Career development certification

Certified Food Scientist (CFS)

The CFS is the only global certification that provides talented science of food professionals a way to exemplify their dedication to the profession and their personal commitment to staying up to date on advancements in the industry. The CFS also provides companies with a universal way to identify, cultivate, and retain top talent. Get your CFS.

Certified Food Scientists fact

2,000+ 

Certified Food Scientists
Companies Fact

850

Companies
Countries fact

55

Countries
CFS Portal login

Access Your CFS Portal

CFS recipients keep your CFS education hours up to date through the easy to use CFS Portal.

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Who's a CFS?

Obtaining the Certified Food Scientist (CFS) credential is a demonstration and professional commitment to lifelong learning and excelling as a food professional. IFT is proud to share the current CFS recipient community.

Certified Food Scientists

Certified Food Scientist (CFS) Program Retirement

IFT will retire the Certified Food Scientist (CFS) program effective at the end of 2029.
Here’s what you should know:

  • The decision to retire CFS comes after a comprehensive analysis of the CFS program – and following continual year-over year declines in both registrations and renewals.
  • Currently, there is very limited demand from the science of food community to support this program going forward.
  • We’ve established a five-year sunset window to ensure we’re honoring our commitment to current certificate holders and to CFS applicants.
  • All new CFS certifications will be completed by December 15, 2026.
  • Once retired, the CFS designation will be noted as retired on electronic badges and will remain available for display.
  • Paid applicants who have yet to sit for the exam and who do not wish to continue with certification are entitled to a full refund.
  • Renewals have discontinued, except by request.

For complete details and CFS program contact information, please see the FAQs.

Share Accomplishments

Share Your Accomplishment

Earning the CFS credential is an important personal and professional achievement that also has the potential to help raise the visibility and global recognition of our profession. Share it!

A Special Distinction

CFS recipient, Jacqui Jenskey, shares the immediate benefits she experienced upon receiving her Certified Food Scientist distinction.

Jacqui Jenskey, CFS recipient

Why earn your CFS?

Obtaining the CFS credential is more than passing an exam—it is a demonstration of your professional commitment to lifelong learning and ability to excel as a professional within the science of food.

Matt Cael, CFS

"I became a CFS...to work successfully with cross-functional teams."

- Chenboey Lau (CFS), Director of Quality, Kerry (Southeast Asia)

"I became a CFS...to communicate my technical knowledge of food science."

- Lori Rothman (MS, CFS), Sensory and Consumer Scientist, Lori Rothman Consulting

“I became a CFS...to gain tremendous credibility with employers and customers.”

- Yousef Alsaadi (Ph.D., CFS), Director of Technical Legislations Department, Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) , UAE
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