(CSC®) Candidate Handbook - American Culinary Federation

The Recertification ProcessThe purpose of CSC ® recertification program is to enhance the continued competence ofcertificants and to reaffirm certificant knowledge in food safety and sanitation, nutrition andsupervisory management. ACF recertification is required every five years. To maintain your ACFcertification, you are required to earn a minimum of 80 continuing education hours (CEHs) duringthe five‐year certification period. The requirement of 80 CEHs over a five year period wasdetermined so that, on average, a chef would complete 16 CEHs per year keeping them currentand up‐to‐date on culinary trends and practices.CEHs are experiences that assist in the development or enhancement of the knowledge and skillsdirectly related to the individual’s professional occupation. We recommend you maintain a folderwith copies of your official certificates and letters, conference registrations, transcripts, etc. inorder to keep track of your progress.Step 1Complete required refresher coursesOn the first recertification, the three mandatory refreshers in sanitation, nutrition and supervisorymanagement are required. You must take 8‐hour refresher courses for Food Safety andSanitation, Nutrition, and Culinary Supervisory Management as part of your 80 CEHs.On the second and subsequent recertification cycles you will only be required to complete thesanitation refresher. The remaining 72 CEHs required are self‐directed toward a chef’s specificprofessional development plan.Step 2Determine remainder of CEHs neededIf you hold multiple certifications your CEH requirement is 80 CEHs for the first, or primary,certification, 40 CEHs for the second certification and 20 CEHs for each subsequent certification.(Example: Chef Jones currently holds a CSC, CCE, CCA. When she is ready for recertification,she will need to complete 80 for her first certification, CSC, then 40 for her second CCE and 20for her third, CCA which will total 140 continuing education hours.)Step 3Complete recertification applicationProvide the necessary documentation of your Continuing Education Hours (CEHs).Documentation must include the number of hours taken and the date it was completed and topic.Please do not send original certificates. Complete the application, secure all paperwork togetherand include payment either by credit card information on the application or with a check ormoney order made payable to the American Culinary Federation.54