Fashion Textiles and Apparel

The Fashion, Textiles, and Apparel credential emphasizes the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the fashion industry. This certification is targeted for individuals preparing for careers related to fashion, textiles, and apparel, such as those associated with:

  • retail and wholesale buying,
  • apparel and textile development and production,
  • fashion and textile design, and
  • visual merchandising.

The Fashion, Textiles, and Apparel credential is appropriate for programs in secondary and post-secondary education, community-based education, and employer-based staff development.   Eligible candidates for the pre-professional credentials have not attained a bachelor’s degree. Individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher are eligible for the AAFCS professional certifications. 

  • Career Pathways
  • Textile Fiber Products and Materials
  • Design Skills
  • Fashion, Textile, and Apparel Production
  • Fashion Merchandising
  • Customer Service
  • Operational Procedures

Assessment Blueprint

Assessment Bulletin

Includes detailed information on assessment design, scoring, content, sample test items, and resources

Alignment Matrices

21st Century Student Outcomes

Career Ready Practices

Employability Framework

Fashion Textiles and Apparel

Resource Directory

Administration Format: Online

Paper & Pencil Available: No

Number of Test Items: 70 scored items and 10 non-scored (for research purposes)

Time Allowed (minutes): Untimed; Average time is 45-65 minutes

Can the instructor/teacher take this test? No*

* AAFCS Pre-PAC policy does not allow teachers to sit for the exam and earn the credential. If there is a state or district mandate/policy in place requiring the assessment/certification for teachers, then a written waiver of the requirement would need to be received and approved by AAFCS. For states/districts who have an approved waiver, AAFCS sets limitations on the actual test administration.

Click here for the list of current certification scores The national cut score for pre-professional certification eligibility is established annually by AAFCS. Scores can be used to demonstrate competency, identify gaps in performance, enhance programs and curricula, and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders. Through articulation agreements, scores may be used as the basis for advanced placement and/or credit-by-exam at post-secondary institutions. When the assessment is submitted, the results are immediately available to the test candidate. The results provide an overall percentage score, a breakdown of scores corresponding to domains, and indicate if the pre-professional credential was achieved.


AAFCS credentials are based on industry standards. The Development Panel was comprised of industry professionals and educators. The following stakeholders participated on the development panel for the credentialing assessment.

Amy Herriott, AmericasMart, Atlanta, GA John Saldivar, Fashion Designer, New York, NY Amanda A. Coglietti, J. C. Penny, Plano, TX
Belva Barrack, Viking Sewing Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ Beverly Purcell-Guerra, San Antonio Woman (Magazine), San Antonio, TX Kathy Payne, Dillards, Little Rock, AR
Amy Gardener, Textile Fabric Consultants, Inc., Smyrna, TN Abby Johnson, Zales Corporation, Dallas, TX Marjorie Baker, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Barbara Bundy, The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Encino, CA George Crow, Jack Yates High School, Houston, TX Jan Wilson, Crosby High School, Waterbury, CT

Email Pre-PAC

Direct Telephone Line: 703-636-7641