Is acf certification needed?

[BillyJohnson]

I am currently in an acf apprenticeship and i was wondering if i absolutely have to become certified to land a good paying job? I am thinking of moving to vegas next year to try and get in at one of the resort hotels there. Will my 2 years experience and 1 year of schooling be enough to get a job there? I currently work at a high end banquet hall that caters 300-600 person weddings.

[Jeebus]

While I would never tell anyone they shouldn't go to school, you certainly can get a great job without the certification. Some of the best chefs i have worked with have never spent a day in school in their life. Nor have I for that matter.

[Steve A]

Take this for what it's worth; my 2¢.

I went to culinary school and as such bought into the ACF thing. It wasn't bad in that area, a lot of active folks in the federation, but mostly it was an 'old boys social club.' Now I have nothing against that, but I have never been one to want to join anything just for the 'social aspects' it might have provided.

When I moved I ended up in an area where there was no branch. I opted not to continue my membership. It hasn't harmed me in my location.

Now, another question that frequently comes to mind is "Need I be a member of ACF in order to get my certifications?" NO! It may cost you a bit more if you're not a member, but is that something you're willing to deal with?

My suggestion to you is this. If you intend on moving to Las Vegas, then being or staying in the ACF my afford you some networking not available to outsiders. At that point it would be up to you to decide whether you wish to continue with them or not.

I know this only skims as an answer. The real deal is for you to decide. And, no, you don't need it to get a job. But it might be the trump card on your résumé should you come up against someone else for the same position.

Ciao,

[CampChef]

As Steve A stated some ACF chapter are good old boys clubs, but certainly not all of them are. My current chapter is a working educational chapter in addition to being the best place to network. I have gotten my last two jobs through ACF contacts, and not just through my local chapter. Certification landed my current job. The other final applicant was not certified, I was, I got the job. Now that the ACF certification process has become more difficult, it is being held in higher regard by employers. I have seen many job notices posted with ACF certification as highly desired or required for upper level positions. Check out Vegas and see what the propects are, and what they are looking for. With two years, you haven't finished you apprenticeship, so some serious resaerch is in order.
And by the way, I did not go to culinary school, learned it all the hard way.