What is DAWIA?

The Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act was passed into law by Congress in November of 1990. The Act requires the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (AT&L) to have established education and training standards, requirements, and courses for the civilian and military acquisition workforce.

The DAU courses required to meet education and training standards are commonly referred to as being "DAWIA curricula." Similarly, the Acquisition Career Field Certifications that are awarded upon meeting such stands is often referred to as "DAWIA Certification."

How do I determine the DAWIA Certification requirements?

The designated DoD acquisition positions are currently grouped into 14 acquisition career fields. Each career field is divided into 3 certification levels for purposes of establishing standards and qualifications:

Level I – Basic or Entry Level
Level II – Intermediate or Journeyman Level
Level III – Advanced or Senior Level

You may determine the certification requirements for each field and each certification level by accessing the Certification & Core Development Guides available within the DAU iCatalog website at https://icatalog.dau.mil.

How do I receive my certification once I've completed the requirements outlined for my career field?

Each DoD component has its own DAWIA program to certify its workforce members. Those looking to pursue certification may apply through their Acquisition Training Office once all training, education and experience criteria has been met.

I work for a non-DoD federal agency. Can I be certified by completing the DAWIA curricula?

No – DAWIA certifications are only available to DoD employees, military and (APF) civilians assigned to an acquisition coded position as well as select military officers whose career development will include assignment to acquisition coded positions. However, there are Federal Acquisition Certifications available through the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI). Please visit their website at www.fai.gov for related information.

I am a DoD contractor. Can I be certified by completing the DAWIA curricula?

No – As DAWIA only applies to the DoD AT&L workforce, DAU is not aware of any source to certify contractors or other personnel employed by private sector firms. We recommend that contractors put a package together with all the pertinent information related to completed training and to use this package to demonstrate that qualification criteria have been met. In the event that you obtain a federal position, training completed as a contractor may then be turned in to receive credit towards DAWIA certification.

Where can I find additional information regarding DAWIA Certification requirements?

The Certification & Core Development Guides available within the DAU iCatalog website contains information regarding certification requirements, facts, checklists, and "not so frequently asked questions".