This course is intended for two audiences: beginners seeking to qualify for a Level I Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) Certification and those needing a refresher course. Regardless of your situation, this course will familiarize you with the key concepts and processes to enable you to perform the tasks required of a COR. (See below for an explanation of COR training requirements.) Government contracting is extremely broad and complex. In this introductory-level course, we will concentrate on the “big picture,” not the details. In government contracting, as in all specialized bodies of knowledge, there are exceptions to every rule.
For this course, we will focus on the rules, not the exceptions. Thus, you will see “typically,” “usually,” and “in general” used throughout the Participant Guide. This course will familiarize you with the most important laws concerning government contracting. For better comprehension, it explains the laws in context, rather than simply listing them. The Participant Guide is designed to facilitate your critical thinking, understanding, and problem-solving. It poses discussion questions for you to answer. It also contains a Contract Monitoring exercise and a post-test. Those seeking their Level I COR Certification must complete the test to successfully complete this course. Those taking this course as a refresher may opt out of taking the test.
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Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.
The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student
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Attend this course in-person in Washington, DC or Live Online. Engage with expert instructors, ask questions, and get feedback on your exercises and projects.
At Graduate School USA, you’ll learn in small groups and receive personalized attention.
Get face-to-face interaction with an instructor and other students when you learn at our DC campus. Courses are hands-on with a computer and software provided.
Get the same interactivity and access to the instructor as in-person students. There are no extra fees and we’ll work with you to ensure your remote setup is perfect.
Our instructors are industry experts and experienced educators, driven to help you succeed.
Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!
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Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.
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