DoD Fiscal Law Principles Course (Self-Paced)

This course includes

12 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Learn at an accredited institution
Credits: 12 CPEs

This course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take DoD Fiscal Law Principles.

This two-day course is designed to provide you with DoD-specific authorities or prohibitions relating to fiscal law (also called “federal appropriations law”). DoD, like all federal agencies, is bound by the basic fiscal law rules. However, DoD has considerably more flexibility in many areas because Congress has given specific statutory authority to DoD. Additionally, DoD has several activities that make it different from other agencies (e.g., Military Construction). Basic federal appropriations law courses may not address these DoD-specific topics. This course covers the major fiscal law exceptions and authorities that apply to DoD. This course also serves another purpose. It will fulfill the requirement for DoD Financial Management personnel to receive recurring fiscal law training. It covers changes that have been made to the Principles of Federal Appropriations Law (the “Redbook”) since you last studied the material in the 4-day Federal Appropriations Law course. Thus, you will not only learn about DoD specifics but also be brought up to date on generic fiscal law developments

This course has a prerequisite

Students should have a basic understanding of federal management responsibilities and fiscal law and compliance standards. Familiarity with organizational objectives and financial oversight is also beneficial.

Tuition

Full Tuition

$1,049
Due before the class starts

This course includes

12 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Learn at an accredited institution
Credits: 12 CPEs

Learning Experience Highlights

Training from government‑experienced instructors

Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.

Specialized for government & DoD

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

Three professionals sit in black chairs with laptops and notebooks, engaged in conversation against a red wall.

Real-world solutions

Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.

125+ departments & agencies served

Your trusted training partner, equipping public service professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and drive meaningful impact.

100% Online. Start Anytime

24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
Participate in GSUSA online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.

Earn a Certificate of Completion

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!

Shareable on

Sample credential for completion of DoD Fiscal Law Principles Course (Self-Paced)

A group of adult learners sits in a classroom, smiling and engaged in a government training session.

A government training instructor in a suit gestures while teaching in front of a whiteboard covered with notes and diagrams.

A person in professional attire holds a Graduate School USA folder, symbolizing participation in government training programs.

DoD Fiscal Law Principles Course (Self-Paced) Curriculum

What You'll Learn at a Glance

Understand and apply DoD-specific fiscal law rules.
Assess the propriety of administrative decisions.
Apply Comptroller General decisions.
Assist in the legal obligation of funds.
Avoid Antideficiency Act violations.
Record obligations properly.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Module 1: Introduction

Review the scope and objectives of the Federal Appropriations Law Refresher and Update course.
Understand the importance of appropriations law in federal financial management.
Identify the primary sources of appropriations law and their application.

Module 2: Legal Framework

Examine the constitutional basis for federal appropriations law.
Understand statutory authorities and related guidance documents.
Review the role of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in interpreting and applying appropriations law.

Module 3: Availability of Appropriations — Purpose

Understand the Purpose Statute and its role in ensuring funds are used only for authorized objectives.
Review key legal decisions and GAO opinions related to the purpose restriction.
Identify common violations and preventative measures.

Module 4: Reserved for Future Use

Placeholder for forthcoming updates or new appropriations law topics.

Module 5: Availability of Appropriations — Time

Review the time limitations on the use of appropriations as outlined in federal law.
Differentiate between annual, multiple-year, and no-year appropriations.
Understand the implications of the Bona Fide Needs Rule.

Module 6: Availability of Appropriations — Amount

Examine statutory restrictions on spending in excess of appropriated amounts.
Understand the Antideficiency Act and its enforcement mechanisms.
Discuss the role of apportionments and allotments in controlling obligations.

Module 7: Obligation of Appropriations

Define what constitutes an obligation under federal appropriations law.
Understand the timing and recording of obligations.
Review key legal precedents and case studies on obligations.

Module 8: Continuing Resolutions

Understand the function of continuing resolutions in maintaining government operations.
Review limitations and special provisions typically included in continuing resolutions.
Examine the legal implications for obligations and expenditures during a continuing resolution period.

Module 9: Liability and Relief of Accountable Officers

Identify the responsibilities and potential liabilities of accountable officers.
Understand the legal standards for granting relief from liability.
Review GAO and agency-level procedures for handling liability cases.

Group Training

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.

Complete this form and we’ll get back to you within 1 business hour.

The Fact Is – We’ve Been Government’s Training Partner Since 1921

400+ Courses & Certificates 125+ Federal Agencies Served 200+ Subject-Matter Experts

Installments
	10% non-refundable deposit
$1,049.00	Total You Pay