Self-Study Providers

Achieving the Certified Nutrition and Wellness Educator (CNWE) Certification

Achieving the Certified Personal and Family Finance Educator (CPFFE) Certification

Achieving the Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences Credentials (CFCS, CFCS-HNFS, CFCS-HDFS)

AAFCS Examinations Used for Texas FCS Teacher Certification

AAFCS Exam Information and Registration Details

Renewing CFCS Certification

Certification Reporting Process/Forms

Certification Questions

Using Journal to Earn PDUs

Earning PDUs

Self-Study Providers

Special PDU Opportunity

Self-Study Program Guidelines


Self-study programs must be pre-approved and are commercial programs which have been designed for educational, self-paced instruction. A listing of pre-approved self-study programs is available from the Council for Certification. The listing includes the program title; vendor name, address, and telephone number; and the number of approved PDUs for each pre-approved self-study program.

Each self-study program is reviewed for compliance in the following ways:

  • The program must meet the content criteria for continuing education.
  • The program must be refereed by content experts. "Referred" refers to a review by a minimum of three external professionals with demonstrated expertise in the content area.
  • The program must address one specific subject in depth. Test items must accompany the program and be based on its content. A bibliography must be cited for reference and further reading. Complete references must be cited. Controversial or disputed issues must be presented as such, with documentation from current and reputable refereed scientific journals.
  • The emphasis of the program must be placed on relevant content and the development of quality test items rather than the length of the self-study program. Test items must be based on the program.
  • The program must be a minimum of one contact hour. The program referees are required to attest to the number of hours to complete the program.
  • The program must be related to professional development.

According to the Council for Certification policy, completed activities should enhance a CFCS's professional practice. Activities that provide only personal enrichment would not be accepted for PDU credit for CFCS's in another field of practice. Please keep this in mind when selecting self-study programs.

Audiotapes and videotapes from any meeting that is pre-approved for PDU 's will also automatically be pre-approved for self-study. One PDU is awarded per hour of presentation. A 250-word written abstract based on the content of each completed audiotape and/or videotape is required documentation. Individual CFCS's should obtain the Certificates of Completion from the individual sponsors of pre-approved self-studies.

To find out more information about self-study providers and courses available, call the Office of Certification at 703-706-4604.