What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The course of study preparing students for this exam focuses on the initial 'Level 1' competencies required across various acquisition career fields. It covers the core integrated systems that govern how the Department of Defense identifies needs, allocates resources, and manages programs.

Key areas of study include:

• The Defense Acquisition System (DAS): Understanding the five phases of the acquisition lifecycle: Materiel Solution Analysis; Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction; Engineering and Manufacturing Development; Production and Deployment; and Operations and Support.

• Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS): The process used to identify, assess, and prioritize gaps in joint warfighting capabilities.

• Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE): The annual resource allocation process within the DoD.

• Acquisition Decision Support Systems: Comprehending how these three systems interact to inform Milestone Decision Authorities.

• Contracting and Financial Management Fundamentals: Basic principles of government contracting, cost estimating, and budget execution.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

The final certification exam is a formal, proctored assessment, often delivered in a computer-based format. Candidates can expect a standardized environment focused on testing the recall and application of foundational acquisition principles.

• Exam Format: The test typically consists of approximately 60 to 80 multiple-choice questions.

• Passing Score: While specific requirements may vary by specific career field path, a score of 70% or higher is generally required to pass.

• Time Limit: Students are usually allotted approximately 90 to 120 minutes to complete the exam.

• Specific Rules: This is a closed-book exam; no reference materials are allowed during the testing period. The use of electronic devices is strictly prohibited.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Preparation for the Army Acquisition Exam 1 should be structured and comprehensive. The material is dense with regulations and specific terminology.

• Actionable Study Strategies: Leverage official course materials provided by the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) or The Army Acquisition School (TAAS). Focus heavily on defining acronyms and understanding the sequence of acquisition phases and milestones. Utilize flashcards for terminology and practice questions to become familiar with the multiple-choice format. Join study groups to discuss complex scenarios and reinforce concepts.

• Practice Methods: Regularly take timed practice exams. This helps manage time constraints and identifies areas needing further review. Reviewing the logic behind incorrect answers is crucial.

• Exam Centers: The final certification exam is typically taken through authorized channels. Military personnel and DoD civilians can often take the exam at proctored on-post testing centers or through approved online proctoring services, such as Pearson VUE's OnVUE system. Registration is usually handled through official training portals like ATRRS or the Agency Training Application System (TAS).

Job Opportunities from the Course

Achieving certification by passing this exam opens the door to numerous vital roles within the Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW). This career path allows individuals to directly impact the capabilities provided to the warfighter.

The specific career paths unlocked include:

• Contracting Specialist / Contracting Officer

• Assistant Program Manager (APM)

• Program Analyst

• Life Cycle Logisticist

• Information Technology (Acquisition) Specialist

• Financial Management Specialist (Acquisition)

• Business, Cost Estimating Analyst

• Test and Evaluation Manager

• Production, Quality, and Manufacturing Specialist

• Purchasing Agent