Government Certification Eligibility Quiz (2026)
Last updated: 2026-04-01
Not sure which government contracting certifications your business qualifies for? Answer 10 questions about your business ownership, location, and background to get personalized recommendations covering SBA 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, EDWOSB, SDVOSB, VOSB, and DBE certifications.
Government Certification Eligibility Quiz
Answer 10 questions to find out which government contracting certifications your business may qualify for.
Is the business at least 51% owned by a socially disadvantaged individual?
Socially disadvantaged individuals include members of designated groups (Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-Pacific, Subcontinent Asian Americans) or anyone who can demonstrate social disadvantage through personal experience.
This quiz provides general guidance only. Certification eligibility depends on specific details about your business, ownership, finances, and location that a quiz cannot fully assess. Always verify requirements on official government websites (sba.gov, certify.sba.gov) before applying.
Certification Programs Overview
| Certification | Key Requirement | Cost | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 8(a) | Socially & economically disadvantaged | Free | Read guide |
| HUBZone | Office + 35% employees in HUBZone | Free | Read guide |
| WOSB/EDWOSB | 51%+ women-owned and controlled | Free | Read guide |
| SDVOSB/VOSB | 51%+ veteran-owned (disability for SDVOSB) | Free | Read guide |
| DBE | Disadvantaged, net worth < $1.32M | Free | Read guide |
| SAM.gov | Required for all federal contractors | Free | Read guide |
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications does this quiz cover?
This quiz evaluates your potential eligibility for seven government contracting certifications: SBA 8(a) Business Development Program, HUBZone, WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business), EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged WOSB), SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business), VOSB (Veteran-Owned Small Business), and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise). It also checks whether you need to register on SAM.gov, which is a prerequisite for all federal certifications.
Is this quiz a substitute for the actual certification process?
No. This quiz provides general guidance to help you identify which certifications you should explore further. It is not an official eligibility determination. Each certification has detailed requirements that go beyond what a quiz can assess. After identifying potential certifications, read our detailed guides and verify requirements on official government websites (sba.gov, certify.sba.gov) before applying.
Can a business qualify for multiple certifications?
Yes. Many businesses qualify for and hold multiple certifications simultaneously. For example, a woman-owned business in a HUBZone could hold WOSB, HUBZone, and potentially 8(a) certifications at the same time. Each certification opens different contracting opportunities, so stacking certifications maximizes your access to set-aside contracts and sole-source awards.
How much does it cost to get these certifications?
All SBA certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB/VOSB) are free to apply for through certify.sba.gov. SAM.gov registration is also completely free. DBE certification through state DOTs is generally free. Some state/city MBE/WBE programs may have small application fees. Be cautious of any third-party service charging large fees — the government application portals are all free.
What is the first step to getting certified?
The first step for all federal certifications is registering on SAM.gov. This is free and gives you a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) that is required for all subsequent certification applications. After SAM.gov registration (which takes 10-15 business days for entity validation), you can apply for certifications through certify.sba.gov. For DBE, you apply through your state DOT's Unified Certification Program.
How long do the certification applications take to process?
Processing times vary by certification: SAM.gov registration takes 10-15 business days, SBA 8(a) takes approximately 90 days, HUBZone takes about 60 days, WOSB takes 10-30 business days, SDVOSB/VOSB (VetCert) takes about 90 days, and DBE through state DOTs takes 60-90 days. The most common cause of delays is incomplete documentation, so prepare all required documents before starting your application.
Related Resources on This Site
Helpful guides
- Benefitssmall business health insurance options
- SOC 2SOC 2 Type 1 vs Type 2 comparison
- CertificationHUBZone certification guide
- Workers' Compworkers compensation insurance by state
This quiz provides general guidance only. Certification eligibility depends on specific details about your business. Always verify requirements on SBA.gov and certify.sba.gov before applying.