Frequently Asked Questions

To support the National Defense Strategy (NDS), it is imperative that the Department of Defense (DoD) pivot from the past broad workforce focus and get "Back-to-Basics" (BtB) by streamlining our functional area framework and prioritizing limited training resources for the Defense Acquisition Workforce who develop, acquire, and sustain operational capability.

The Back-to-Basics initiative streamlines career fields into functional areas, compresses a three-level certification model into a one- or two-tier framework, and moves away from a front-loaded training model to life-long learning paradigm.

Back-to-Basics impacts the entire Defense Acquisition Workforce.

Implementation began 1 February 2022.

Yes. For information about the specific Functional Areas, refer to the “Certification Crosswalks” located under Resources.

The Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certifications address statutory education, training, and experience requirements. Credentials address assignment specific, job-relevant needs. More information about Defense Acquisition Credentials can be found on the DAU website.

There is no direct correlation between levels I, II, and III and Foundational, Practitioner, and Advanced tiers. Each Functional Area Leader has determined the appropriate tier nomenclature. For information about the specific tiers for each Functional Area, refer to the “Certification Crosswalks” located under Resources.

The DoDI 5000.66, Change 3, expanded the previous 24-month grace period to the following:

• Foundational/Professional Tier: Three (3) years
• Practitioner Tier: Five (5) years
• Advanced Tier: Four (4) years

The requirement for 80 hours of CLPs every two years remains the same. Credentials are a great way to achieve one’s CL requirement.

Depending on DoD COVID-precaution guidance, resource availability, course content and design, DAU will make the best platform decision for each course on a case-by-case basis.

More information about Defense Acquisition Credentials can be found on the DAU website.

All previously-earned DAWIA certifications will remain in a Defense Acquisition Workforce member’s training record. Functional Area Leaders have determined specific transition requirements. Defense Acquisition Workforce members should work with their supervisors regarding their individual certification status.

Acquisition professionals pursuing certification should coordinate with their supervisor and, if appropriate, continue to work towards meeting their current position training requirements. Courses already completed may be counted towards a specific BtB certification requirement.