International Food Science Certification Commission Examinations
The Certified Food Scientist (CFS) program is a first-of-its kind certification program recognizing the applied scientific knowledge and skills of food scientists. It is overseen by the International Food Science Certification Commission (IFSCC), which was established by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).
The CFS examination focuses on the practical applied knowledge that food scientists need to be competent professionals. The exam was developed by evaluating the global practice of food science and is firmly grounded in the established fundamental knowledge and skills food scientists apply every day in all aspects of their jobs.
Before scheduling to take the CFS exam, you must:
- Meet the eligibility requirements
- Complete the application and pay the application/testing fee
- Receive notification that your application has been approved
- Receive an authorization to test email
For more information about the CFS program, please click here or email ifscc@ift.org
| Timetable | |
|---|---|
| Scheduling for First Testing Window begins | October 1, 2012 |
| First Testing Window | February 1 – 28, 2013 |
| Scheduling for Second & Third Testing Window begins | February 22, 2013 |
| Second Testing Window | May 6 through 28, 2013 |
| Third Testing Window | October 14 – November 1, 2013 |
Scheduling for a computer-based exam
Once you receive your authorization to test email, it is your responsibility to make an appointment to take the exam during a testing window. Exam appointments may be scheduled up to one business day in advance. Space at testing locations are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
After you schedule your exam, Pearson VUE will send you a confirmation email listing your exam date, your exam time, the address and phone number of the test center, and directions to the test center.
If you choose to schedule online, you will have to create a Pearson VUE web account. Please note that account activation may require up to 24 hours. You will be notified by email when your Pearson VUE account is activated. When creating your account and scheduling your exam, you will need your IFSCC candidate ID number from the authorization-to-test email.
Before the exam date, you may want to visit the Pearson VUE Testing Tutorial to become familiar with the computer-based testing system.