What We Offer

Stay Ahead of Culinary Trends

Keeping up with flavors, innovations, and techniques matters. We support you with:

• Seminars and workshops at local, regional, and national events
• Our flagship publication, National Culinary Review
• Our bi-weekly e-newsletter, The Culinary Insider

ACF Chef’s Table Platform

Your go-to for year-round learning and connection:

• Interactive Forum - a place to swap recipes and ideas with peers
• Live & On-Demand Webinars - earn Continuing Education Hours through ACF Chef’s Table Webinars
• Chef’s Table Podcast - insight from industry leaders, hosted by ACF’s Executive Director

Advance and Showcase Your Career

In a packed field, recognition sparks opportunity:

• Certification programs that prove your culinary chops
• Competitions & awards where excellence gets seen
• Career impact that broadens your visibility and network

Accreditation for Culinary Education

Through ACFEF, your program gains credibility and reach:

• Accreditation for secondary and postsecondary culinary and pastry education
• Browse ACFEF-Accredited Programs to see what’s approved and why it matters

The American Academy of Chefs® (AAC)

Our honor society brings excellence into every generation:

• Mentorship and scholarships for aspiring leaders
• A beacon of professional standards and prestige

ACF National Convention

Our marquee annual event delivers inspiration and connections:

• Top-tier keynotes and educational sessions
• Live chef demos and fresh industry insights
• Networking with peers, mentors, and vendors
• Hands-on access to the latest culinary tools and trends
• See the full Events menu for details

Compete on the Global Stage

ACF Culinary Team USA showcases American talent in international arenas—consistently earning world titles.

Global Chef Network

Every ACF member is also part of Worldchefs, a worldwide alliance of over 90 chef associations representing over a million professionals.

Workforce Development & Apprenticeship Programs

Build the skilled talent pipeline with structured training:

• Paid, hands-on apprenticeship programs paired with classroom instruction
• Apprentices cycle through all kitchen stations, earn ACF credentials and graduate job-ready with documented competencies and digital badges
• Interested in starting or partnering on an apprenticeship? Learn how to earn ACFEF recognition or implement a program