Certification Evaluators

Quick Guide

Certification Evaluator Handbook
Policy & Procedures for Certification Evaluators

Test Administrator Handbook
Policy & Procedures for all Practical Exam Administration

New Evaluator Application
Used to volunteer as an exam evaluator and request training

Apprentice Sign-In & Critique
Used to monitor apprentices

Approved Mentor Application
Used to apply as an ACF Certification Approved Mentor

Certification Evaluator Training Opportunities

New Certification Evaluator Training Dates: December 12, 2025, at 8 a.m.
Practical Exam for Apprentice Shadow Opportunity: December 13, 2025
Location: Louisiana Culinary Institute
Address: 10550 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Certification Evaluator Trainer: David Tiner, CCE

If you would like to sign up for this training, please send an email to certify@acfchefs.org.

New Certification Evaluator Training Dates: December 13, 2025, at 9 a.m.
Practical Exam for Apprentice Shadow Opportunity: December 14, 2025
Location: Northwestern University - Allison Hall
Address: 633 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60208
Additional Information: Parking Nearest the Richard and Barbara Silverman Hall
Certification Evaluator Trainer: Matthew Schellig, CEC, CEPC, CCE, CCA, AAC

If you would like to sign up for this training, please send an email to certify@acfchefs.org.

Becoming a Certification Evaluator

Certification Evaluators are an integral part of the ACF Certification process. Certification Evaluators have the responsibility to fairly evaluate candidates taking the practical exam. The following steps are required to become a Certification Evaluator:

  • Submit New Evaluator Application
  • Attend New Evaluator Training
  • Participate in three practical exams as an Apprentice Evaluator
  • Receive approval from ACF

Policies & Procedures

Certification Evaluators must adhere to the policies and procedures provided in the Certification Evaluator Handbook.

Maintaining Certification Evaluator Status

Certification Evaluators are responsible for complying with the following to maintain approved status:

  • Current ACF certification and membership.
  • Complete continuing education requirements necessary to maintain evaluator status including attending an online refresher (typically a 1.5-hour annual class).
  • Comply with continuing education requirements necessary to maintain volunteer status including attending an anti-harassment webinar (typically a 1-hour class once every two years) and any other requirements as set by the ACF.
  • Evaluate at least one practical exam every two calendar years.

Failure to comply with these requirements will render the evaluator status inactive until completion of an eight hour Training Seminar and all of the above requirements are met.

Have questions or need more information? Contact the ACF Certification Department.

Mentor Evaluator Mentor Evaluators—Approved to coach candidates during the apprenticeship process.

Trainer Trainers—Approved to facilitate training sessions and coach candidates during the apprenticeship process.