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100+ Free NCMA CFCM Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NCMA CFCM Exam

150

Total Questions

NCMA CFCM Handbook

140

Scored Questions

NCMA CFCM Handbook

10

Beta Questions

NCMA CFCM Handbook

180 min

Testing Time

NCMA CFCM Handbook

70%

Passing Score

NCMA CFCM Handbook

FAC 2025-03

Blueprint FAR Baseline

NCMA CFCM Handbook

The NCMA CFCM exam is a FAR-based, competency-based multiple-choice exam with 150 total questions, 140 scored items, 10 beta items, 3 hours of testing time, and a 70% passing score. The current NCMA handbook states the exam blueprint is current through FAC 2025-03, effective January 17, 2025, and allocates the heaviest coverage to FAR Parts 2, 4, 15, 16, 43, and 52.

Sample NCMA CFCM Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NCMA CFCM exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary purpose of the Federal Acquisition Regulation system?
A.To publish uniform acquisition policies and procedures for executive agencies
B.To replace agency supplements in every procurement
C.To create accounting standards for commercial companies
D.To assign federal budget authority to contracting officers
Explanation: FAR Part 1 establishes the FAR system for codifying and publishing uniform acquisition policies and procedures for executive agencies. Agency supplements may implement or supplement the FAR, but they do not replace it. Budget authority and accounting standards are handled through separate fiscal and cost-accounting rules.
2Under FAR Part 1, who has authority to enter into, administer, or terminate contracts on behalf of the Government?
A.Any program manager with a funded requirement
B.Only a contracting officer acting within delegated authority
C.Any Contracting Officer's Representative after appointment
D.Only the requiring activity's senior executive
Explanation: Contracting officers may bind the Government only to the extent of the authority delegated to them. Program managers and CORs play important acquisition roles, but they do not have independent authority to enter into or change contracts unless they also hold contracting officer authority.
3In FAR terminology, what does acquisition include?
A.Only placing an order after award
B.Only the legal review of a contract file
C.The process of acquiring supplies or services from identifying need through contract closeout
D.Only buying commercially available off-the-shelf items
Explanation: The FAR definition of acquisition is broad. It includes the process beginning when agency needs are established and continues through solicitation, award, administration, and closeout. It is not limited to the act of placing an order or buying commercial items.
4Which FAR principle encourages agencies to use commercial products and commercial services when they can meet the Government's need?
A.Minimize all exchanges with industry
B.Maximize use of commercial products and commercial services
C.Use sealed bidding for all complex acquisitions
D.Avoid market research until after solicitation release
Explanation: The FAR guiding principles emphasize satisfying customer needs while maximizing use of commercial products and commercial services. Market research and early industry exchanges help agencies determine whether commercial solutions are available. Sealed bidding is not mandatory for all acquisitions.
5Which item is protected as source selection information under procurement integrity rules?
A.A public solicitation posted on SAM.gov
B.The agency's independent evaluation rankings before award
C.The FAR table of contents
D.A contractor's published catalog price
Explanation: Source selection information includes nonpublic evaluation materials such as rankings, technical evaluations, and source selection plans before authorized release. Public solicitations and published catalog prices are not protected in the same way. FAR Part 3 focuses on preserving fairness and integrity in competitions.
6What is the main purpose of a contract file under FAR Part 4?
A.To replace the signed contract document
B.To document the basis for acquisition decisions and actions
C.To store only unsuccessful offerors' proposals
D.To eliminate the need for closeout
Explanation: The contract file provides the official record of significant acquisition decisions, approvals, and actions. It supports transparency, reviews, audits, and contract administration. It does not replace the contract or eliminate later administration and closeout requirements.
7Why does FAR Part 5 require publicizing many proposed contract actions?
A.To reduce competition to familiar contractors
B.To increase competition and inform interested sources of Government requirements
C.To make all acquisition plans public
D.To allow offerors to rewrite the FAR
Explanation: Publicizing contract actions helps interested sources learn about Government requirements and promotes competition. It does not make every planning document public or alter regulatory requirements. FAR Part 5 works together with competition rules in FAR Part 6.
8What is the general competition standard in FAR Part 6?
A.Full and open competition unless an authorized exception applies
B.Negotiation with the incumbent whenever performance is acceptable
C.Award without competition whenever the requirement is urgent
D.Competition only for commercial products
Explanation: FAR Part 6 implements competition requirements and starts from the principle of full and open competition. Other than full and open competition requires an authorized exception and supporting justification. Urgency may support an exception, but it does not automatically eliminate all competition.
9Which activity best fits FAR Part 7 acquisition planning?
A.Starting planning only after proposals are received
B.Coordinating requirements, risks, schedule, competition, contract type, and funding strategy before solicitation
C.Letting offerors define the agency's mission need
D.Skipping market research when the requirement is complex
Explanation: Acquisition planning integrates technical, business, logistics, fiscal, and legal considerations before solicitation and award. It should address the requirement, competition approach, risks, schedule, contract type, and funding. Planning is especially important, not less important, when requirements are complex.
10Under FAR Part 8, supplies or services on the AbilityOne Procurement List are generally acquired from which source?
A.Any local small business without further analysis
B.The nonprofit agencies participating in the AbilityOne program
C.Only foreign suppliers covered by trade agreements
D.Only the incumbent contractor
Explanation: FAR Subpart 8.7 covers acquisition from nonprofit agencies employing people who are blind or severely disabled through the AbilityOne program. Items on the Procurement List are mandatory sources when applicable. This is separate from small business set-asides and incumbent preference.

