For professionals aiming for a career in federal acquisition, understanding the landscape of program and project management is crucial. The Federal Acquisition Certification for Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM) program serves as a cornerstone for career development in this field within the U.S. Federal Government. This certification is designed for acquisition professionals engaged in program and project management activities, emphasizing the essential competencies required for success. Program and Project Managers (P/PMs) are vital to achieving project objectives, from defining clear requirements to ensuring successful outcomes throughout a project’s lifecycle. The FAC-P/PM program focuses on building these functional and technical skills, excluding agency-specific competencies to provide a government-wide standard. Its primary goal is to establish consistent training and experience benchmarks for program and project management professionals across federal civilian agencies. Notably, the FAC-P/PM program is applicable to all executive agencies with the exception of the Department of Defense (DoD).
The FAC-P/PM Program: A Framework for Federal Program Managers
The FAC-P/PM program is structured into three levels of certification, each designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring a progressive development of skills and experience for program and project management professionals. These levels are recognized across all federal civilian agencies, signifying that an individual holding a FAC-P/PM certification meets the core requirements to effectively perform program and project management functions. While the training framework of FAC-P/PM shares similarities with the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) training requirements, they are not entirely the same. Updates and revisions to the FAC-P/PM training requirements are managed and available on the FAI website, ensuring professionals have access to the most current information.
For those in the Information Technology (IT) sector, the IT PM Improvement Initiative highlights agencies offering government-provided training that can fulfill IT PM Specialization requirements within the FAC-P/PM framework. Individuals interested in this specialization should consult their Acquisition Career Manager (ACM) for detailed guidance on the IT PM Specialization training path and specific requirements. It’s also important to note that federal agencies may have their own unique certification requirements that are in addition to the FAC-P/PM standards. Therefore, acquisition workforce members are encouraged to consult their agency-specific acquisition policies, internal websites, and their ACM for complete information regarding certification within their agency.
Program Management Level I: Entry-Level Certification Requirements
Program Management Level I represents the entry point into the FAC-P/PM certification program, designed for professionals beginning their journey in federal program and project management. This level sets the foundational requirements in terms of both experience and training, ensuring individuals possess the basic competencies needed to contribute effectively to project teams. Below is a breakdown of the specific requirements for Level I, often referred to as the Entry Level within the FAC-P/PM certification framework:
Experience
For the Entry Level FAC-P/PM certification, candidates are required to have:
- One year of project management experience within the last five years. This experience should be directly related to project management activities, demonstrating a practical application of project management principles. This experience can be gained in either the private or public sector, reflecting the accumulation of relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities through progressively responsible assignments. It’s critical to provide clear evidence of this experience to the certifying official during the application process. There are no exceptions to this experience requirement, ensuring a baseline of practical understanding for all certified professionals.
Training
The training component for Entry Level FAC-P/PM certification offers flexibility through various course tracks. Candidates must complete one of the following training tracks:
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Track 1:
- FPM 120A – Program Management Basics
- FPM 120B – Project Management and the Project Lifecycle (Prerequisite: FPM 120A)
- FPM 121 – Fundamentals of Project and Program Management II (Prerequisites: FPM 120A and 120B)
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Track 2:
- FPM 131 – Fundamentals of Project & Program Management
- FPM 132 – Fundamentals of Contracting
- FPM 133 – Fundamentals of Business, Cost & Financial Management
- FPM 134 – Fundamentals of Leading Projects and Programs
These training courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of program and project management within the federal acquisition context. While the FAC-P/PM program doesn’t mandate a specific curriculum, these training options serve as valuable guides for agencies and individuals in identifying their training and development needs. It is generally recommended to take these courses in the order presented to build a progressive understanding of the subject matter.
Why is FAC-P/PM Level I Important for Your Career?
Achieving the FAC-P/PM Level I certification is a significant step for anyone starting a career in federal program management. It provides formal recognition of foundational competencies and demonstrates a commitment to professional development in this field. This certification is recognized across all federal civilian agencies, making it a valuable asset for career mobility and advancement within the government. Moreover, Level I certification is the prerequisite for progressing to higher levels within the FAC-P/PM program, such as Mid-Level and Senior Level certifications. It sets the stage for continued learning and professional growth, paving the way for a successful and impactful career in federal program and project management.
For those with substantial prior experience and training, the FAC-P/PM program also offers a “fulfillment” process. This allows individuals to demonstrate that their existing experience and training meet the learning objectives of the required courses, potentially serving as an alternative path to meeting the standard training requirements for certification. Agencies may utilize this fulfillment process in accordance with their internal policies. Detailed information regarding the fulfillment process, including sample templates for Entry, Mid, and Senior Levels, can be obtained from your ACM or Training Officer. These templates help guide the documentation process but do not replace the necessity of a comprehensive resume.
In conclusion, Program Management Level I within the FAC-P/PM framework is the essential starting point for a rewarding career in federal acquisition program and project management. It establishes the necessary groundwork of experience and training, ensuring professionals are well-prepared to contribute to the success of federal projects and programs.
