The Family Sciences program at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) first received program approval from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) in 2001. The Bachelor of Child and Family Studies program was added in 2010.

There are more than 120 academic institutions in Canada and the United States that offer degree programs that are approved by NCFR as meeting the criteria necessary for certification as a Provisional Certified Family Life Educator. So far UPEI is only one of three Canadian universities to receive program approval. Read more about the Academic Program Approval and Certification Policies and Procedures at NCFR on their website.

Family science and child and family studies students

Students in the Family Science program and Child and Family Studies program are eligible to obtain the Provisional Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential through an abbreviated application process. Students must complete a specific list of required and elective courses offered through the department. The current list of courses required by NCFR is listed on their website. Limited substitutions can be made under certain circumstances.

Students in other academic programs

Students in any major, (e.g., foods and nutrition) can also complete the academic requirements for certification. These requirements can be met after graduation. Professionals can also complete the requirements without being enrolled in a degree program at UPEI. However, they need to write the certification exam. The Certified Family Life Educator credential requires demonstrated knowledge in the ten family life content areas. Detailed information about these content areas can be found on the NCFR website. Please contact the Department of Family and Nutritional Sciences for information on specific course requirements and for further information.