Introduction to CFCM Exam

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2 Introduction to CFCM Exam Breakout Session # D04 Jack R. Hott, Life Time CPCM & CFCM, Fellow Manager, Contract Compliance, Fluor Government Group Michael Thacker Business Services Senior Subcontract Administrator, Fluor-B&W Portsmouth LLC July 29, :15 12:30

3 Overview What is the purpose of the CFCM Exam? What pre-requisites/requirements must be met to qualify for the CFCM Exam? How to prepare for the CFCM Exam? How long is a CFCM Certification valid? Quick tips when taking the CFCM Exam 2

4 Purpose Professional Certification The NCMA professional certification program is designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and distinguish those who demonstrate knowledge essential to the practice of contract management. Certificate vs. Certification Certificate: Based on attended specified courses Certification: Demonstrated competence All exams are designed to be legally defensible and psychometrically sound. 3

5 Requirements CFCM Eligibility Education: A degree from a regionally or Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) accredited institution at the bachelor's level. Degrees from outside the U.S must be evaluated by an independent third party. Experience: One year of work experience in the contract management field. Professional Training: 80 hours of continuing professional education (past 10 years) 4

6 Requirements CFCM Application Complete Application Four page application form Supporting documentation Application fee Registration NCMA evaluates application NCMA sends record of eligibility to exam provider (Kryterion Learning Centers) NCMA s instructions to candidate Candidate registers for exam Examination Candidate takes exam in secure, proctored environment Passing score for the CFCM exam is a minimum of 70% 5

7 Preparing for the CFCM Exam Preparation CFCM On-line Preparatory Course NCMA sponsored Class size limited to 75 $495/member, $595/non-member 40 hours CPE credit CFCM On-line Practice Exam NCMA sponsored $25/exam Results in 1 to 2 business days Chapter Study Group Chapter or organization sponsored Fees vary depending on Chapter Guide and PowerPoint available on-line (can be used with or without CFCM Study Guide 2 nd Edition) 6

8 CFCM Certification Renewal Renewal of a CFCM Certification is required every five years 60 Hours of instruction within the five-year renewal period Completed application due by December 31 st of 5 th year Late recertification will be considered on a case by case basis (additional fees and additional hours of instruction may apply) Lifetime Certification Designee is 60 years of age or Minimum 20 years of certification in good standing 7

9 Purpose Bloom s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives Cognitive domain revolves around knowledge, comprehension, and critical thinking on a particular topic. There are six levels in the taxonomy, moving through the lowest order processes to the highest: Knowledge: Exhibit memory of learned materials by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts and answers Comprehension: Demonstrate understanding of facts and ideas by organizing, comparing, translating, interpreting, giving descriptions, and stating the main ideas Application: Using acquired knowledge. Solve problems in new situations by applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques and rules in a different way Analysis: Examine and break information into parts by identifying motives or causes. Make inferences and find evidence to support generalizations Synthesis: Compile information together in a different way by combining elements in a new pattern or proposing alternative solutions Evaluation: Present and defend opinions by making judgments about information, validity of ideas or quality of work based on a set of criteria 8

10 Purpose Bloom s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives NCMA certification program focuses on the first three levels of learning: Knowledge: Exhibit memory of learned materials by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts and answers CFCM, CCCM exams Comprehension: Demonstrate understanding of facts and ideas by organizing, comparing, translating, interpreting, giving descriptions, and stating the main ideas CPCM exam Application: Using acquired knowledge. Solve problems in new situations by applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques and rules in a different way CPCM exam 9

11 Preparing for the CFCM Exam CFCM Questions by FAR Part Question Frequency by FAR Part Questions Total Part Parts 2, Part Parts 1, 13, 32, 34, Parts 17, 19, 22, 39, 44, 45, Parts 3, 5, 9, 14, 16, 24, 27, 29, 36, 38, Parts 6, 10, 11, 23, 25, 30, 31, 42, Parts 4, 7, 8, 18, 28, 33, 35, 48, 50,

12 Quick Tips for CFCM Exam Test Question Construction LEARNING- Change in observable measureable behavior Multiple Choice Test Instrument STEM: is the statement of condition for which you are going to determine the best answer (aka Key) KEY: is the correct answer DISTRACTOR: is an incorrect yet plausible answer intended to help demonstrate the examinee s knowledge/comprehension 11

