1102 - Contracting Series

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Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This series includes positions that manage, supervise, perform, or develop policies and procedures for professional work involving the procurement of supplies, services, construction, or research and development using formal advertising or negotiation procedures; the evaluation of contract price proposals; and the administration or termination and close out of contracts. The work requires knowledge of the legislation, regulations, and methods used in contracting; and knowledge of business and industry practices, sources of supply, cost factors, and requirements characteristics.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GROUP, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

The following certifications have been identified as most relevant to the broad duties of this federal occupational series. Please note that these credentials may not reflect all of the unique job functions that you perform within your organization. Also these credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about any credential, click on the credential title below.

Compare Credential Agency Related As GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA) Is Not In Demand Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) someSome    
Certified Manager (CM) In DemandIs In Demand Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) In DemandIs In Demand National Contract Management Association (NCMA) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Project Management Professional (PMP) In DemandIs In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) mostMost GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Is Not In Demand Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) Is Not In Demand Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) In DemandIs In Demand National Contract Management Association (NCMA) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA) In DemandIs In Demand International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) mostMost    
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) In DemandIs In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Program Management Professional (PgMP) In DemandIs In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) In DemandIs In Demand National Contract Management Association (NCMA) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Planning and Scheduling Professional Certification (PSP) In DemandIs In Demand AACE International mostMost    
PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) Is Not In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Is Not In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) Is Not In Demand AACE International someSome    
Certified Cost Professional (CCP) Is Not In Demand AACE International mostMost    
Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) Is Not In Demand Institute of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals (ICCIFP) someSome   AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) Is Not In Demand Informs someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Professional Cost Estimator/Analyst (PCEA) Is Not In Demand International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) someSome    
Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting (FAC-C) Is Not In Demand Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) someSome    

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Private Sector Occupations

The following civilian private sector occupations are similar to the duties performed by 1102 - Contracting Series. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Administrative Services Managers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Budget Analysts mostMost     find local salaryfind local salary
Business Intelligence Analysts someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Cost Estimators mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Financial Analysts someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Financial Managers, Branch or Department someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Management Analysts someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Purchasing Managers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Regulatory Affairs Specialists mostMost     find local salaryfind local salary
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
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This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA) is an intermediate-level certification. The CCCA is for candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge in all facets of the construction process and contractual relationships, as well as construction contract administration. A CCCA is an individual who can complete tasks in the areas of quality control, bidding and negotiating, construction inspections, and enforcement and liability. To earn a CCCA certification, candidates must have experience in the field and be able to pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Manager (CM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 1 year

The Certified Manager (CM) is a general management certification. It is appropriate for supervisors, managers and leaders at all levels, in any industry, and benefits certificate recipients and their organizations. The CM program consists of 3 course modules of which each includes a study manual, online learning resources, practice exams and a certification exam. To earn the CM certification one must pass three certification exams. Successful completion of the CM exams is a reliable indicator that an individual possesses the skills that leaders and managers need. Eligibility for the CM certification is determined by a point system that considers both experience and education. A candidate must have at least 10 points including at least 3 Education points, and at least 4 Experience points. Candidates may count a maximum of 6 Education points and 7 Experience Points toward eligibility. Those who do not qualify for CM status may still participate in the CM program if they have met at least one of the minimum eligibility requirements. These individuals will earn Associate Certified Manager (ACM) status upon completion of the program. An ACM may earn full CM status through additional education and/or experience.

Click here to go to Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) candidates must be knowledgeable of the competencies in the Contract Management Body of Knowledge and demonstrate that they have met NCMA's highest standards for education, training, and experience. Candidates must have a degree from a regionally or DETC accredited institution at the bachelor's level, five years of experience, and 120 hours of continuing professional education. To earn the CPCM, a candidate must take and pass the Certified Professional Contracts Manager module exam.

Click here to go to Project Management Professional (PMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Project Management Professional (PMP) is an advanced skill level credential for professionals who lead and direct projects. Project Managers perform their duties under general supervision for the duration of a project and are responsible for all aspects of a project. PMPs lead cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget, and scope. Project Management Professionals seeking certification through PMI demonstrate knowledge and experience to apply a methodology to projects that have well-defined requirements and deliverables. To apply for the PMP, candidates must meet experiential and educational requirements and are required to pass the written exam.

Click here to go to Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) is a mid-level certification appropriate for non-managers who work as public buyers. Individuals pursuing the certification demonstrate an ability to obtain the maximum value for the taxpayer's dollar. To pass the certification exam, applicants should be knowledgeable in the areas of procurement administration, sourcing, negotiation, contract administration, supply management and procurement planning. Applicants must hold an Associate's degree, have three years of public procurement experience, and have additional training in the area of procurement.

Click here to go to Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) is an advanced skill level certification that demonstrates competencies for those engaged in governmental purchasing, and attests that a purchaser has reached a specific level of education and experience and is knowledgeable about government purchasing. Candidates must pass an exam that covers the following topics: administrative aspects of purchasing; sourcing; the negotiation process; contract administration; supply management; and strategic procurement planning. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree, five years of public procurement experience, and additional training and/or coursework in the area of procurement.

