DoW Certification Exams

Exam eligibility depends on the specific DoW exam:

Contracting Certification Exam

In order to be eligible for the CON 3990V Certification Exam, candidates must: 1) Be coded as acquisition career field members, 2) Be in the GS 1102, 1103, 1105, or equivalent military specialties, and 3) Gain authorization through their Agency Training Application System (TAS) (e.g., AITAS for the Army, AcqNOW for the Air Force, etc.). Once approved in the Agency’s TAS, the student will receive an email from Pearson with further instruction.

Program Management Practitioner Certification Exam

In order to be eligible for the PM 4890V Certification Exam, candidates must: 1) Be coded as acquisition career field members, 2) Have at least four years of relevant acquisition experience, 3) Have completed all other training requirements for Practitioner Certification, and 4) Gain authorization through their Agency Training Application System (TAS) (e.g., AITAS for the Army, AcqNOW for the Air Force, etc.). Once approved in the Agency’s TAS, the student will receive an email from Pearson with further instruction.

Program Management Advanced Certification Exam

In order to be eligible for the PM 4990V Certification Exam, candidates must: 1) Be coded as acquisition career field members, 2) Have eight or more years of relevant program management experiences, 3) Have completed all other training requirements for Advanced Certification, and 4) Gain authorization through their Agency Training Application System (TAS) (e.g., AITAS for the Army, AcqNOW for the Air Force, etc.). Once approved in the Agency’s TAS, the student will receive an email from Pearson with further instruction.

You have the option to take the exam using one of two delivery methods:

1. In-person exam at a Pearson Professional Test Center (commercial location), or a Military test center. In the event there is not a test site available within commuting distance, and if testing virtually is not a viable option, then the candidate must ensure travel authorization is received prior to scheduling their exam at a site outside of the local area. More information regarding travel may be found in the WarU Student Policy Handbook.
2. Virtual exam using OnVUE online proctoring. If you choose this option, there is a software add-on required which is not allowed on most government IT systems, so you may have to use your personal computer. Learn more about OnVUE online testing and the minimum IT requirements.

Proper identification (ID) is required at the time of admittance for your exam. Please refer to: Pearson ID Policy: 1

The name on your ID MUST match your name in the testing system. If your Authorization to Exam email contains a name different from the name on your government issued ID, please email scheduling@dau.edu prior to scheduling your exam. Please send official documentation showing your legal name and WarU will update your name in the testing system.

If you require a special accommodation to complete the exam, please ensure that the disability setting is set to "Yes" on your profile within your applicable training application system (i.e., AITAS, eDACM, AcqNow, or DATMS). WarU will provide further guidance regarding the accommodation process upon receipt of your approved reservation. If you have additional questions, please contact scheduling@dau.edu for assistance.

Q. Are the DoW Certification Exams open or closed book?

A. All exams are completely closed book. Examinees will not be able to use or reference any subject material during the exam.

Q. How do I choose whether to take the exam virtually (OnVUE), or at a physical test center?

A. The choice is up to the exam candidate. However, this decision should be coordinated with the examinees supervisor prior to enrollment.

Q. If I choose to take the exam virtually. What can I expect? Are there any technical limitations?

A. If the virtual OnVUE delivery is chosen, it is highly unlikely the candidate’s government issued computer will allow the software add-on that is required to access the OnVUE test environment. If that’s the case, the candidate would have to use their personal computer. Learn more about the minimum technical requirements required during OnVUE online testing.

Q. Where can I take the Exam in person?

A. By default, when you choose to schedule “at a test center”, the search function will default to Pearson Professional Centers (PPC)’s based on the zip code in your WarU profile address. If you are located near a DoW installation, you can also search to see if there is a test center on a base/post near you by choosing the “Military Community” link below the search bar in the “Find a Test Center” page.

Q. What if there are no Pearson Professional Centers (PPC), or On-Base Test Centers within commuting distance from my home of record or near my duty location?

A. If your test center search yielded no PPC’s or on-base location test centers within commuting distance to your home or near your duty location, you should first contact scheduling@dau.edu prior to submitting for travel authorization. WarU and/or Pearson will try to accommodate your exam delivery without the need for official travel.

Q. Once I’ve received authorization to test, how long do I have to schedule and take the exam?

A. You will have 90 days to take the exam once you receive authorization from Pearson.

Q. What happens if I am unable to test on the date that has been scheduled?

A. You must cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours prior to your appointment date and time. You can reschedule as many times as needed within the 90-day authorization window. However, if you fail to schedule and complete the exam in this timeframe, your authorization will expire and you will have to wait 30 days before you are eligible to re-apply through your agency TAS.

Q. Will I have to pay any fees to take the exam?

A. No, all exam fees are paid by the DoW. Also, in the event you are a “no-show”, the Government will still be charged for a full exam fee.

Q. Where can I submit any questions, concerns, or feedback about the exam that hasn’t been addressed in any of the policy, FAQ’s, or other guiding documents or websites?

A. You can either submit an inquiry to: scheduling@dau.edu, or through the Pearson customer service. Candidates should practice discretion in determining where to send inquiries dependent upon the nature of the question.

Q. Where can I find additional FAQ’s and other resources & information regarding DoW, Agency, and/or WarU specific policies or guidance for the CON 3990V exam?

A. Please visit the Defense Pricing, Contracting & Acquisition Policy (DCPAP), Contract Policy & Workforce Development website.