So how does one prove they are a chef?

[jclopp]

From the mouth of babes. I teach a culinary arts club at our local high school. Basically using the Culinary Fundamentals put out by the ACF and we have a ball. Last week the question came up as "How does someone like yourself prove you are a chef?" That really got me thinking about the ACF, hey I'm 54, should I go take the exam to prove I'm a chef?
What do you guys think? Here's a brief background:

I attended classes at a community college and even several summer classes at the CIA before it was at Hyde Park, taught garde-manger a couple of times at another community college. All the while cooking in hotels and restaurants (mainly in Ventura CA) for 14 yrs.
I then went into international trade - consulting on import & export regs from Customs, FDA and USDA 90% foodstuffs for another 14 yrs. Lots of world travel to some very funky factories.
For the past 8 years, I have taught Sp Ed and now the culinary club (students and staff attend my classes). I also do private parties and cook for large Boy Scout events. SO - am I a chef without going for the exam?

[RAS1187]

If you have held the title of Chef (Sous, Exec, etc.) at some time in your tenure, I think thats fair enough.

[kuan]

Yep go take the exams and get your CEC. Make sure you fulfill the other requirements.

[JackButler]

Have you run your own kitchen on a professional basis? Have you cooked professionally? Do you know your *** from a hand grenade when it comes to cooking?

Then you're a chef. I don't care what the ACF says, if you've walked the walk who gives a **** about a test.

[jclopp]

Thanks - guys,
Yes, I have held down all the stations, except executive and pastry.
Telling students to question authority, what they read and hear, may be the reason I questioned my own sanity. High school students - gotta love 'em - can't drown 'em.
Concerning the CEC - hmmm... I guess their web site would show places and dates for the exams... I like the idea of video taping my class - they can be so very special...

[kuan]

Originally Posted by jclopp

Concerning the CEC - hmmm... I guess their web site would show places and dates for the exams... I like the idea of video taping my class - they can be so very special...

Ah just fill out the paperwork and take the paper exam at a testing center. YOu do it in front of a computer. Then figure out what to do about the practicals later.

[RAS1187]

Neither Trotter nor Kellar are certified by the ACF (at least to my knowledge). Does this mean theyre not chefs?