ACF Certification

[Montelago]

Any thoughts on the importance of ACF certification?

[kuan]

Rumor is CEC adds 10k to your salary. Other reason is you need CEC to get to CMC.

[shroomgirl]

Several Country Club Chefs in STL find it valuable in terms of $$$$.....we've got an active chapter that has pretty high rankings in national as well as international culinary olympics, ACF cookoffs...etc....

The juniors work their tails off getting ready for the exams and competitions.
I've participated in several of their events throughout the years, directed/managed them on stage, hosted them at the farmer's market.....

So, to many there is validation in certification.

[Rivitman]

It's a foot in the door for jobs in a more corperate setting. Chain hotels, some country clubs. But if you can't really deliver the goods as an astute and industious manager, you will be in deep water.

Restaurants? IMO, waste of time.

[paulthebaker]

As an ACF certified chef (CEPC) I can say that it can be hit or miss. In the corporate or teaching climate, an ACF certification can be very important. There are areas with very active ACF chapters, in these areas, the ACF can be a valuable networking tool for jobs. Another reason is for your own accomplishment. Why work for higher degrees? or attend workshops? These things help to make you more informed in your particular field. My own situation is that the school I work for is an ACF accredited one, and they require certification, but even without that, my Certified Executive Pastry Chef accomplishment would help me in the private sector if I wished to rejoin it.
sincerely,
Paul Ashman CEPC
Panama City, FL