About the NCMA CFCM Exam

The CFCM is NCMA's ANAB-accredited federal contract management certification for professionals who demonstrate knowledge of federal acquisition from the perspective of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

Assessment

150 multiple-choice questions: 140 scored and 10 beta questions, with four answer options per question

Time Limit

3 hours (180 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$135 U.S. and Canada; $160 international (National Contract Management Association (NCMA), administered through Kryterion)

NCMA CFCM Exam Content Outline

5-8 questions per part

High-Frequency FAR Parts

Definitions, administrative records, negotiated source selection, contract types, contract modifications, and Part 52 scope and instructions.

3-7 questions per part

Core Federal Contract Management

FAR system rules, ethics, competition, planning, contractor responsibility, commercial acquisition, small business programs, cost principles, service contracting, administration, subcontracting, quality, and Part 53 scope and definitions.

2-5 questions per part

Supplemental Acquisition Topics

Publicizing, required sources, market research, requirements descriptions, simplified acquisition, options, labor standards, privacy, intellectual property, CAS, financing, protests, R&D, schedules, IT, and terminations.

0-3 questions per part

Limited Blueprint Topics

Sealed bidding, emergencies, sustainable acquisition, foreign acquisition, bonds, taxes, major systems, construction and A-E contracting, utilities, Government property, transportation, value engineering, extraordinary actions, and contractor use of supply sources.

How to Pass the NCMA CFCM Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 150 multiple-choice questions: 140 scored and 10 beta questions, with four answer options per question
  • Time limit: 3 hours (180 minutes)
  • Exam fee: $135 U.S. and Canada; $160 international

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NCMA CFCM Study Tips from Top Performers

1Prioritize FAR Parts 2, 4, 15, 16, 43, and 52 because NCMA places them in the 5-8 question blueprint band.
2For FAR Part 15, practice distinguishing clarifications, communications, discussions, competitive range decisions, debriefings, cost realism, and best-value tradeoffs.
3For FAR Part 16, focus on when fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, time-and-materials, incentive, letter, and indefinite-delivery contracts are appropriate.
4For administration topics, compare FAR Parts 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 49 so you can separate consent to subcontract, Government property, inspection, acceptance, changes, and terminations.
5Do not try to memorize every clause in FAR Part 52; NCMA's blueprint limits Part 52 coverage to scope and instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the NCMA CFCM exam?

The CFCM exam has 150 multiple-choice questions. NCMA identifies 140 as scored questions and 10 as beta questions that do not affect the final score.

How long is the CFCM exam?

Candidates have 3 hours, or 180 minutes, to complete the CFCM exam. NCMA's handbook explains this as 150 minutes for questions plus 30 minutes for exam review.

What score do I need to pass the CFCM exam?

NCMA states that successful candidates receive a passing score of at least 70% on the CFCM exam.

What is the CFCM exam based on?

The CFCM exam is based on the policies and procedures in the Federal Acquisition Regulation. NCMA's current handbook states that the blueprint is current through FAC 2025-03, effective January 17, 2025.

Who administers the CFCM exam?

NCMA certification exams are administered through Kryterion. The CFCM handbook states the exam may be taken onsite or online, with proctoring performed by Kryterion.

What are the NCMA CFCM eligibility requirements?

The current handbook lists a bachelor's degree, 80 CPE, and 2 years of contract management experience. It also describes a waiver path for non-degreed candidates with at least 5 years of verifiable contract management experience plus 24 aligned college credits.