What happens if they exhaust all their options? Is there a potential an employee could be removed from the AWF or federal government if they fail the exam and have exceeded their certification grace period?

Yes. Achievement of the Contracting Professional Certification is a Condition of Employment for Contracting coded Acquisition Workforce positions. Individuals unable to meet their Conditions of Employment may be subject to adverse employment actions in accordance with Agency procedures including, but not limited to:
• performance improvement plan
• withholding of funds for further career development
• removal or reassignment