American Culinary Federation Membership Categories

The American Culinary Federation has been advancing the value and professionalism of the culinary profession for more than 75 years. Join today and expand your knowledge of the culinary industry, increase your competitive edge and propel your career to new heights.

The ACF invites you to join at one of the following membership levels:

Professional Culinarian - is the professional/chef with three years or more of full-time employment in the culinary profession.

Culinarian - is for the new professional, someone with a minimum of 6 months full-time employment who is pursuing on-the-job training and building a résumé to take on more responsibility.

Student Culinarian - is a registered apprentice or a student in a postsecondary culinary education program with less than two years of full-time employment.

Junior Culinarian - is the high school student between the ages of 16 and 18.

Associate membership - is for individual members of any group, corporation or company that provides products or services to the culinary profession.

Allied membership - is for those in professions related to the culinary profession, such as nutritionist, dietitian, bartender, waiter, restaurant manager and owner.

Culinary Enthusiast - is someone who has a passion for the culinary arts. Home cooks to gourmets are welcome at this level.