The program will be certified by the International Food Science Certification Commission (IFSCC), a new, independent certification body, which will provide governance, exam creation and administration to internationally recognized standards.
IFT President Roger Clemens said: “Through the creation of the Certified Food Scientist program, food scientists will now be formally recognized for their experience and expertise, and can obtain the professional recognition that they deserve.”
Certified Food Scientists must complete an application, and meet minimum requirements of:
- MS or Doctorate in food science, food science concentration or global equivalent + 2 years full-time food science experience
- BS in food science, food science concentration or global equivalent + 3 years full-time food science experience
- MS or Doctorate in related science or global equivalent + 4 years full-time food science experience
- BS in related science or global equivalent + 6 years of full-time food science experience
In addition, food scientists with at least a BS degree in food science or a related science and at least 15 years of full-time experience post-bachelor degree will be able to apply for certification until January 18, 2013. The CFS certification exam will be available at more than 250 testing centers around the world from February 2013.
More information is available here.