Preparation Manual: Section 3: Examination Specifications

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 first column shows each domain number, which corresponds to the competencies listed below.
The second column shows the topics related to each domain.
The third, fourth, and fifth columns show the percentages the domains are reflected in each of the three exams.

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:

cultural, economic, and gender influences on families, work, and society;

the interrelationships among career decisions and personal/family life, including parenting and care giving;

historical and current events, public policies, and research results and their effect upon the family, community, and work environment; and

the management processes, resources, and procedures required for maintaining an effective family and consumer sciences program.

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

describe effective methods and technologies to secure, maintain, and terminate employment;

provide opportunities for students/clients to develop and assess leadership and teamwork skills that contribute to effectiveness in family, work, and community settings;

analyze the impact of career choices on personal lifestyle and income;

guide students/clients to set career and educational goals based on personal interest and skills;

describe strategies to anticipate and adapt to changing employment conditions;

implement Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) programs and projects to promote students/clients' growth, leadership development, application of curriculum knowledge and skills, community service, and career development;

communicate effectively with parents and community members to increase the visibility of the family and consumer sciences program to supervise career-connection experiences and work-based learning programs;

participate in advisory committee activities and industry partnerships; use management strategies to supervise and promote the progress of students/clients in work-based learning experiences, and coordinate and evaluate school-based and work-based learning;

apply academic skills in the context of life and work experiences related to family and consumer sciences and activities;

use multiple viewpoints and perspectives to appraise instructional content and activities;

use career-connection experiences, work-based learning, and other real-world applications to promote students/clients' problem-solving skills, management techniques, and performance of self-assessments and evaluations;

evaluate interests, abilities, and personal priorities related to employment;

explore the decision-making process associated with career selection, including personal satisfaction and the choice of family-supportive employers;

identify, locate, and use resources that assist in educational and career planning;

communicate the impact of changing demographics, family structure, and technology on career choices;

explore how economic factors and personal health affect career selection;

analyze the influence of written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills (e.g., conflict resolution, negotiation) on success in the home and workplace;

explore workplace policies, benefits, business ethics, and wellness programs (e.g., disabilities, substance abuse); and

analyze issues and legislation that support individuals, families, and communities.

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:

personal and family development concepts;

factors contributing to the development of effective relationships;

management tools and strategies for successfully balancing work and family life;

societal, cultural, demographic, gender, economic, and environmental issues affecting individuals and families across the life span;

career and entrepreneurial opportunities in family studies and human services; and

societal attitudes about the roles of older adults within a culture.

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

analyze factors (e.g., family, health, peers) influencing personal development;

evaluate practices and strategies for meeting personal, physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs of individuals across the life span;

analyze the basic functions and responsibilities of effective family members, including members of multigenerational families and those in caregiver roles;

evaluate factors that strengthen the family and promote wellness;

explain the components of successful relationships (e.g., friendship, dating, marriage);

evaluate how relationships affect personal and family development across the life span;

analyze behaviors, including appropriate responses to peer pressure and authority figures, that contribute to satisfying interpersonal relationships across the life span;

evaluate communication techniques that enhance interpersonal relationships;

analyze the relationship between culture and communication patterns;

demonstrate communication techniques that foster effective responses to inappropriate behavior;

determine management strategies for coping with needs and crises (e.g., emotional, health, financial) experienced by individuals and families over the life span;

analyze the relationships among decision-making, responsibility, independence, and quality of life;

demonstrate how conflict management strategies are used in community, work, school, and family related situations;

analyze practices that promote personal and family health and safety;

analyze the effects of environment and technology on the workplace, workforce, and family;

describe the importance of ethical practices and behaviors in providing services for individuals across the life span;

evaluate individual and family health care options, resources, and services;

develop goals and identify resources for meeting the special needs (e.g., social, physical, economic) of individuals and families across the life span;

assess support services and resources available to families;

analyze the effects of an aging population on individuals, family, and society;

evaluate the effects of public policy, resource use, and conservation on individual and family well-being;

analyze employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in family studies and human services; and

determine the transferable skills necessary to function effectively in family, community, and wage-earner roles.

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:

physical, social, ethical, emotional, and cognitive development of humans from conception through late adulthood;

parent/guardian/educator roles and responsibilities related to human growth and development;

factors that affect child and adolescent development (e.g., social, cultural, and environmental); and

entrepreneurship and career opportunities in human development, education, and services.