Click here to go to Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA), Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) certification is for contracting professionals in both the public and private sectors who deal extensively with federal contracts and have a minimum of one year of experience. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, one year of experience, and 80 hours of continuing professional education to be eligible for the CFCM certification. Candidates lacking the degree requirement who have 10 years of verifiable contract management experience may apply for a degree waiver.  To earn the CFCM certification, a candidate must pay the applicable fees and pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA) demonstrates an individual's ability and understanding of math and statistics principles with engineering, program management, procurement, budgeting and accounting disciplines. Cost estimating requires a solid foundation of cost knowledge woven together with a variety of cost experiences. The CCEA examination has two parts that combine to examine and assess an individual's cost knowledge, skills and abilities. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited college a minimum of five years of cost experience, or eight years of cost experience without a degree.

Click here to go to Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an entry-level certification for project practitioners. Designed for those with less project experience, the CAPM demonstrates an understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology and processes of effective project management. The written exam covers project management areas such as initiation, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, closing, and professional and social responsibility. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 1500 hours professional experience on a project team or 23 hours of project management education.

Click here to go to Program Management Professional (PgMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Program Management Professional (PgMP) is an advanced career certification for professionals who oversee multiple, related projects and their resources to achieve strategic business goals. PgMPs are senior-level practitioners who identify ways to group multiple related projects to achieve benefits that may not be realized if the projects were managed in a stand-alone fashion. Candidates for the PgMP must meet educational and experiential requirements; they are also evaluated by both a panel and with an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA), Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) certification is for contracting professionals who have education, training, and knowledge of the Uniform Commercial Code, and a minimum of 1 year of experience. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE). Non-degreed applicants with 10 years of experience may apply for a degree waiver. Applicants must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Planning and Scheduling Professional Certification (PSP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

AACE International, Planning and Scheduling Professional Certification (PSP) recognizes specialists who meet a demanding set of planning and scheduling criteria. A PSP is a skilled planning and scheduling professional with advanced experience in project planning, and developing, monitoring, updating, forecasting and analyzing integrated project schedules. PSP candidates must be able to communicate effectively with all project stakeholders, both internal and external. Candidates must have at least 8 full years of professional experience, of which up to 4 years may be substituted by college/university degree. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) is an intermediate level credential for project schedulers. Candidates for the SP credential have advanced knowledge and experience developing, managing and maintaining project schedules. To apply for the PMI-SP, candidates must meet experiential and educational requirements and are required to pass the written exam.

Click here to go to PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) is an intermediate-level certification for professionals who specialize in project risk management. RMPs specialize in assessing and identifying project risks, mitigating threats and capitalizing on opportunities. Candidates for the RPM must meet educational, experiential and training requirements, and must pass the exam.

Click here to go to Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) COOL Snapshot page.

The AACE International, Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) certification is for professionals with expertise to contribute to the economic evaluation of potential projects by supporting the development of budgets, project resource requirements and value engineering. By applying the estimating body of knowledge as outlined in AACE’s Recommended Practice 46R-11, CEPs estimate costs of a determined scope in order to advise management on project funding decisions. CEP candidates must have eight years of industry related experience or four years of industry related experience plus a four-year industry related college degree. Candidates must also pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Certified Cost Professional (CCP) COOL Snapshot page.

The AACE International, Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification is for experienced practitioners with advanced knowledge and technical expertise to apply the broad principles and best practices of Total Cost Management (TCM) in the planning, execution and management of any organizational project or program. CCPs also demonstrate the ability to research and communicate aspects of TCM principles and practices to all levels of project or program stakeholders, both internally and externally. CCP candidates must have eight years of industry related experience or four years of industry related experience plus a four-year industry related college degree. Candidates must also prepare, submit, and pass a 2,500 minimum word technical paper and pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Institute of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals (ICCIFP), Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) is for individuals in the practice of construction financial management, as well as those who directly support clients in a professional services capacity. CCIFP candidates must meet an education and/or experience requirement prior to submitting an application and meet a professional experience requirement after passing the CCIFP written exam.

Click here to go to Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

INFORMS, Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification advances the use of analytics by setting agreed upon standards for the profession and advances the profession by providing a means for organizations to identify and develop qualified analytics professionals, by contributing to the career success and continued competence for analytics professionals, and by improving the credibility and visibility of the analytics profession. The CAP examination measures acceptable performance across seven major areas or domains of practice that adhere to the analytics end-to-end process: business problem framing, analytics problem framing, data, methodology selection, model building, deployment, and model life cycle management. Candidates must have a minimum of a BA/BS degree and at least 7 years of professional analytics related experience.

Click here to go to Professional Cost Estimator/Analyst (PCEA) COOL Snapshot page.

The International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) Professional Cost Estimator/Analyst (PCEA) demonstrates an individual's ability and understanding of math and statistics principles with engineering, program management, procurement, budgeting and accounting disciplines. Cost estimating requires a solid foundation of cost knowledge woven together with a variety of cost experiences. The PCEA examination consists of Part I of the CCEA examination that tests Foundation Knowledge and Practical Application. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited college a minimum of two but not more than five years of cost experience, or five years of cost experience without a degree. The intent of this designation is to offer junior cost estimators a chance to validate their knowledge and show progression towards a CCEA.

Click here to go to Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting (FAC-C) COOL Snapshot page.

Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C), which is a federally recognized program for the acquisition workforce that sets forth the required training, experience and education for certification of contracting professionals. Generally, if you are a GS 1102, 1105, or any other warranted job series and hold a Contracting Officer (CO) warrant above the micropurchase threshold, you are required to earn 80 Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) of skills currency training every two years. Generally, if you are a Contracting Officer Representative (COR), you are required to earn 40 CLPs of skills currency training every two years.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
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