3.3.  Air Force Contracting Officer Test.

Candidates for warrants above the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) are required to successfully complete a four-hour time limited, open book/open computer examination to assess contracting knowledge and research ability. Assistance to a candidate taking the test by another individual or group is not permitted except that which is required to provide reasonable accommodation to a special needs employee.

3.3.1.  Following an affirmative compliance review and any additional management reviews or endorsements of the completed request template, the SCO/SCCO's focal point or designee will generate a test, schedule and designate/secure an appropriately equipped testing environment/location away from the candidate's assigned workstation. The SCO/SCCO's focal point may opt to generate the test and provide it to a subordinate focal point to administer to the candidate.

3.3.2.  Each test shall be computer-generated and will contain 50 randomly selected true/false and multiple-choice questions from the FAR, DFARS, and/or AFFARS.

3.3.3.  The SCO/SCCO's focal point or designee will proctor the warrant test to verify the candidate's completion of the test according to the specific directions of this MP and the Air Force Contracting Officer Test Administrator and User Guide. The proctor will administer tests as frequently as determined necessary. Designated test proctors shall review test taking procedures with the candidate(s) prior to the start of the test.

3.3.4.  The designated test proctor may authorize use of the "hold timer" feature of the automated test during the designated four-hour test period, if justified (e.g., fire alarms and associated emergency evacuations/relocations, reasonable accommodation for a special needs employee, etc.).

3.3.5.  In order to complete the test within the allotted time, a candidate must be familiar with the location of various subject matters in the FAR, DFARS and AFFARS and understand how to gain access to these regulations without the use of any shortcuts residing on their personal desktop, as the test will not be administered at the candidate's assigned workstation. Candidates may bring bound, published copies of the FAR and DFARS into the testing location, however, use of these printed materials is at the candidate's own risk as they may not be as current as electronically available regulations provided for use in the testing location. Notes or electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, Blackberries, etc.) are not permitted to be brought into the testing location.

3.3.6.  A candidate must score a minimum of 85% to pass the test and be eligible for a warrant; however, a passing score does not guarantee a CO appointment. As the test is pass/fail, the test proctor will not provide the specific test score attained to anyone other than the candidate.

3.3.7.  A correct answer and citation of a valid reference, to the paragraph level (e.g. FAR 15.403-1(b)), as applicable, indicating where the candidate located the answer to each question must be provided to earn two points. If the candidate answers the question correctly but the reference incorrectly, the candidate shall be granted only one point. If the candidate answers the question incorrectly, but the reference correctly, the candidate shall receive no points as this indicates a failure to understand the regulation.

3.3.8.  The test will be automatically scored; however, the test proctor is responsible for validating incorrect references as well as any challenged test result, manually adjusting the test score, if appropriate, and notifying HQ AFMC/PKQP when specific test question and/or database maintenance is required as set forth in paragraph 2.9 above. The designated test proctor will generate, sign and date a Certificate indicating successful completion of the test and provide same to the candidate.

3.3.9.  Candidates who do not pass the test may retake it at the next offering, if authorized by their immediate supervisor, subject to space available per the designated test proctor. Candidates failing to pass the test after a second attempt must wait six (6) months before retaking the test. The SCO/SCCO may waive the waiting period when appropriate.

3.3.10.  Individuals may take the test for "practice" a maximum of once per quarter if authorized by their immediate supervisor, subject to space available per the test proctor. However, a passing score on a practice test does not meet the test requirement if the individual is nominated for a warrant in the future.

3.3.11.  Use of the warrant test is optional for candidates for limited warrants at or below the SAT or for limited functional warrants (see paragraph 3.4 below).

3.3.12.  Supervisors are authorized to approve four (4) continuous learning points once per 12-month period for any individual who completes the test whether in connection with a warrant request action or for training purposes.