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

explain the elements of proper prenatal care and its significance to a child's development and well-being throughout life;

analyze the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children and adolescents;

evaluate activities and strategies for assisting the development of children;

analyze the role of play in the development of children and adolescents;

analyze factors involved in the decision whether to become a parent, and discuss the effects of the decision on individuals, families, and society;

evaluate the effects of parenting roles and practices on the development of children and adolescents;

assess guidance techniques in family, child care, and educational settings;

analyze contributing factors, effects, preventions, and interventions related to the abuse and neglect of children and adolescents;

assess factors and strategies that promote the overall health and well-being of individuals in family, child care, intergenerational, and educational settings;

evaluate the effects of public policy on the well-being of children and adolescents in families, group care, and educational settings;

discuss the effects of technology on child and adolescent development, education, and services;

analyze employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in child and adolescent development, education, and services; and

describe management functions, appropriate business practices, legal issues, professional responsibilities, and ethics in the operation of quality child care programs.

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:

the functions and sources of nutrients;

the role of nutrition in wellness and disease;

the relationship of digestion, absorption, and metabolism to optimal health;

current nutrition and dietary guidelines for each phase of the life span;

the relationship of activity levels and caloric intake to health and wellness, including weight management;

employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in nutrition, wellness, and food science and technology;

standards of quality related to food selection;

food preparation and meal management techniques;

factors that affect food quality and nutrient retention;

the effects of special dietary needs in meal planning;

global factors that affect the production, supply, and distribution of food;

the effects of technology on food product development, processing, packing, and availability;

cultural influences on food preferences and decisions; and

effects of physical environment (e.g., seasons, availability) on nutritional planning.

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

evaluate the effects of public policy on food, nutrition, and health;

analyze entrepreneurial opportunities in nutrition, wellness, and food service and technology;

apply various dietary guidelines in meal planning to meet nutrition and wellness needs throughout the life span;

evaluate the accuracy, reliability, validity, and use of nutrition and food science information and research;

evaluate nutrition guides, food labels, and other sources of information related to health and wellness;

analyze the effects of food choices on health and wellness;

describe food-borne illnesses, their causes, and prevention methods;

demonstrate appropriate meal management techniques in the selection, purchase, and preparation of food;

explain safety and sanitation procedures related to food storage, transportation, preparation, and service;

demonstrate the effects of chemical reactions, temperature, manipulation, and environment on food quality and retention of nutrients;

assess the effects of diet foods, food additives, and eating disorders on wellness;

design strategies that meet the health and nutrition requirements of individuals with special needs;

evaluate food science and nutrition research data and conclusions for validity and reliability;

explain the effects of genetically engineered foods on consumers' health and safety; and

evaluate the social, psychological, and cultural aspects of food and dining (e.g., family, friends, business).

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:

the organizational structure of the food, lodging, and hospitality industries;

the relationship of product, preparation, and delivery service to success in the food, lodging, and hospitality industries;

principles and procedures of health, safety, sanitation, and environmental protection;

management functions and structures in food, lodging, and hospitality industries;

employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in food, lodging, and hospitality industries;

the impact of public policy on food, lodging, and hospitality industries;

industry standards for food, lodging, and hospitality industries;

job-related competencies and skills needed for employment in food, lodging, and hospitality industries;

the impact of marketing and public relations techniques in food, lodging, and hospitality industries; and

the role of quality assurance in food, lodging, and hospitality industries.

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

demonstrate health, safety, sanitation, and environmental protection procedures used in food, lodging, and hospitality industries;

demonstrate the use of supplies, tools, equipment, and other technologies used in the food, lodging, and hospitality industries;

describe legal issues (e.g., customer and employee liability) in food, lodging, and hospitality industries;

identify new and emerging careers in food, lodging, and hospitality industries;

identify industry appropriate communication skills, work ethics, and productive work habits (e.g., punctuality, attendance, time management);

demonstrate quality food-preparation, presentation, and service skills;

demonstrate the various types of table settings and food service techniques in residential, commercial, and institutional settings;

practice etiquette, food presentation, and table service appropriate for specific situations;

describe customer and guest service practices;

explain key factors in the design, development, and maintenance of industry facilities; and

explain key responsibilities of employees, supervisors, and managers in food, lodging, and hospitality industries.

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:

resource management (e.g., money, time, energy);

the effects of public policy on resource utilization and conservation for consumers, families, and the environment;

the effects of technology on families, the workplace, and individuals within the U.S. economy;

issues involved in obtaining and managing income across the life span;

strategies and tools for financial planning, including investment and retirement planning;

techniques for managing the multiple roles of individual, worker, family member, community member, and wage earner throughout the life span;

issues related to consumer decision-making in the marketplace;

cultural, demographic, and societal factors that influence family financial decisions;

employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in consumer and resource management;

the relationship between consumer rights and responsibilities;

characteristics of the global economy and their influence on individuals and families (e.g., employment opportunities, purchasing decisions); and

basic principles of economics (e.g., competition, supply and demand, profit, loss, credit).

