Education Requirements:
One of the following:
- Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts
- Bachelor Degree in any discipline
- Current Certified Executive Chef/Certified Executive Pastry Chef
Additional Education Requirements:
120 hours of Education Development with a minimum of eight hours in the following subjects:
- Curriculum Planning & Development
- Evaluation & Testing
- Teaching Methodology
- Educational Psychology
Mandatory Course Requirement:
- 30-hour course in Nutrition
- 30-hour course in Food Safety & Sanitation
- 30-hour course in Supervisory Management
Courses completed more than five years ago will require an 8 hour refresher in each topic. Courses are available through
ACF approved providers or any academic institution.
Work Experience Requirement: Two years in the hospitality industry. Industry work experience must be within the past 10 years prior to employment as a culinary instructor. Culinary instructors with work experience prior to 10 years of employment as a culinary instructor must demonstrate 1000 on-the-job hours within the past five years. On-the-job hours can include catering, part-time/summer employment, etc.
Additional Work Experience Requirement: 1,200 secondary or postsecondary teaching contact hours are required. Teaching hours must be within the past ten years.
Additional Requirements::
Classroom Video Demonstration. Review the CCE® Culinary Video Demonstration Criteria. In lieu of submitting a recorded video lesson, CCE candidates can opt for an evaluation of a live teaching lesson. Contact the ACF national office for more information.
Exam Requirement: Successful completion of written and practical exams. Candidates will complete either the CSC® (savory) or CWPC® (pastry) practical exams. If current CCC®, CWPC®, CEC® or CEPC® who has taken a practical exam, no practical exam is required.
Application Process
There are three steps in the application process:
Step 1
Initial Application
Submit initial application with proof of education, required courses and work experience. Employment verification can be submitted on the Employment Documentation Form or employer letterhead. Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing applications.
Step 2
Schedule Exams & Submit Video Demonstration
Upon receiving approval for the Initial Pre-approval application, you are eligible to schedule your written and practical exams, as well as to submit your video demonstration for review by the Educator Video Review Team. Please visit the written exam and practical exam pages for scheduling information.
Video must be submitted to National Office with Video Review Submission form. Please expect 4 weeks for review.
Step 3
Final Application
After successful completion of the written exam, practical exam, and video review submission, submit the Final application with exam pass sheets, Classroom Video Demonstration and application fee. Please allow 6 weeks for processing. Upon approval, certificate will be mailed.
All applications, video and exam preparation information can be found in the Certified Culinary Educator® Candidate Handbook.
Recertification Information
CCE® Certification requires renewal every five years. For more information, visit the recertification page.
Fees
CCE Fees
| Type |
Cost |
| Members: |
$250 |
| Nonmembers: |
$490 |
Group pricing is available through our concierge programs for 6+ certificants from the same property. Please submit a request form or send an email to certify@acfchefs.org.
Have questions or need more information? Contact the ACF Certification Department.