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Section 3: Examination Specifications
The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Exams

The examination specifications provided in this section of the preparation manual are intended to provide candidates with a comprehensive overview of the areas of study, or domains, that are covered on the AAFCS Family and Consumer Sciences examinations. The table below specifies the areas of study upon which each of the three examinations is constituted:

The AAFCS Family and Consumer Sciences, Composite Examination (200) is composed of questions relevant to all eight domains. Please note the percentage of questions on the exam for each domain.

Similarly, the AAFCS Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science Examination (201), or HNFS Exam, is composed of questions relevant to Domains 1, 4, and 5. Please note the percentage of questions on the exam for each of the three domains.

Finally, the AAFCS Human Development and Family Studies Examination (202), or HDFS Exam, is composed of questions relevant to Domains 1, 2, and 3. Please note the percentage of questions on the exam for each of the three domains.

Domain Number Domain Topics Composite Exam HNFS Exam HDFS Exam
1 Integration of Foundations 5% 17% 17%
2 Family Studies and Human Services 16% blank 42%
3 Human Development, Education, and Services 16% blank 41%
4 Nutrition, Wellness, and Food Science 16% 46% blank
5 Food, Lodging, and Hospitality 9% 37% blank
6 Consumer and Resource Management 16% blank blank
7 Textiles and Apparel 11% blank blank
8 Environmental Design 11% blank blank
blank blank 100% 100% 100%

You may use this information in developing a study plan. Each domain is further delineated into competencies. The information provided below regarding competencies is intended to provide the candidate with in-depth insight into what material will be covered for each domain. Finally, please note that the Competencies are provided in two categories: Knowledge (what the professional knows and understands) and Application (what the professional is able to do).

AAFCS Family and Consumer Sciences Domains and Competencies

Domain 1—Integration of Foundations

The Family and Consumer Sciences Professional integrates the foundation knowledge and skills of family and consumer sciences to prepare students/clients for personal, family, community, and career roles.

Domain 1 Competencies:

Knowledge: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Know. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional knows and understands:

Application: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Can Do. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional is able to:

Domain 2—Family Studies and Human Services

The Family and Consumer Sciences Professional understands the areas of personal development, relationships, and management of work and family to enhance quality of life across the life span, and understands career opportunities in family studies and human services.

Domain 2 Competencies:

Knowledge: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Know. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional knows and understands:

Application: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Can Do. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional is able to:

Domain 3—Human Development, Education, and Services

The Family and Consumer Sciences Professional understands human growth and development, parent/guardian/educator roles and responsibilities, and career opportunities in human development, education, and services.

Domain 3 Competencies:

Knowledge: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Know. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional knows and understands:

Application: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Can Do. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional is able to:

Domain 4—Nutrition, Wellness, and Food Science

The Family and Consumer Sciences Professional understands the principles of food science, food technology, and nutrition and their relationships to growth, development, health, and wellness; applies this understanding to support informed decision-making that promotes good health; and understands career opportunities in nutrition, wellness, and food science.

Domain 4 Competencies:

Knowledge: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Know. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional knows and understands:

Application: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Can Do. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional is able to:

Domain 5—Food, Lodging, and Hospitality

The Family and Consumer Sciences Professional understands the food, lodging, and hospitality industries, and understands career opportunities in the food, lodging, and hospitality industries.

Domain 5 Competencies:

Knowledge: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Know. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional knows and understands:

Application: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Can Do. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional is able to:

Domain 6—Consumer and Resource Management

The Family and Consumer Sciences Professional understands consumer practices, consumer responsibilities, and resource management processes; how these affect and are applied to personal, family, and work life; and career opportunities in consumer and resource management.

Domain 6 Competencies:

Knowledge: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Know. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional knows and understands:

Application: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Can Do. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional is able to:

Domain 7—Textiles and Apparel

The Family and Consumer Sciences Professional understands the design, production, marketing, consumption, and maintenance of textile and apparel products, and understands career opportunities in the textiles and apparel industries.

Domain 7 Competencies:

Knowledge: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Know. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional knows and understands:

Application: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Can Do. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional is able to:

Domain 8—Environmental Design

The Family and Consumer Sciences Professional understands the design and construction of interior and exterior environments, and understands career opportunities in the housing, design, furnishings, and equipment management and service industries.

Domain 8 Competencies:

Knowledge: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Know. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional knows and understands:

Application: What Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals Can Do. The entry-level Family and Consumer Sciences Professional is able to:


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