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 that is:

• Developed by National Nutrition and Wellness Leaders.
• Consistent with the national standards and competencies related to nutrition and wellness education.
• 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.

How does a professional earn CNWE certification?

• Pass the competency exam (Nutrition & Wellness Educator) associated with the credential - Click here to learn more about exam content and format and click here to register for the exam.
• 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: $185 initial certification fee
  • Graduating Seniors (full-time university, college, or post-secondary students): $105 initial certification fee
  • Nonmembers of AAFCS: $285 initial certification fee
  • NOTE:  The initial certification fee covers the cost of obtaining the certification credential and the first year of certification. An annual renewal fee of $65 is assessed in September of each year (beginning at least 12 months following initial certification).
• Ascribe to the Professional Code of Ethics

How does a professional maintain CNWE certification?

• Pay an annual maintenance fee ($65 for active; $55 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) over a period of 3 years. To qualify, the professional development must be related to the competencies identified as the basis for the certification.  Click here for details on reporting professional development activities.