DAWIA Program Management Level II Certification Mock Test

Overview

The Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Program Management (PM) Level II certification is a crucial credential for mid-career acquisition professionals within the United States Department of Defense (DoD). This certification signifies an individual's demonstrated competence and understanding of the complex policies, processes, and procedures governing defense acquisition programs. Achieving DAWIA PM Level II recognizes an individual's ability to contribute effectively to the planning, execution, and oversight of defense systems, services, and technologies, ensuring that the warfighter receives the capabilities they need, on time and within budget.

This mock test is designed to help you prepare for the official DAWIA PM Level II certification exam. It covers key knowledge areas essential for successful program management in the defense acquisition system, including understanding the DoD 5000 series, program life cycle phases, requirements management, financial management, contracting, and risk management. By taking this practice exam, you can assess your current knowledge, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence for the actual certification test.

Syllabus

The DAWIA PM Level II certification draws its content from various DoD regulations, instructions, and best practices. The core areas of knowledge tested include:

• Acquisition Policy and Process (DoD 5000 Series): Understanding the overarching framework for defense acquisition, including DoD Instruction 5000.02 and related policies, decision authorities, and acquisition pathways.
• Program Life Cycle Phases and Decision Points: Knowledge of the various phases of an acquisition program (e.g., Materiel Solution Analysis, Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction, Engineering and Manufacturing Development, Production and Deployment, Operations and Support) and the critical decision points that govern progress between these phases.
• Requirements Management and System Engineering: Understanding how military requirements are generated, validated, and translated into system specifications, and the application of systems engineering principles throughout the program life cycle.
• Contracting and Procurement: Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), different contract types, source selection processes, and contract management principles.
• Financial Management and Budgeting: Knowledge of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process, various appropriation types, cost estimating, and financial reporting for defense programs.
• Risk Management: Identification, analysis, mitigation, and monitoring of technical, schedule, cost, and programmatic risks throughout the acquisition life cycle.
• Test and Evaluation: Understanding developmental testing, operational testing, and the role of test and evaluation in verifying and validating system performance and readiness.
• Logistics and Sustainment: Concepts related to life-cycle logistics, product support strategies, maintenance planning, supply chain management, and ensuring the long-term supportability of defense systems.
• Ethics and Professional Conduct in Acquisition: Adherence to ethical standards, conflict of interest avoidance, and responsible decision-making within the acquisition community.

Test Rules

To simulate the actual DAWIA PM Level II certification exam experience, please adhere to the following rules during this mock test:

1. Closed Book: This is a closed-book examination. Do not refer to any notes, textbooks, or online resources.
2. Time Limit: Complete all questions within the allocated 90-minute time frame to practice time management.
3. Individual Effort: This is an individual assessment. Do not collaborate with others or seek assistance.
4. No Electronic Devices: Keep personal electronic devices, apart from the one used to take the test, away during the exam.
5. Honesty and Integrity: Maintain academic honesty and integrity throughout the mock test.

Scoring

The DAWIA PM Level II exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. Each question typically has one correct answer. In the actual exam, a passing score is generally around 70% or higher, though this can vary slightly by specific exam version or agency guidance. For this mock test, your score will be calculated based on the number of correct answers. A detailed breakdown of your performance will be provided after completion, highlighting areas where you performed well and areas that may require further study. Incorrect answers do not typically incur penalties (no negative marking).

Preparation Tips

Effective preparation is key to succeeding in the DAWIA PM Level II certification exam. Here are some tips:

1. Review Core Regulations: Focus heavily on the DoD 5000 series (DoD Instruction 5000.02 and related DoD 5000.xx series documents) and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). These are foundational.
2. Understand the Acquisition Life Cycle: Be able to clearly articulate the phases of the acquisition process, their key activities, and the decision points required to move between them.
3. Leverage DAU Resources: The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) provides extensive training courses, glossaries, and publications. Review the material from the DAU courses relevant to Level II Program Management (e.g., ACQ 203, PMT 250, PMT 252, CON 200 series, FIN 200 series).
4. Practice with Scenarios: Many exam questions are scenario-based. Practice applying policies and concepts to realistic acquisition situations.
5. Identify Weak Areas: Use the results of this mock test and other practice questions to pinpoint your knowledge gaps. Dedicate extra study time to these specific areas.
6. Form Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can help clarify complex topics and provide different perspectives.
7. Stay Updated: The acquisition environment evolves. While the core principles remain, be aware of any recent policy changes or updates that might impact the exam content.
8. Time Management: During practice, pay attention to the time it takes you to answer questions. This will help you manage your time effectively during the actual exam.

Good luck with your preparation!