Contracting Officer Testing

I wanted to add to this discussion, but the topic was closed.

I am in the process of applying to become a PCO in the Air Force, and I enthusiastically support the written standardized exam as it is implemented where I work. A few observations...

1. The exam is the first step of a three step process. First, you must pass the computerized exam. Second, you must pass an interview consisting of 20-30 minutes of management/supervision/leadership oriented questions and 20-30 minutes of PCO knowledge scenario questions. Third, you must pass a Contracting Officer Review Board that consists of 45-60 minutes of PCO knowledge scenario questions.

2. The standardized exam does a good job of separating serious PCO candidates from unserious or unprepared candidates. The exam is by no means a perfect judge of what it takes to become a CO, but it does a good job at setting the minimum qualifications point. I know of several people that have not been able to pass the exam, and I don't think these people are ready to become PCOs. The exam is a fair and efficient way to inform an aspiring candidate that they are not quite ready yet.

3. Getting 85% correct is not nearly as easy as it sounds. The exam is 50 questions long and 100 points are possible. 2 points for every question with the correct multiple choice answer and the EXACTLY correct citation. 1 point per question for the correct multiple choice answer but not the EXACTLY correct citation. 0 points per question for the incorrect multiple choice answer regardless of citation accuracty (misinterpreting the citation is not rewarded). Getting each question right is relatively easy. Getting the exact perfect FAR/DFARS/AFFARS citation with ~5 minutes per question to research it is not that easy. At the very least it takes practice using FAR Search and Google to increase your research efficiency.

4. The fact that the test forces people to get better at searching the FAR quickly and accurately is a good thing, IMO.

Regards,

Dave Sharp