Become an Apprentice and Earn While You Learn

Levels | Find a Program | Fees | Docs and Links

Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction and requires no previous experience to enroll. Apprentices work full-time under a qualified supervising chef and receive their education through an educational institution or the ACF Online Learning Center.

Enrolling in an ACFEF apprenticeship program ensures that apprentices are learning standardized industry-relevant knowledge and skills competencies across all kitchen stations. The competencies are reviewed and updated by the ACFEF Apprenticeship Committee to ensure trends and techniques are relevant and align with ACF certification requirements.

Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices are eligible for ACF certification and will have the education, skills and job experience needed to earn higher wages and have better job opportunities.

Benefits of Becoming an ACFEF Apprentice

  • Participate in an “earn while you learn” approach.
  • Receive mentoring from qualified professional chefs.
  • Develop documented culinary skills that are transferable within the industry.
  • Learn cooking and baking skills by rotating through all kitchen stations.
  • Understand the requirements for proper food handling, sanitation and hygiene.
  • Gain work experience and acquire a professional work ethic.
  • Earn ACF certification and have better job opportunities with higher wages.

ACFEF Apprenticeship Program Levels

ACFEF offers three different program levels with a progressive ladder and the corresponding ACF certification at the completion of that program. Apprentices must complete a written and practical exam at the end of their apprenticeship to earn ACF certification. ACF certification is encouraged but not required for apprentices to complete the apprenticeship program.

  • Fundamentals Cook: the program offers a minimum of 1,000 hours of on-the-job training and 90 hours of related instruction. The apprentice can earn their ACF Certified Fundamental Cook or ACF Certified Fundamental Pastry Cook credential after completing the program and exams. This program is structured to fit into high school and pre-apprenticeship programs and does not require full-time employment.
  • Culinarian: the program offers a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 240 hours of related instruction. The apprentice can earn their ACF Certified Culinarian or ACF Certified Pastry Culinarian credential after completing the program and exams.
  • Sous Chef: the program offers a minimum of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 420 hours of related instruction. The apprentice can earn their ACF Certified Sous Chef or Certified Working Pastry Chef credential after completing the program and exams.

Joining an ACFEF Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeships Powered by Rouxbe

Students wanting to complete their related instruction in one place and track progress on the new ACF ApprentiScope Portal should contact Rouxbe Online Culinary School at apprenticeship@rouxbe.com.

Two pathways available:

  1. Educational Institution Track: Enroll in an ACFEF-approved program. Find a Program
  2. Employer Track: Work with your employer & Rouxbe through the ACF Track.
  3. ACF Online Learning Center: Students wanting to complete related instruction at their own pace through the ACF Online Learning Center should enroll in an ACFEF-recognized program through a participating foodservice establishment. Find a Property

Apprentice Fees

Apprentice fees vary by program to incorporate administration, operating and maintenance fees. Rouxbe will collect all apprentice and ACF student membership fees, and membership will be issued by the ACFEF.

Apprentice fees include:

  • ACF ApprentiScope Portal access for apprentice and supervising chef.
  • ACF national student membership.
  • Access to free webinars and recorded presentations on the ACF Online Learning Center.
  • ACF certification fees for the corresponding level, including access to the practice written exam.

Documents and Links

Have questions? Send an email to apprenticeship@acfchefs.org.