I am thinking about pursuing a Certified Food Scientist (CFS) certification? Will this help me in my career?
As recruiters, we have not had human resource executives ask specifically for a CFS, but in time we believe it will be more recognized and more helpful to you. It is still in early stages.
According to the Institute of Food Technologist’s (IFT) website, the scientific society that offers the test:
To qualify for Certified Food Scientist (CFS) credentials, candidates must have a degree in food science, a food science concentration, or a degree in a related science, in addition to full-time work experience.
Qualifying Work Experience
Full-time work experience: Must be in the food science and technology sector and total 1,750 hours/year
Post-doctoral work: Counts towards your work experience
Graduate assistantship work: Counts toward work at 50%
Work That Does Not Qualify
Undergraduate internships
With a Degree in Food Science or Food Science Concentration, You Need…
2 years of work experience required for candidates with a master’s or doctorate
3 years of work experience required for candidates with a bachelor’s
Degrees with a concentration in food science may include food technology, food processing, food engineering, or commodities (meat, poultry, dairy).
With a Degree in a Related Science, You Need…
4 years of work experience required for candidates with a master’s or doctorate
6 years of work experience required for candidates with a bachelor’s
Related sciences may include (but are not limited to) agricultural sciences, physical and chemical sciences, life sciences (biology, nutrition, microbiology, medicine, culinary science) and engineering (chemical, food, biological, process).
Eligibility Petitions
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements listed below, but you feel your educational background and professional achievements qualify you to sit for the exam, you may petition the International Food Science Certification Commission to review your application. To submit a petition request, please follow these steps:
Prepare a memorandum that outlines your petition request and rationale for why your petition should be approved
Email a copy of your resume or CV and the signed memorandum to ifscc@ift.org
Aside from CFS, any related certifications that you can add to your resume are bound to be helpful to you in the long run. The more training you have boosts your consideration by the hiring authority.
What has been your CFS or other certification Experience? Please share!
If you have any questions, we would love to help. Please complete our contact form to ask your question.