisors remain responsible for working with program and project managers to identify those activities and opportunities of greatest benefit to the professional development of an individual. The training, professional activities, education and experience that are used to meet the CLP requirements must be job related.
Who keeps track of my Continuous Learning Points?
Individuals are responsible for maintaining continuous learning records, and agency ACMs, or their designees, will monitor the continuous learning requirements to ensure certifications remain active.
AWCS FAQs
What is the Acquisition Workforce Competency Survey (AWCS)?
Acquisition Workforce Competency Survey (AWCS) is a biennial web-based survey conducted by the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) in partnership with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP).
The data collected from the survey will be used at both a government-wide level and at an agency-specific level to inform key strategic workforce planning decisions. The FY18 AWCS is the sixth iteration of the biennial assessment that collects competency proficiency data across the three primary Federal Acquisition Certification (FAC) functional areas for contracting professionals, Contracting Officer’s Representatives (CORs), and Project and Program Managers (P/PMs). The AWCS has been administered in its current format since 2008.
The FY18 AWCS also collects information related to the perceptions of supervisors who oversee acquisition-related employees.
Additionally, the FY18 AWCS will help government-wide acquisition workforce leaders address the Cross-Agency Priority (CAP) goals, which were established under the Government Performance and Results (GPRA) Modernization Act in 2010. One of the current CAP goals listed under People and Culture recommends workforce leaders “deploy a world-class workforce and create a culture of excellence,” focusing on “unlocking the full potential of the workforce we have today and building the workforce we need for tomorrow.” The data collected from this assessment will help the develop a stronger acquisition workforce through the identification of any skills gaps that exist across the acquisition workforce. Lastly, the data collected through the FY18 iteration of the survey can be used to gauge the progress of the acquisition workforce over time.
When and by whom will the survey be administered?
The AWCS is a biennial survey conducted by the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) in partnership with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP). It is administered to Acquisition Workforce members in the Federal Government beginning the week of October 10, 2017 and continuing for six weeks ending on November 17, 2017.
How is the survey administered?
The AWCS is a web-based survey. All Acquisition Workforce Employees whose agencies use the Federal Acquisition Institute Training Application System (FAITAS) to process certifications will receive an email invitation from FAITAS containing a unique link to the survey. Employees who have not completed the survey will also receive weekly email reminders with their survey link throughout the survey open period. Invitations to complete the survey will come from:
Source email address: FAITAS@fai.gov
Initial Email Subject line: FY18 Acquisition Workforce Competency Survey (AWCS)
Employees from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of State (DOS) CORs will receive the AWCS link directly from their agency leadership.
If I am an acquisition workforce member in NASA or NSF, or a COR in DOS, what do I do if I did not receive an invitation from my Acquisition Career Manager?
If you do not receive an invitation by September 17th, please reach out to your agency’s Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) to ensure you are considered part of their acquisition workforce and to receive the survey link if they confirm that you are.
To locate your ACM, visit http://www.fai.gov/drupal/humancapital/acquisition-career-manager-acm and hover over the relevant agency seal to reveal ACM contact information. Clicking the email address provided will automatically open an email to the proper authority.
Note: If you are part of the Small Agency Council, select the Small Agency Council ACM’s tab to locate your Agency and appropriate POC.
Who is eligible to take the survey?
All federal civilian agency acquisition workforce members. Contractors and members of the Department of Defense employees are not eligible for AWCS participation.
How long does it take to complete the survey?
You should be able to complete the survey in approximately 30-45 minutes depending on the number of acquisition program areas in which you work.
Why am I receiving a "Security Certificate" or "Untrusted Connection/Connection not Private" error message when attempting to access the AWCS?
If you are experiencing a Security Certificate Error Message when accessing the AWCS < https://survey.atrrs.army.pentagon.mil > from a government network, you will need to install the DOD security certificates. Please provide your IT department with the following guidance so they may assist you with installing the DOD root certificates.
Updates to your Agency-Issued computer are typically pushed by your Agency's internal IT organization. However, since FAITAS is a federal-wide system, we are unable to push an updated security certificate to your Agency-Issued or home-based computer. The required Security Certificate, which is not updated often, is issued by the Defense Information Security Agency (DISA) and may be downloaded and installed by you or your Agency's internal IT organization by utilizing the directions available for installing the DOD root certificates.
What browser should I use to access the AWCS?
You may access and complete the AWCS with Chrome, IE11 or Edge, and Firefox.
How do I know that my responses will remain confidential?
FAI and OFPP is responsible for administering the AWCS and does not provide raw data to any participating Federal agencies. Therefore, no agencies will have access to any individuals’ responses. All reports provided to agencies will present calculated aggregate responses only. Consistent with OPM’s Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, all data is rolled up to reports that have at least 10 responses to protect the confidentiality of all respondents to the AWCS.
Is the survey voluntary?
Yes, the survey is voluntary, but participation is encouraged and valued. We use your input at both a government-wide level and at an agency-specific level to inform key strategic workforce planning decisions. You will receive one continuous learning point (CLP) upon successful completion of the survey.
May I pass/forward the survey on to someone else to take?
If you received an invitation to the survey from FAITAS@fai.gov, then the link is unique and only for your use. Please do not share your link with others as it will provide them access to your survey. Once you submit the survey, the link will no longer allow access to your AWCS.
If you received an invitation from your Acquisition Career Manager (ACM), please do not share the link with individuals or groups. Please direct the requester to your ACM to obtain the survey link, as your ACM will know best who should participate in the AWCS.
What should I do if I mistakenly delete my survey email invitation?
If you received an invitation from FAITAS@fai.gov and you accidentally delete the invitation, you can wait to the following week when your reminder email will be sent to you. This reminder email includes your unique link to the FY18 AWCS and you can then access your survey.