13 Quick Tips for CFCM Exam Sample Test Questions According to the FAR: a. An unauthorized commitment may be ratified as long as funds are available. b.the Contracting Officer is the ratification approval authority for actions up to $2,500. c. Agencies should take positive action to preclude the need for ratification actions. d. Proper delegation of micro-purchase authority eradicates any need for ratification procedures. ANSWER: c. SOURCE(S): FAR

14 Quick Tips for CFCM Exam Sample Test Questions Which of the following is a commercial item? a. A nondevelopmental item, if the procuring agency determines the item was developed exclusively at private expense and sold in substantial quantities, on a competitive basis, to multiple state and local governments. b. An item that evolved from an item which has not been sold to the general public c. A commercial item that has received modifications not available in the commercial marketplace. d. A nondevelopmental item used exclusively for governmental purposes ANSWER: a. SOURCE(S): FAR

15 Quick Tips for CFCM Exam Sample Test Questions If market research indicates that neither commercial items nor nondevelopmental items are available to satisfy agency needs, agencies a. must reevaluate the need and determine whether it can be restated to permit commercial or nondevelopmental items to satisfy them. b. may set-aside the procurement. c. are authorized to pursue the acquisition as a restricted procurement. d. shall solicit and award any resultant contract using FAR Part 12 policies and procedures. ANSWER: a. SOURCE(S): FAR (c), (d) 14

16 Quick Tips for CFCM Exam Sample Test Questions The Contracting Officer's certification can serve as approval of the justification for other than full and open competition for a proposed contract NOT exceeding a. $25,000. b. $650,000. c. $1,500,000. d. $5,500,000. ANSWER: b. SOURCE(S): FAR 6.304(a)(1) 15

17 Quick Tips for CFCM Exam Sample Test Questions The methodologies Contracting Officers shall use in acquiring construction contracts and architect-engineer services, respectively are: a. negotiation and sealed bids. b. sealed bids and negotiation. c. negotiation and negotiation. d. sealed bids and barter. ANSWER: b. SOURCE(S): FAR

18 Quick Tips for CFCM Exam Sample Test Questions All of the following are true concerning Project Wage Determinations EXCEPT: a. They are issued at the specific request of a contracting agency. b. They are effective for 180 calendar days from the date of determination. c. They are used only when no general wage determination applies. d. They apply only to the contracts for which they were issued. ANSWER: d. SOURCE(S): FAR (b) 17

19 Quick Tips for CFCM Exam Sample Test Questions If a contractor has an approved purchasing system, a. consent is required for subcontracts identified in the subcontracts clause of the contract. b. purchases below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold must be reviewed by the Contracting Officer. c. only items on the Government Qualified Products List may be used. d. F.O.B. origin may not be used. ANSWER: a. SOURCES(S): FAR (a) 18

20 Quick Tips for CFCM Exam Sample Test Questions Performance-based payments shall be used only: a.when the Contracting Officer and the offeror are able to agree on the performance-based payment terms. b. when the contract is a fixed-price type contract. c. when the contract does not provide for other methods of contract financing. d. when all of the above conditions are met. ANSWER: d. SOURCE(S): FAR

21 Quick Tips for CFCM Exam Sample Test Questions The acquisition strategy tailored to a particular major system acquisition shall be developed by the a. Contracting Officer. b. Program manager. c. Head of a Contracting Activity. d. Acquisition manager. ANSWER: b. SOURCE(S): FAR

22 Quick Tips for CFCM Exam Sample Test Questions Supplemental agreements are used to: a. issue change orders. b. issue termination notices. c. definitize letter contracts. d. make administrative changes. ANSWER: c. SOURCE(S): FAR a 21

23 Quick Tips for CFCM Exam Sample Test Questions Which of the following is a true contract type allowed by the FAR? a. cost-plus-allowable-fee contract b. cost-plus-fixed-fee contract c. cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost contract d. cost-plus-firm-fee contract ANSWER: b. SOURCE(S): FAR ,

24 Conclusion The CFCM Certification: Has purpose Is renewable Is a knowledge based program Has specific pre-requisites/requirements Questions/Discussions? 23