Consumer Information

Professional Culinarian/Cook

The below information applies to all states, Washington, D.C. and U.S. Territories.

Qualifies students for initial or additional state license:

• There is no national certification or credential.

Licensure required as a prerequisite:

• All states and Washington, D.C.
• American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico: None.
• Northern Mariana Islands: Food Handler's Certificate Annually.
• U.S. Virgin Islands

Licensing board approval:

• American Culinary Federation

Leads to national certification or credential:

• Yes, exam and certification are earned in the capstone course.

National certification exam:

• ACF - Earn Accreditation

Programmatic accreditation:

• ACF - Find a Program

Field experience: online or on-ground?

• Individual courses are offered online, but not the entire program. 

National professional association/organization:

• ACF - Earn Accreditation