The DAWIA requires the U.S. Department of Defense to establish a professional certification program. DAWIA certification is available in fields including acquisition, technology and logistics, based on standards reached in education, experience and training.
In order to become certified in DAWIA Level I Information Technology, individuals must have a bachelor's degree in a subject related to IT, which could be computer science, management or information systems. Individuals must also have one year's acquisitions experience.
Level I certification offers candidates a number of training options, including completion of courses Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition Management 101, Basic Information Systems Acquisitions 101 or Basic Software Acquisition Management 101 through the Defense Acquisitions University. These training courses provide an overview of the defense acquisitions process, including the planning, preparing, budgeting and execution process.