CNWE: Certified Nutrition & Wellness Educator

The American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) proudly offers a gold-standard, assessment-based certification for Nutrition and Wellness Educators developed by subject-matter experts in nutrition and wellness and consistent with national standards and competencies related to nutrition and wellness education. The credential is open to educators across many disciplines and practice settings, including

• Public K-12 education or post-secondary/higher education
• Community-based and government nutrition and wellness education programs, such as Cooperative Extension, WIC or YMCA
• Business and industry, such as nutrition advisors in grocery stores, fitness and wellness programs, and food service.

The credential validates knowledge and skill in the the areas of:

1. Wellness and Prevention
2. Nutrition Principles
3. Food Safety and Supply
4. Food Planning, Purchase and Preparation
5. Teaching Pedagogy, Learning and Behavior Change

How does a professional earn the CNWE credential?

• Pass the competency exam (Nutrition & Wellness Educator) associated with the credential - Click here to learn more about exam content and format.
• 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 CNWE 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 CNWE 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 five competency areas associated with the credential. Click here for details on reporting professional development activities.