WACS Certification Application Process

Each of the WACS member countries have appointed a certification representative that will work with local chefs on WACS certification. These representatives will help each candidate through the stages of certification. The country representatives are listed on the WACS Web site and also on the ACF Web site under approved WACS Certification Representatives. If a candidate's country representative is not listed, please contact wacscertification@acfchefs.net.

Download the WACS Certification Application. The completed application should be sent to both ACF and the host country certification representative to begin the review process.

Certification Procedures:

1. Save the WACS certification application from the ACF Web site onto a computer to fill out, either electronically or manually. For a paper copy, contact the country's certification representative.

2. Obtain documentation proving work experience and education including study in safety and sanitation (hygiene).

3. Send the completed application and documentation to the country's certification representative who will begin the review process.

Note: Experience and education levels will be evaluated by the country's certification representative. The certification representative will decide appropriate means to guarantee eligibility to the WACS certification program. This can include complying with your own country's certification processes if they are available. There may be a localized fee for this service; a representative will tell candidates what the fee and processes are.

4. After the application has been approved by a country's certification representative, he/she will forward a copy to the ACF National office.

5. When an approved application has been received by ACF, candidates will receive an e-mail directing them to the ACF Web site to make the first electronic payment for the application review and exam fee (US $250.00). This fee is non-refundable.

6. When the first payment has been received by ACF, your country's certification representative will be sent an access code for the WACS written certification exam. This access code allows candidates to take the exam anywhere there is a computer with internet access. Certification representatives will contact the candidate and make the proper arrangements to administer the exam.

7. Candidates are given two hours to complete the 200 question exam. When the exam is finished, it is immediately scored by the computer system and results are given. Seventy percent of the questions must be answered correctly to receive a passing score.

Note: If candidates do not pass the written exam on the first try, they can register to take the exam a second time. However, the candidate must wait a minimum of 30 days to take the second exam. This will allow the candidate enough time to study the areas that were scored the lowest on the first exam (re-examination fee is set at US $75);

Candidates who do not pass the exam on the second attempt must wait a full year (12 months) before attempting the exam again; at that time a new certification application and fees will be required.

8. Once a candidate has passed the exam, the exam administrator will send ACF an electronic notice. Candidates will then receive an e-mail from ACF directing them to the ACF Web site for the second and final payment of certification (US $125.00). This final fee includes the cost of certificates and certification business card which will be mailed to the address supplied on the application.