CFCS: Human Development & Family Science

The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) certification program proudly offers a gold-standard, assessment-based certification for Family and Consumer Sciences professionals with a concentration in Human Development and Family Science.  The credential, developed by subject-matter experts, is consistent with national content standards and industry expectations.  The credential is open to professionals across FCS-related content areas and practice settings.

The credential validates knowledge and skill in the areas of:

  1. Foundations of the FCS Profession
  2. Careers
  3. Family Science and Community Services
  4. Human Development and Education

    How does a professional earn a CFCS-HDFS certification?

    • Pass the competency exam associated with the credential - Click here to learn more about exam content and format and to register for an exam administration
    • Within 10-14 days after successful completion of the competency exam, candidates will receive an exam notification and certification application via email.
    • Upon receipt of the certification application, submit the application and official transcript verifying completion of a baccalaureate degree
    • Pay the initial certification application fee according to the following fee schedule:
      • Current AAFCS Members: $250 initial certification fee
      • Graduating Seniors (full-time university, college, or post-secondary students): $175 initial certification fee
      • Nonmembers of AAFCS: $350 initial certification fee
      • NOTE:  The initial certification fee covers the cost of obtaining the certification credential and the first three-year certification cycle.
    • Ascribe to the Professional Code of Ethics

    How does a professional maintain the CFCS-HDFS credential?

    • Pay a cycle (three-year) maintenance fee ($195 for active; $165 for retired)
    • Meet professional development requirements - As a measure of quality assurance, maintaining the CFCS-HDFS credential carries a requirement of completing a minimum of 75 professional development units (PDUs with 1 PDU equaling 1 clock hour) during the three-year cycle. To qualify, the professional development must be related to one of the four competency areas associated with the credential. Click here for details on reporting professional development activities.


            Earning Professional Development Units (PDUs)