ACF Recertification Information

Preparing for Renewal

ACF recertification is required every five years. We recommend you maintain a folder with copies of your official certificates and letters, conference registrations, transcripts, etc. in order to keep track of your progress.

If you are upgrading your certification designation, please fill out an Initial Certification Application.

Recertification application process

Step 1: Fill out a Recertification Application.

Step 2: Provide the necessary documentation for your Continuing Education Hours (CEHs).

• They must include the number of hours taken and the date it was completed. Do not send original certificates and properly secure all paperwork together.
• You must take 8-hour refresher courses for Food Safety and Sanitation, Nutrition, and Culinary Supervisory Management as part of your 80 CEHs. They are available at Chefcertification.com.

Step 3: Include payment either by credit card information on the application or with a check or money order made payable to the American Culinary Federation.

Lifetime Certifications Available

Lifetime certifications are available for certified chefs who reach the age of 62 or who by the age of 55 are fully retired from the industry. Certified chefs who are forced to retire before reaching the age of 55 for disability reasons can also apply. Please send in an ACF Lifetime Certification Application with your proof of age and/or disabilities, plus a one time fee of $50.00 for ACF members and $100.00 for non-members.

Contact ACF

For more information, please call us at (800) 624-9458, ext. 130 or email us at certify@acfchefs.net.