Federal Acquisition Certificate Program (Self-Paced)
IDBCFA.CPSP

136 CPE self-paced certificate program for acquisition professionals

Bridge the gap between contracting and financial teams with expertise in budgeting, financial management, and acquisition processes.

$6,599 Live Support Start anytime

This program includes

  • Project-based training from experts
  • Answers from real instructors
  • Additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class
  • Proprietary workbooks included
  • Retake for free within 1 year
  • Verified digital certificate of completion
  • Learn at an accredited institution
  • Credits: 136 CPEs

This certificate program is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take Federal Acquisition Certificate Program.

The Federal Acquisition Certificate Program is designed to equip Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) and other acquisition professionals with essential skills in business, budgeting, and financial communication. This program enhances participants' ability to collaborate effectively with financial and budget teams by providing a strong foundation in federal financial management processes, including federal appropriations law, budgeting, and the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution (PPBE) process.

Ideal for those seeking to improve their understanding of federal financial systems and decision-making, this program ensures professionals can navigate complex budget discussions and contribute to successful acquisition management. CORs can apply acquisition-focused courses toward meeting recertification requirements, enhancing their career development in federal contracting.

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Courses in this Certificate Program

This is the recommended order, but some courses may be taken in a different order.

Download Syllabus PDF

Unit 1 18 Hours

Basic Contract Administration Course (Self-Paced)

This comprehensive course guides contracting professionals through post-award oversight responsibilities in accordance with FAR and acquisition policies. Through structured exercises, participants learn how to ensure delivery of goods and services, apply modifications, and implement closeout procedures.

  • Plan the administration of a contract.
  • Conduct a post-award orientation.
  • Monitor a contractor's performance.
  • Resolve problems that may arise.
  • Apply remedies under the contract.
  • Prepare contract modifications.
  • Process a dispute, claim or termination.
  • Authorize payments under a contract.
  • Close out a completed contract.

Unit 2 12 Hours

Federal Appropriations Law for Acquisition Professionals Course (Self-Paced)

Designed for acquisition staff who obligate federal dollars, this course teaches how to apply principles of purpose, time, and amount to award contracts and manage spending authority. Real-world decision cases are used to highlight Antideficiency Act risks and legal compliance standards.

  • Assess propriety of administrative decisions.
  • Comply with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Apply Comptroller General Decisions.
  • Assist in the obligation and payment of funds.
  • Properly make scope and severability decisions impacting fiscal year usage.
  • Avoid Antideficiency Act violations.

Unit 3 18 Hours

Performance Work Statements Course (Self-Paced)

This foundational acquisition course teaches writing structured performance work statements with clear task descriptions, standards, and evaluation methods. Participants learn a step-by-step method to create PWS documents and quality assurance plans that reduce risk and support effective vendor performance.

  • Discuss performance-based acquisition for services
  • Explain how to manage risks
  • Summarize the Seven Steps to Service Acquisition Process
  • Conduct a requirements analysis
  • Develop a performance requirements summary
  • Complete and critique a performance work statement
  • Explain the importance of quality assurance

Unit 4 24 Hours

Federal Budgeting for Non-Budgeting Personnel Course (Self-Paced)

Get to know the essentials of federal budgeting, from key terminology to building and justifying operating budgets. This course offers practical exercises to help you estimate costs and approach budget preparation with confidence.

  • Understanding the purpose and phases of the federal budget cycle.
  • Learning key budget terms and classifications.
  • Constructing and justifying an operating budget.
  • Estimating personnel, travel, and contract costs.
  • Exploring the Anti-Deficiency Act and mid-year budget reviews.

Unit 5 18 Hours

Introduction to Financial Management Course (Self-Paced)

Learn the key concepts, laws, and procedures that underpin effective financial management in the federal government. This course covers budgeting, accounting, and internal controls to help you align financial systems with performance goals.
Understanding financial management roles and federal budgeting processes.

  • Linking financial information to performance measurement and management.
  • Applying basic principles of federal accounting and financial reporting.
  • Exploring the purpose and structure of internal controls and financial systems.
  • Adhering to government-wide policies for cash and debt management.

Unit 6 24 Hours

Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) Course (Self-Paced)

Designed for budget analysts and acquisition personnel, this course walks through how strategic planning, program development, and execution operate within DoD PPBE. You'll explore key decision timelines, document flows, and stakeholder roles from planning through execution.

  • Describe the relationship between strategic planning, needs determination, PPBE, and the acquisition processes.
  • Summarize the purpose of PPBE.
  • Distinguish between the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution phases of the PPBE process.
  • Explain the roles of key officials and organizations involved in the PPBE process.
  • List the key products and documents generated and used within the PPBE process.
  • Participate more effectively in the PPBE and budget development processes.
  • Discuss the basic elements of DA budget performance and execution.
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