Certified Sous Chef® (CSC®)

Certified Sous Chef® Candidate Handbook
Download Handbook
Education Requirements with Work Experience:
All candidates must have two years of experience supervising a shift or food station.
Experience must be within the past ten years.
  • High School Diploma/GED with five years entry level culinary experience
          OR
  • 150 Continuing Education Hours (CEH) with five years entry level culinary experience
          OR
  • ACFEF Culinary Arts Program Certificate with four years entry level culinary experience
          OR
  • Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts with three years entry level culinary experience
          OR
  • ACFEF Apprenticeship Program with 4,000 hours on-the-job training
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.

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 Sous Chef Candidate Handbook.

Recertification Information

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

Fees

CSC 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.

CSC Certificant Bulletin - 2019

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