Recognized expertise · Career advancement · Employer-trusted credential.
The Certified GovCon Project Manager (CGPM) certification is a credential that validates your ability to lead projects successfully within the federal contracting environment. It demonstrates not only your mastery of project management principles but also your capability to apply them in compliance-driven, stakeholder-intensive federal projects. By earning the CGPM, you show that you can deliver mission-critical results on time and within budget, while representing your organization with accountability, professionalism, and GovCon expertise.
Sets the standard for excellence in federal contracting management — built for professionals who want credibility, confidence, and career growth.
$349
Ready to set yourself apart as a leader in the federal contracting space? The Certified GovCon Project Manager (CGPM) certification validates your ability to manage compliance-driven projects, lead high-performing teams, and deliver results that meet the unique standards of government contracting — proving you can execute with accountability, precision, and confidence.
The Certified GovCon Project Manager (CGPM) is designed for professionals who manage day-to-day delivery in the federal contracting space. If you’re responsible for organizing the work, guiding your team, keeping projects on track, and serving as the go-to point of contact for the client, this certification is built for you. It’s a strong fit for:
Current project managers in government contracting.
Site leads and team leads coordinating delivery on contract.
Senior consultants preparing to move into a management role.
The CGPM designation to add to your name, resume, and signature
A digital certificate for framing and sharing
A verified digital badge for LinkedIn and professional profiles
Recognition from the Federal Management Institute as a certified GovCon professional
A permanent credential that elevates your career for life
The CGPM exam is built to be rigorous, fair, and respected:
The CGPM exam is designed to validate practical project management capability in the GovCon environment.
Format: 125 questions (multiple-choice and scenario-based)
Time Limit: 180 minutes (3 hours)
Passing Score: 70%
Delivery: 100% online with secure remote proctoring
Language: English
Retake Policy: Maximum of 3 attempts in a 12-month period
Credential Validity: Lifetime certification — no renewals required
Upon successful completion, you will receive an e-certificate and a digital badge.
Review Exam Guide and Body of Knowledge
Register and Pay Exam Fee
Conduct Exam
Federal contracts live and die on delivery. The project manager is the one who translates requirements into results, keeps the team aligned, and maintains client trust. By earning the CGPM, you:
Strengthen your credibility as a leader in the GovCon industry.
Increase your value to employers and clients during recompetes.
Show that you understand both the technical and financial sides of project management.
Join a growing community of professionals recognized for raising the standard in government contracting
The CGPM is built on the FederalMI Body of Knowledge, tailored to the realities of government contracting. Core domains include:
Project Planning & Controls
Team Leadership
Financial Management
Risk & Change Management
Client Engagement
Performance Reporting
1. A GovCon PM notices that the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) is informally asking for additional analysis outside the project’s SOW. What should the PM do first?
A. Approve the work to maintain client satisfaction
B. Request a written modification from the CO before proceeding
C. Inform corporate leadership and delay the work indefinitely
D. Proceed but document the request internally
2. Under a Time and Materials (T&M) contract, a team’s burn rate is higher than planned, though deliverables are on track. What should the PM prioritize?
A. Requesting additional funds from the client
B. Reducing labor hours while maintaining delivery
C. Justifying cost variance through improved performance metrics
D. Monitoring labor utilization and ensuring work stays within ceiling limits
3.Which leadership style is most effective when onboarding new staff unfamiliar with federal compliance?
A. Coaching
B. Collaborative
C. Directive
D. Delegative
4. A project team complains about too many process requirements slowing progress. The PM reminds them these steps are essential for audit readiness. Which function is the PM demonstrating?
A. Leadership
B. Management
C. Coaching
D. Influence
5. Which document specifies performance outcomes and measurable standards rather than detailed activities?
A. Statement of Work (SOW)
B. Service Level Agreement (SLA)
C. Performance Work Statement (PWS)
D. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
6. A GovCon PM must report monthly status updates to the client in a formal template. This practice reflects:
A. Extended approval cycles
B. Performance evaluation formality
C. Regulatory compliance priority
D. Formal documentation requirements.
7. During a performance review, a COR criticizes slow progress despite the team meeting all deliverable dates. What is the best response?
A. Explain that compliance standards prevent flexibility
B. Highlight performance metrics and mission impact
C. Escalate concerns to the Contracting Officer
D. Request a modification to extend deadlines
8. In an IDIQ contract, what is the main risk for a project manager?
A. Fixed price exposure
B. Overbilling labor categories
C. Task order competition under the same vehicle
D. Delayed CO approvals
9. A PM transitions from managing peers to leading them. What is the most common early mistake?
A. Over-delegating tasks
B. Being overly directive
C. Failing to set new boundaries
D. Avoiding team feedback
10. When managing a hybrid project, which activity demonstrates integration of agile and traditional approaches?
A. Using sprints but delaying deliverables until contract closeout
B. Combining backlog refinement with milestone reviews
C. Allowing team-driven scope adjustments
D. Removing compliance documentation from agile cycles
11. Which financial metric helps estimate how much more funding is needed to complete the project?
A. Burn Rate
B. Estimate to Complete (ETC)
C. Earned Value
D. Estimate at Completion (EAC)
12. Which situation requires leadership rather than management?
A. Preparing audit documentation
B. Negotiating scope adjustments with stakeholders
C. Tracking deliverables in a compliance report
D. Updating spend plans for accuracy
13. During a DCAA audit, the PM learns that a subcontractor’s timekeeping system is noncompliant. The best course of action is to:
A. Notify the CO immediately and suspend work
B. Document findings, correct issues, and report through official channels
C. Replace the subcontractor
D. Wait for audit results before acting
14. The COR praises the team but notes inconsistent communication from the PM. To strengthen the relationship, the PM should:
A. Increase formal reporting frequency
B. Share informal updates that anticipate concerns
C. Route all messages through corporate channels
D. Focus solely on technical deliverables
15. Which statement best captures the distinction between GovCon and private sector project management?
A. Private sector PMs emphasize cost; GovCon PMs emphasize scope
B. GovCon PMs prioritize regulatory compliance over efficiency
C. Private sector PMs require more documentation
D. GovCon PMs work under fewer stakeholder approvals
Answer Keys:
B
D
C
B
C
D
B
C
C
B
B
B
B
B
B
The exam is based on the Body of Knowledge, which you can find a link to in the introduction section on this page.
No. The Certification is designed for all professionals working under federal contracts — analysts, IT staff, communicators, designers, and more.
No prerequisites are required. The CGPM is accessible to professionals across all disciplines in GovCon, with no specific years of experience or education required.
The CGPM is a lifetime credential — it never expires.
You can attempt the exam 3 times per 12 months.
Yes. The CGPM exam is remotely proctored and can be taken from any quiet location.