Accredited Postsecondary Programs
Criteria
ACFEFAC accredits postsecondary programs defined as those awarding bachelor degrees, associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. Programs must be postsecondary and authorized as such under applicable state law or comparable government unit.
Accreditation Application Package
You can order the initial application package by completing our Accreditation Information Inquiry form or by calling the Accreditation Department at (800) 624-9458.
The initial application package includes the following:
- Application
- Accreditation Standards
- Fee Schedule
New Program Application
Programs seeking an initial grant of program accreditation or instituting a new program and seeking a grant of program accreditation require a new program application.
Initial Self-Study Review Application*
Programs seeking initial accreditation or accreditation for a new program require a self-study.
Renewal Self-Study Application*
Programs seeking a renewal of accreditation require a self-study.
* After an institution conducts the self-study of its program, a site visit is conducted by a team of approved ACFEFAC evaluators.
Secondary and Postsecondary Annual Fees
Accredited programs will be invoiced in November of every year for their annual fee with payment due no later than March 30 of every year.
Annual Fees
- Secondary - $300 FIRST program + $100 for each ADDITIONAL program
- Post-Secondary - $750 FIRST program + $500 for each ADDITIONAL program
Delinquent Annual Fees
A late fee will be added to the annual fee if school is delinquent in submission of their annual fee. A 1.5% sur-charge will be added to the late fee for each month of delinquency. Failure to pay annual fee will result in loss of accreditation with the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission.
- Secondary Late Fee - $150
- Post-Secondary Late Fee - $250
Certification Opportunities
Graduates of ACFEF accredited postsecondary degree or certificate/diploma programs are eligible to receive either a Certified Culinarian® (CC®) or Certified Pastry Culinarian® (CPC®) certification depending on the concentration of their program without paying any fees or taking any separate exams. All graduates must provide a copy of their final transcript showing date of graduation and documentation of ACF membership at the time of graduation. Certificate/Diploma graduates must also document one year of entry level work experience to receive their certification. Application and documentation must be submitted within one year of graduation.
Review the list of ACFEF-accredited programs.