2025-2026 Credential Information
Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC)
| Credential Name | Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) |
| Credential Vendor Info | American Culinary Federation 180 Center Place Way | St. Augustine, FL 32095 https://www.acfchefs.org |
| Implementation Year | Before 2022-2023 |
| Credential Auto Collect | No |
| Diploma Endorsement | FH13 = Yes |
| Validation Artifact | Copy of certificate OR Score List report |
| Credential Lead Consultant | Gwen Turner gwen.turner@dpi.nc.gov |
| Course Number and Title | FH13 Culinary Arts and Hospitality III |
| Credential as POL | FH13 POL = No |
| Pathway(s) | Culinary Arts Applications (CULA)Culinary Arts Internship (CULI) |
| Cost of Instructor Training | N/A |
| Instructor Training Requirements | Available https://www.acfchefs.org |
| Exam Voucher Expiration | N/A |
| Credential Lifespan | 3 years |
| Renewal Options | N/A |
| SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s) | Chefs and Head Cooks (35-1011)Food Service Managers (11-9051) |
| Articulation | Yes Effective 2025-26 See Statewide Articulation Agreement: https://www.ncperkins.org/course/view.php?id=4 |
| Sequencing | No |
| Employer Transferability | Yes |
| Delivery Format | On-line or Paper/pencil with Performance-based With performance-based NOCTI Examination - 212 items Practical Examination - 2.5 hours for four projects: Steamed green vegetable and carrots, Sauteed chicken with fine herb sauce, Rice pilaf, and Salad course |
| Proctored Environment Required | Yes |
| Test Site Options and Requirements | https://www.acfchefs.org/ACF/Education/Accreditation/ACF/Education/Accreditation/ |
| Testing Environment Requirements | There are two available options. ACEF Accreditation: 1. Submit application. 2. Determine and scheduled site visit date. 3. Complete self-study and exhibits. 4. Submit payment 60 days prior to site visit. 5. Complete site visit. 6. Program will receive narrative letter addressing all findings and listing any non-compliances that must be responded to. 7. Accrediting Commission meets in January and July to review and approve programs. 8. Accreditation granted for 3-5 years. Teaching Option: Proctor NOCTI Exam, Proctor Practical Exam - ACF chef administers exam |
| Proctored Requirements | Administrator proctored NOCTI Examination, Paper-based or online ACF Member evaluated Practical Examination: https://www.acfchefs.org/ACF/Education/Accreditation/ACF/Education/Accreditation/ |
| Exam Time Allotment | 150 minutes (2.5) hours for four jobs (practical exam) |
| Exam Passing Requirement | N/A |
| Retakes | No |
| Student Accommodations | No |
| Multilingual Resources* | No |
| Directory Notes | None |
