1. Certification Matters
ACF Certification
Certification Matters

2. Why Certification?
ACF Certification exhibits a benchmark of excellence by demonstrating professional standards in culinary skills and knowledge of the food service industry. Certified chefs attain the well-deserved recognition and respect of their peers.

3. ACF Chapter Certification Chairs Network Your local contact for Certification information
Representatives from each Chapter make up this National Network who are available to assist members with their certification needs.
This networks is in communication with the National Office to keep up-to-date with any current certification updates or assistance to share with you.
Special forms, presentations, and helpful tips are made available to assist the local chapters.
We are here to assist you—just ask!

4. Value of ACF Certification
Benefits the Chef
Enhances career opportunities
Differentiates you from the completion
Shows personal pride
Increases job confidence
Provides clear career path
Benefits the Employer
Affirms competence and expertise
Demonstrates professional standards
Exhibits benchmarks of excellence
Provides consistency among chefs’ skill sets
Benefits the Public
Ensures safe and nutritious food

5. Accreditation Matters
ACF certification requirements are based on your educational and work experience. These factors will help determine the level of certification in which you can apply.
ACF offers 14 certification designations each with specific qualifications.
Certifications are open to:
Cooking Professionals
Baking and Pastry Professionals
Culinary Administrators
Culinary Educators
Personal Cooking Professionals
NCCA Accreditation Awarded
Certified Executive Chef® (CEC®)
Certified Executive Pastry Chef® (CEPC®)
Certified Sous Chef® (CSC®)
Certified Culinary Educator® (CCE®)

6. Certification Process
Step 1: Determine Eligibility (based on Education & Experience)
Step 2: Initial Pre-Approval Application +
Supporting Documentation
Step 3: Certification Examinations
(Written & Practical Exams)
Step 4: Final Application

7. Certification Matters
Mandatory Education/ Employment Requirements:
Certificates of completion for three (3) 30-hour courses in:
Food Safety and Sanitation
Nutrition
Culinary Supervisory Management
If initial 30 hour course is more than 5 years old, an eight hour refresher course will be required. A current ServSafe certificate will satisfy the Safety/ Sanitation refresher requirement.
Employment Documentation Form

8. Certification Matters
CEC®/CEPC® Work Experience Changes

9. Certification Matters
CEC® Market Basket Changes

10. Written Exams ACF written exams are administered by Comira.
Comira is a full-service, customer-focused testing provider with over 500 testing centers nationwide. You can register for the exam near you by calling (800) , option 4, Mon.–Fri. 6 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time, Sat. 8 a.m.–noon Pacific time, or you can register 24/7 at the ACF/Comira Online Registration Site.
The written exam fee is $75 and is paid directly to Comira.
An ACF number is required at time of registration. To request an ACF identification number contact prior to registration.
Written exam scores are valid for two years

11. Practical Exams
When you are ready to take the practical exam for your ACF Certification, complete the Practical Exam Candidate Registration Form and return to the ACF national office.
The test fee due to ACF is $50 for ACF members and $100 for non-members. Payment must be made prior to the exam date.
You must contact the test administration to confirm test time, host site fee and specific details about the testing facility.
Test sites may charge an additional host site fee that is payable to the organization hosting the exam.
Payment for any host site fees are separate from the amount due to ACF and are coordinated by the test site administrator.

12. ACF Recertification
ACF requires certification renewal every five years* to remain current with present-day trends in the culinary industry.
To maintain your certification:
Fill out a Recertification Application
Show documentation of a minimum of 80 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) during the five-year* certification period.
8 Hour refreshers in Food Safety and Sanitation, Nutrition, and Culinary Supervisory Management are included in the 80 hours.
CEHs are experiences that assist in the development or enhancement of the knowledge and skills directly related to the individual’s professional occupation.
*Recertification for CC® and CPC® which are required to recertify every three years (48 CEHs required)
*Lifetime Certification can be achieved when one of the following criteria has been reached: 62 years of age, 55 years of age and fully retired from the industry, or if you are retired due to permanent disability.

14. CERTIFICATION
is what sets you apart from having a job as a chef to having a job as a professional chef.
American Culinary Federation 180 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095
(800)