CFCS: Hospitality, Nutrition & Food 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 Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food 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. Nutrition, Wellness and Food Science
4. Hospitality, Lodging and Food Service

How does a professional earn a CFCS-HNFS 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-HNFS 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-HNFS 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.