Certificate: Culinary Essentials

The ACFEF Certificate in Culinary Essentials validates an applicant’s proficiency in industry-standard competencies and serves as a recognized pathway toward earning the ACF Certified Fundamentals Cook® (CFC®) certification. Upon successfully completing the Certificate of Culinary Essentials exam, the applicant becomes eligible to pursue the ACF Certified Fundamentals Cook® (CFC®) written and practical exams.

Upon successful completion, applicants earn a certificate and a verifiable digital badge that can be showcased on professional profiles, websites, and social media platforms. These credentials serve as a trusted recognition of expertise, providing both employers and guests with visible assurance of the applicant’s skills and commitment to industry standards.

Once eligibility is confirmed, the applicant will receive an email to purchase the exam through ACF’s Online Learning Center.

Eligibility

Candidate must supply documentation verifying completion of:

• 75 hours of instruction covering 15 hours in safety and sanitation and 15 hours in culinary nutrition
  OR
• Completion of three full semesters in a secondary or post-secondary culinary program, including coursework in safety and sanitation, culinary nutrition, and introduction to foodservice, with a minimum grade of C or higher
  OR
• ACF Training Program (300 hours)

Instructors

Culinary instructors offering certificate, training, or secondary programs can use the ACFEC Certificate in Culinary Essentials as a comprehensive end-of-program exam, providing students with a recognized credential to enhance their career opportunities. To register, contact ACF Professional Development at educate@acfchefs.org or (800) 624-9458.

Reference Guide

For more information, including exam outline, required competencies and sample questions, download the reference guide.

Reference Guide