Certification
*What Is ACF Certification?
*American Culinary Federation (ACF) certification is a symbol of professionalism and a guide by which any culinarian can shape his or her career. It is an ideal ladder for career advancement. Certification is open to all culinarians, including chefs, cooks, bakers, culinary educators, and administrators. There are 14 levels of certification which require specific qualifications, in addition to knowledge of culinary nutrition, food safety and sanitation, and culinary supervisory management.
*What ACF certification means:
*It demonstrates to the industry that a chef has the initiative to take charge of their professional development and career.
*It provides concrete markers of skill development and culinary expertise.
*It verifies that professional chefs and cooks have the knowledge and skill required for elevated culinary positions.
*It reassures consumers that the food they eat is safe and prepared to the highest standards.
*As seen on the ACF web page.
The Upper Michigan Chapter of the American Culinary Federation currently has four certified members:
Chef Chris Kibit, CCE CHE,
Chef Robin Holmes, CEC,
Chef Tom Wahlstrom, CEC
Chef Johnny Romps, CCC and Chef Jeremy Pomeroy, CCC
We currently have more chefs on the fast track to certification.
Members on the way to CEC certification are:
Chef Todd LaFave
Chef Nathan Mileski
Chef Gina Rodegheiro
Members on the way to CCC certification are:
Chef Michael Chapman
Members on the way to CSC certification are:
Chef Derek Estes
Changes Coming for ACF Certification
ACF certification will become an even greater résumé booster when new requirements go into effect in January 2008. The years-of-service requirements to earn various certifications have been reduced to allow chefs to earn certification for career advancement.
In the past, for example, chefs had to document work as an executive chef to qualify for certified executive chef status. With the new changes, certification shows employers that a chef has the skills needed to take on more responsibility. The ACF Certification Committee agreed with the more modern strategy of recognizing preparedness rather than career achievement as certification parameters.
Beginning in 2008, certification will be based on prerequisite skills needed for a new job or position rather than the validation of an existing position. Certification will now prepare you for the next step of your culinary career.
For more information on the new requirements for ACF certification, visit www.acfchefs.org/certification, or call the ACF national office at (800) 624-9458.