If you received the link from your Acquisition Career Manager, please contact them to resend the link.
Why does the survey include demographic questions?
FAI and OFPP are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace, and responses to the demographic items will be used to enhance understanding of the diversity within the civilian acquisition workforce. Only aggregated data is shared with the agencies and your responses are voluntary and confidential. Note that If you complete the AWCS from an invitation from FAITAS@fai.gov, your demographic information will automatically be pulled from FAITAS, saving you a step.
What do I do if I encounter technical difficulties in accessing the survey?
FAITAS is optimized to run with Chrome, IE11 or Edge, and Firefox, check to make sure you are using the correct browser.
If you receive a survey invitation from FAITAS@fai.gov, included is a personalized link or URL for the survey. If clicking on the link in the email does not take you directly to the survey, copy and paste the link into the address bar of your web browser. You may do so by hovering over the link and right click your mouse, choose “Copy Hyperlink” from the menu options. In your browser (e.g., Chrome, IE) right mouse click in the address bar (the text field at the top of the browser) and select “Paste and Go” from the menu options. If you have a URL instead of a link, copy and paste the link into your browser’s address bar, or you may manually type in the URL.
If you received the link/URL from your Agency Certification Manager, and selecting the link in the email does not open the survey, please copy and paste the URL into the address bar of your browser.
If you are unable to access the survey due to security certificate error, please see the FAQ regarding updating your security certificates.
If you still are unable to access the survey, please contact the FAITAS Customer Service Support Team by submitting a help desk ticket via < www.fai.gov/help-desk >.
What do I do if I am locked out of my FAITAS Account and cannot access the survey?
The ability to access your FAITAS account should not affect your ability to access and complete the AWCS. To unlock your account, please call the FAI Customer Service Support team at 703.752.9604. This number is only if you are locked out of your FAITAS account, all other inquiries should be submitted via a help desk ticket.
How do I receive Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) for completion of the AWCS?
If you complete the AWCS from an invitation from FAITAS@fai.gov and you are maintaining a certification within FAITAS with a current continuous learning period, one (1) CLP will be automatically awarded to your FAITAS Continuous Learning History within 48 hours of completing the survey.
NASA, NSF and DOS COR’s please take a screenshot (print screen) of the final page of the AWCS and follow your agency’s CLP reporting process.
Where can I view historical reports on the AWCS?
Historical AWCS reports can be found by going to the Competency and Evaluation Reports on the Human Capital Planning page of the FAI website.
Can I use official time to complete the AWCS?
Yes, you may use official time to complete the AWCS.
I have a FAITAS account, but did not receive an invitation to the AWCS. What should I do?
The survey invitation will come from Training@fai.gov, so first, please check your *Spam/Junk* folder. If the invitation is not located here, review any inbox rules to see if you previously set up all FAITAS notifications to go to a certain folder. If you do not have a rule in place, and the invitation is not located in your Spam/Junk folder, than please notify your IT Department and request they add the *@fai.gov domain as a trusted source.
To make sure you get FAITAS emails to your inbox and not your Spam/Junk folder, please follow the guidance below.
Outlook Users:
1. Select *Junk* from the *Home* tab on the Outlook ribbon
2. Select *Junk E-mail Options* from the menu options
3. Select the *Safe Sender tab*
4. Select the *Add* button
5. Enter FAITAS@fai.gov in the email address field
6. Click the *OK* button
7. Repeat steps 4 – 6 to add Certification@fai.gov and CL@fai.gov
Or, if the “Also trust email from my contacts” checkbox is selected in the Safe Senders tab or your Junk E-mail Options, you may add each email address as a contact to prevent FAITAS notifications going to your Junk folder.
Gmail Users:
1. Select *Settings* from the *Settings* menu
2. Select *Filters and Blocked Addresses*
3. Select *Create a new filter*
4. Enter @fai.gov
5. Select *Create filter with this search*
6. Check the box next to *Never send it to Spam*
7. Select *Create filter*
After two weeks if you have not received a system notification from Training@fai.gov regarding the AWCS, please initiate a Help Desk ticket inquiry,
- Navigate to www.fai.gov and select the *Help Desk* link from the top navigation bar,
- Or, within FAITAS, navigate to *Help | Contact Us* and click the *Help Desk* link,
- Or, from the *FAITAS Help Resources* dashboard widget, click the *Need Help? Submit a Ticket* button
I had to step away from the AWCS and did not select the Save button. Do I need to start the survey from the beginning?
Good news, you will not need to restart the survey! The AWCS saves on a page-by-page basis! Therefore, each time you select the Next button your progress automatically saves. If you forgot to save before stepping away, please locate the invitation or reminder email through which you have accessed the survey. This link will take you to the last page saved within the AWCS.
How do I save my progress and successfully resume the AWCS from where I was last located?
Select Save & Exit from the bottom of your survey. After selecting this button, you are provided a confirmation message: Survey Progress Saved and provided a link to begin the AWCS where you left off, down to the question level. This link is very important so please enter your work email address and select the Send Reminder button.
Please Note: The link provided in this view differs from the link in your AWCS Invitation. Please use the link from the Reminder Email to resume the survey. If you use the link in your AWCS Invitation, you will only see the answers through the last page completed in which the Next button was selected.
How do I test to see if my DoD Root Certificate is up to date?
To see if your certificate is up to date, click this link https://survey.atrrs.army.pentagon.mil/faisurvey/Survey.aspx?s=4e85d3c81....
FAI.gov FAQ
Technical Issues
If I am having a technical issue with the FAI.gov website, who can I contact?
If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please submit a help desk ticket.