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

integrate principles of effective communication into the management process and the decision-making process;

analyze the use of interpersonal skills in managing community, family, and wage earning roles;

analyze decision-making, goal-setting, and resource management practices in multiple role situations;

create and analyze budgets to satisfy financial objectives;

analyze the functions, types, and services of financial institutions and insurance companies;

compare and contrast sources, types, costs, and limitations of credit;

describe the financial planning process and its applications throughout the life span;

describe the process of obtaining and allocating income across the life span;

describe the free enterprise system and how family spending decisions are affected by competition, profit, and supply and demand;

describe how the consumer is affected by tax laws;

solve consumer problems related to obtaining goods and services; and

provide activities for students/clients to research employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in consumer and resource management.

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:

textile and apparel needs of individuals throughout the life span;

employment and entrepreneurial opportunities and career preparation requirements for textile and apparel industries;

the design, production, selection, use, and care of textile and apparel products;

the effects of technology on the textile and apparel industries;

aesthetic principles used in the visual merchandising of products in the retail environment;

safe and effective work habits and ethical behaviors for careers in the textile and apparel industries;

the use of artistic standards and design principles to create and analyze textile and apparel products;

how design and function of textile and apparel products influence human behaviors and lifestyles;

textile and apparel production and marketing processes from fiber to consumers;

quality clothing construction;

the effects of public policy, resource utilization and conservation, and the global economy on the production, use, and care of textiles and apparel;

textile and apparel product marketing techniques; and

cultural and geographical effects on clothing selection decisions.

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

demonstrate apparel design, production, fitting, and alteration techniques;

demonstrate care, maintenance, and repair of textile and apparel products;

demonstrate a variety of techniques, including the elements and principles of design, to plan and create apparel products;

identify technology and critical-thinking skills used to plan, design, produce, evaluate, and market apparel and textile products;

evaluate clothing construction quality;

demonstrate appropriate use and care of equipment, tools, and supplies;

advocate for and provide information supporting the safe production, distribution, and use of apparel and textile products;

analyze employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in textile and apparel industries;

identify, select, and demonstrate appropriate uses of textile fibers, fabrics, and finishes;

identify new and emerging textile and apparel production, management, and service industries;

demonstrate consumer decision-making skills used in selecting apparel for individuals that is appropriate in fit, style, design, cost, and occasion; and

analyze the cultural and geographical effects on clothing selection decisions.

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:

the significance of housing, furnishings, and equipment decisions for individuals and families throughout the life cycle;

housing choices available to individuals and families throughout the life span;

safety issues affecting the design of residential and nonresidential environments;

procedures for maintaining housing, furnishings, and equipment;

consumer issues and considerations affecting housing, accessories, materials, furnishings, and equipment decisions for residential and nonresidential settings;

design, construction, and marketing techniques for housing, accessories, furnishings, and equipment;

the effects of trends and technologies on residential and nonresidential environments, equipment, furnishings, and accessories, including floral design;

employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in housing, design, furnishings, and equipment management and services industries;

elements of art and principles of design as related to interior and exterior environments;

the effects of public policy, resource utilization, and conservation on interior and exterior environments;

the influence of cultural, demographic, societal, and environmental factors on residential and nonresidential design and construction; and

safe and effective work habits and ethical behaviors for careers in housing, furnishings, and equipment management and service industries.

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

analyze factors (e.g., psychological, economic, social, environmental) affecting housing choices;

demonstrate effective decision-making skills in relation to housing needs throughout the life span;

analyze legal and financial aspects of leasing and purchasing housing;

apply established guidelines for safe residential and nonresidential environments (e.g., local, state, and federal requirements);

analyze aspects of public policies (e.g., community planning, zoning) and how they affect housing decisions and costs;

analyze how site characteristics, architectural style, and quality of construction influence housing decisions;

select interior finishes, materials, equipment, and furniture for residential and nonresidential settings;

analyze trends and technologies affecting interior and exterior environments;

demonstrate the elements of art and principles of design in floral design;

apply elements of art and principles of design in relation to interior and exterior environments;

demonstrate skills and procedures for effective planning and utilization of space (e.g., scaled floor plans, elevations); and

analyze the use and effects of technology related to housing, design, furnishings, and equipment.

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