ACF Recertification Information

Preparing for Recertification

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.
• On your first recertification, you are required to 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.
• On your second or subsequent recertifications, you are only required to complete an 8-hour refresher in Food Safety and Sanitation as part of your 80 CEHs.

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.

CEH Requirement for Multiple Certification Designations

The CEH requirement for chefs with multiple designation has changed from 80 hours per designation to 80 hours for the first designation, 40 hours for the second designation and 20 hours for each subsequent designation thereafter. (Example: Chef Jones currently holds a CEC, CCE, CCA. When she is ready for recertification, she will need to complete 80 for her first certification, CEC, then 40 for her second, CCE, and 20 for her third, CCA, which will total 140 continuing education hours).

Certified ACF Members: Track Your CEHs

ACF recertification requires professional development activities, documented as CEH's, which keep certified cooks and chefs current in culinary trends and business practices. Certified ACF Members may now submit additional CEHs obtained from other sources that can also count toward your total for recertification. These hours can now be added and tracked in your ACF member profile. Learn More

Lifetime Certifications Available

ACF offers Lifetime Certifications to recognize chefs who have demonstrated a lifetime of commitment and dedication to the culinary profession. Lifetime certificants are great leaders in our industry and encourage and motivate others to achieve excellence in the profession. Learn More

Contact ACF

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