Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS)

Professional development within the American Association of Family and consumer Sciences encompasses: the Certification Program; the Accreditation Program; and numerous opportunities to assume leadership roles, publish in the Association's professional journals, and enhance personal knowledge and skills through participation in meetings, seminars, and workshops at district, state, and national levels.

Certification is based on individual mastery of knowledge common and essential to all family and consumer sciences professionals as verified by a minimum of a baccalaureate degree and successful completion of the National Family and Consumer Sciences Examination. The AAFCS Certification Program is designed to:

• Assure the public that credentialed family and consumer sciences professionals have attained a threshold level of knowledge that enables them to perform services as defined by the mission of the profession;
• Foster excellence in the family and consumer sciences profession and develop criteria for assessing such excellence; and
• Promote professional growth of individuals certified in family and consumer sciences by encouraging a systematic program of professional development and continuing education.

Benefits of Certification
Becoming certified is the most credible credential a family and consumer sciences professional can achieve. The AAFCS Certification Program provides the following exclusive benefits:

• Promotes continuing education and professional growth;
• Provides recognition to individuals, allows them to use the CFCS title and certified designation;
• Increases professional employment opportunities;
• Fosters excellence in the family and consumer sciences profession;
• Markets the profession;
• Assists employers in recruitment and selection of highly qualified individuals within the profession.

New Certification Fee Schedule and Payment Option

The Certification Maintenance Fee has been raised due to the increase in cost to maintain the program. The fee of $35 was set over twelve years ago and has not increased over time; however the cost of communication, correspondence, supplies, telephone usage, administration, etc. has increased significantly. The materials and services that were covered by $35 over twelve years ago now cost $50 according to the most current Consumer Price Index, set by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Important Certification Renewal Announcement please Click Here.