Credentialing In Process

AAFCS & HBA
MOU

Pilot Testing
Professional Exam

Baking Credential
"In the News"

Exciting News! A Partnership to Elevate Home Baking

The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the Home Baking Association (HBA) to develop national assessments and corresponding certifications to validate the baking knowledge, skills, and abilities of youth (students) and educators. Together, we are working to elevate baking knowledge and skills to a community of certified baking educators and establish a school-to-industry pipeline to meet the growing demand for skilled bakers in the industry.

This exciting collaboration will provide baking educators and aspiring bakers with the education, resources, and hands-on experience they need to succeed. By nurturing the next generation of bakers we aim to elevate the future of the baking industry.

Stay tuned for further updates as we work together to validate baking knowledge, skills, and abilities. More details about the certification process, training programs, and other exciting opportunities will be revealed!

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Pilot Testing:  Baking Science Examination (Professional)

The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) and the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Credentialing Center are pleased to announce the pilot testing for its newest professional examination in Baking Science.

Participation in pilot testing is essential in the process of validating the professional assessment used for the NEW Certified Baking Science Professional (CBSP). Please share this announcement with your colleagues, post-secondary students (seniors and/or graduate students), and professional organizations.

If you have questions about the pilot testing, please contact the Credentialing Center by email at certification@aafcs.org.



Pilot Test Exam Information

Baking Science Exam Blueprint

Standards and Competencies



Pilot Test Registration Information



Details

Pilot Test Registration:  Opens November 5, 2025

Pilot Test Period:  Pilot testing can be scheduled to occur between December 1, 2025 - January 15, 2026.

Where:  Computer-based testing will occur at Prometric Testing Centers across the United States.  Click here to identify cities that have Prometric testing locations.  Remote test administration may be available (Please read these requirements before choosing remote administration).

Participant Cost: $0

By virtue of registering for and scheduling an examination, the candidate agrees to complete the examination as scheduled.

Cancellation/Rescheduling Fee:  If a candidate cancels or reschedules a scheduled examination five or more calendar days prior to the scheduled examination date, the candidate will pay Prometric a $25 rescheduling fee. If a candidate does not reschedule or cancel a scheduled examination at least five calendar days prior to the scheduled examination or comes to the testing center without proper ID or the proper admission letter and is unable to take the scheduled examination, the candidate will listed as a “No-Show” and will be responsible for reimbursing the cost of the testing fee to AAFCS. 

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the Pilot Testing, the candidates may have an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution or be within one year of graduating or have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the baking industry. 

NOTE:  Successful performance on the Baking Science examination will satisfy one of the requirements for the Certified Baking Science Professional (CBSP) national professional level credential awarded by AAFCS. Subsequently, obtaining the national AAFCS credential would be optional and would require submitting a separate national certification application and fee, agreeing to abide by the Professional Code of Ethics, and meeting ongoing professional development requirements. 

Registration for Pilot Testing

Complete the application to participate in pilot testing.

Register for Pilot Testing

Pilot Test Exam Results/Reporting

For those participating in the AAFCS Pilot testing for the Baking Science professional certification examination, please note that exam results will NOT be available until after the pilot testing period ends.  The pilot testing requires a minimum number of participants to be reached for statistical analysis. The testing vendor, Prometric/SMT, will release the scores to AAFCS after the statistical analysis has been completed. AAFCS will distribute the scores electronically to candidates.

If candidates pass the examination, the score report will include the application to complete the professional certification process. Passing the examination is the first step in the certification process. The next steps include submitting the certification application, required documentation, and payment of the certification application fees. 

AAFCS appreciates your participation in pilot testing and your patience in the reporting of assessment results. 

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AAFCS & HBA Memorandum of Understanding

Press Release

Virtual Signing Ceremony

Exciting News! A Partnership to Elevate Home Baking

The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the Home Baking Association (HBA) to develop national assessments and corresponding certifications to validate the baking knowledge, skills, and abilities of youth (students) and educators. Together, we are working to elevate baking knowledge and skills to a community of certified baking educators and establish a school-to-industry pipeline to meet the growing demand for skilled bakers in the industry.

This exciting collaboration will provide baking educators and aspiring bakers with the education, resources, and hands-on experience they need to succeed. By nurturing the next generation of bakers we aim to elevate the future of the baking industry.

Stay tuned for further updates as we work together to validate baking knowledge, skills, and abilities. More details about the certification process, training programs, and other exciting opportunities will be revealed!

Celebrating Collaboration for the Support of Home Baking

We are thrilled to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) and the Home Baking Association (HBA). This significant collaboration aims to enhance and validate the art and science of baking and explore baking-related careers. 

“The creation of a national assessment and certification promotes and documents the knowledge and skills developed in classes and in school co-curricular and extracurricular activities and programs associated with home baking and AAFCS and its staff looks forward to working with the Home Baking Association as we develop these important assessments,” - Karin Athanas, AAFCS Executive Director  

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