Education & certification
Prove what you know. Keep getting better.
ACF certification is recognized throughout the industry as a standard for professional skills and knowledge. The chapter helps you figure out where to start.
Why it matters
A credential that travels with you.
ACF designed its certification program to make chefs more valuable candidates for hiring and promotion. It's an independent answer to the question every employer asks: can this person actually do the job?
Certification follows you between kitchens, cities and sectors, from restaurants and hotels to clubs, schools and military dining. Members get access to ACF's credentials at a member-only rate, and ACF's Online Learning Center offers practice exams and classes, including for keeping certification current.
The culinary ladder
From your first credential to Master Chef.
ACF's culinary (savory) certification levels, in order. The Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA) credential sits alongside them for chefs in management.
- CFCCertified Fundamentals Cook
- CCCertified Culinarian
- CSCCertified Sous Chef
- CCCCertified Chef de Cuisine
- CECCertified Executive Chef
- CMCCertified Master Chef
Every track
Culinary
CFC · CC · CSC · CCC · CEC · CMC · CCA
Line cook to executive and master chef.
Pastry
CFPC · CPC · CWPC · CEPC · CMPC
Fundamentals pastry cook to master pastry chef.
Educators
CCE · CCA
For culinary instructors and administrators.
Students
CFC · CC · CFPC · CPC
Levels students can start on before graduating.
Military
Military pathway
ACF lists a dedicated military certification category.
Source: acfchefs.org/certify, read October 2026. Requirements, exams and fees are set by ACF.
Ways to keep growing
Education doesn't end at graduation.
- 1
Apprenticeship
On-the-job training plus related classroom instruction: "earn while you learn." Completers are eligible for ACF certification after a written and practical exam. ACF apprenticeship ↗
- 2
Online Learning Center
ACF classes, quizzes and practice exams at the member-only rate. Member benefits ↗
- 3
Competitions
ACF-approved competitions can earn continuing education hours toward certification. ACF competitions ↗
- 4
Chapter sessions
Demonstrations, tastings and talks at chapter meetings, plus sessions like the chapter's seminar on ACF certification.
Thinking about certifying?
Talk with the chapter before you start.
Tell us which credential you're considering. We'll point you to the right ACF resources, connect you with members, and let you know about any certification sessions.