Certified Culinary Administrator® (CCA®)

ACF Certification Requirement: Current CCC, CEC, CEPC

Certified Culinary Administrator® Candidate Handbook
Download Handbook
Education Requirements and Work Experience:
Three years as an Executive Chef with fiscal responsibility over food service operations.
Must have supervised at least three full-time people.
Experience must be within the past 10 years.
  • High School Diploma/GED plus 150 Continuing Education Hours (CEH)
    OR
  • 250 Continuing Education Hours (CEH)
    OR
  • Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts
    OR
  • ACFEF Apprenticeship Program
Mandatory Course Requirement:
  • 30-hour course in Nutrition
  • 30-hour course in Food Safety & Sanitation
  • 30-hour course in Supervisory Management
  • 30-hour course in Advanced Sanitation (HACCP)
  • 30-hour course in Human Resource Management
Courses completed more than five years ago (except Advanced Sanitation and HR Management), also require an 8 hour refresher in each topic. Courses are available through ACF approved providers or any academic institution.

Exam Requirement: Successful completion of written exam.

Additional Requirement:
Written Narrative: A 400 (minimum) typed word narrative detailing your job duties and responsibilities, particularly as they relate to administrative and fiscal responsibilities. Sample Narrative

Application Process

There are three steps in the application process:

Step 1
Initial Application
Submit initial application with proof of education, 30 hour courses, work experience, and typed narrative. Employment verification can be submitted on the Employment Documentation Form or employer letterhead. Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing applications.

Step 2
Schedule Written Exam
Upon receiving approval for the Initial Pre-approval application, you are eligible to schedule your written exam. Please visit the written exam page for scheduling information. For assistance in preparing for the written exam, review the CCA® Candidate Handbook.

Step 3
Final Application
After successful completion of the written and practical exams, submit the Final application with exam pass sheets and application fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing. Upon approval, certificate will be mailed.

Recertification Information

CCA® Certification requires renewal every five years. For more information, visit the recertification page.

Fees

CCA 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.