CCFS Credential Eligibility & Application
Eligibility
To be eligible for the CCFS credential, a candidate must meet the following criteria of a track below:
Bachelor's Degree Track
- Bachelor's degree in food science or environmental health from a degree program accredited by the .
- One full year of experience in food safety management, instruction, compliance, or enforcement.
Or
- Bachelor's degree with 30-semester hours core science. Degree must be from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent if an international institution.
- At least two years full-time work experience in food safety management, instruction, compliance, or enforcement.
Associates Track
- Associate degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent if an international institution. Degree must be in science.
- At least five years full-time work experience in food safety management, instruction, compliance, or enforcement.
Experience Track
- Hold a Registered ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Sanitarian (REHS) or equivalent credential in good standing
- One full year of experience in food safety management, instruction, compliance, or enforcement
Or
- Hold a Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) or equivalent credential in good standing
- Two years full-time work experience in food safety management, instruction, compliance, or enforcement
Fees
All fees should accompany the Application for Professional Credentials | PDF
Member | Non-Member | |
Application Fee | $95.00 | $130.00 |
Examination Fee | $165.00 | $275.00 |
Pearson VUE Fee | $110.00 | $110.00 |
Application
Applications must be completed and returned to us for review at least four weeks prior to the exam date. A complete application must include:
- Official college or high school transcripts or GED. To be considered an official transcript, it must be emailed from the school or transcript service to credentialing@neha.org.
- Completed Work Experience Verification form.
- Appropriate fees.
- Third party review (applicable for international candidates).
To apply, complete the online application:
- Go to .
- Select "NEHA Credentials" in the top right.
- Select “Apply for Certification.â€
- Login or create a free NEHA account. Use an email as the username.
- The CCFS application will appear.
- Complete the application and submit. Progress can be saved and returned to as needed.
CCFS Credential Maintenance
To maintain the CCFS credential, individuals must:
- Earn and submit a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every two years
- Pay renewal fee every two years ($130.00 members; $345.00 non-members)
- Agree to and sign our Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Policy