Certified Executive Chef® (CEC®)

Certified Executive Chef® Candidate Handbook
Download Handbook
Education Requirements and Work Experience:
Five years as a chef de cuisine, executive sous chef or chef in charge of food production in a foodservice operation. Must have supervised at least five fulltime people in the preparation of food.
Experience must be within the past ten 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 Beverage Management
  • 30 hour course in Cost Control Management
Courses completed more than five years ago, except for Beverage Management and Cost Control Management, will 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 and practical exams.

Application Process

There are three steps in the application process:

Step 1
Initial Application
Submit initial application with proof of education, 30 hour 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 Written & Practical Exams
Upon receiving approval for the Initial Pre-approval application, you are eligible to schedule your written and practical exams. Please visit the written exam and practical exam pages for scheduling information.

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.

All applications and exam preparation information can be found in the Certified Executive Chef Candidate Handbook.

Recertification Information

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

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.

CEC Certificant Bulletin - 2019

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

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