# DHS Trains Acquisition Professionals

DHS’s Acquisition Professional Career Program (APCP) is a three-year, entry-level pathway that develops acquisition professionals, primarily 1102 Contract Specialists. Interview accounts describe selection panels emphasizing behavioral examples of initiative, research, prioritization, adaptability, and communication rather than prior contracting expertise. Participants report progressive, year-by-year training and possible office rotations; they also note recurring fourth-quarter workload peaks.

- The program offers an entry route into the federal acquisition workforce for candidates without prior contracting experience, widening the potential talent pool for DHS acquisition offices.
- Candidates can prepare by developing specific examples that demonstrate the skills interviewers assess, including research and prioritization; reported interview questions may draw on everyday examples of market research.
- The progressive training structure and possible rotations are relevant to workforce planning, while recurring fourth-quarter workload peaks may affect team capacity and onboarding plans.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Published:** September 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

### Key Quotes
> It was common to get asked how you have done market research in your daily life (buying a car, negotiating a medical bill, etc).
> — Commenter

> Mine was just STAR based questions they didnt really ask much of any questions regarding contracting as they dont expect you to have any prior experience or knowledge in it
> — Interviewee commenter

> The program is structured to have you learn certain skills each year, at a pace where it builds on itself.
> — Former DHS APCP participant (self-described)

### Sources
- [Acquisition Training Program Interview Prep](https://www.reddit.com/r/1102/comments/1wui2mm/acquisition_training_program_interview_prep) - reddit-1102