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.