Personal Certified Executive Chef™ (PCEC™)

Specialized Certificate for Personal Chefs

To streamline ACF certification levels, the PCC and PCEC levels have been transitioned to the ACF Specialized Certificate for Personal Chefs. ACF certifications remain the core credential that validates culinary skills with ACF Specialized Certificates validating knowledge in specialized areas such as culinary cannabis, personal chefs, healthcare, plant based and more.

Earners of the ACF Personal Certified Chef and ACF Personal Certified Executive Chef credential can continue to maintain and renew their certifications. Details of the requirements to earn the certifications can be found by viewing the digital badge:

Earners of the Personal Certified Chef may upgrade to Personal Executive Certified Chef by December 31, 2024.

Education Requirements with Work Experience:
Three years as a full-time Personal Chef engaged in all aspects of food preparation and management on a “cook-for-hire-basis.”
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 Business 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. For assistance in preparing for the written and practical exams, review the PCC™/PCEC™ 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

PCEC™ Certification requires renewal every five years. For more information, visit the recertification page.

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