2024-2025 Credential Information

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.
Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.
Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.
Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

Footnotes:
^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.


Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC)

Credential NameCertified Fundamentals Cook (CFC)
Credential Vendor InfoAmerican Culinary Federation
180 Center Place Way | St. Augustine, FL 32095
https://www.acfchefs.org
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementFH13 = Yes
Validation ArtifactCopy of certificate OR Score List report
Credential Lead ConsultantGwen Turner
gwen.turner@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and TitleFH13 Culinary Arts and Hospitality III
Credential as POLFH13 POL = No
Pathway(s)Culinary Arts Applications (CULA)
Culinary Arts Internship (CULI)
Cost of Instructor TrainingN/A
Instructor Training RequirementsAvailable
https://www.acfchefs.org
Exam Voucher ExpirationN/A
Credential Lifespan3 years
Renewal OptionsN/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Chefs and Head Cooks (35-1011)
Food Service Managers (11-9051)
ArticulationNo
SequencingNo
Employer TransferabilityYes
Delivery FormatOn-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 RequiredYes
Test Site Options and Requirementshttps://www.acfchefs.org/ACF/Education/Accreditation/ACF/Education/Accreditation/
Testing Environment RequirementsThere 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 RequirementsAdministrator proctored NOCTI Examination, Paper-based or online ACF Member evaluated Practical Examination:
https://www.acfchefs.org/ACF/Education/Accreditation/ACF/Education/Accreditation/
Exam Time Allotment150 minutes (2.5) hours for four jobs (practical exam)
Exam Passing RequirementN/A
RetakesNo
Student AccommodationsNo
Multilingual Resources*No
Directory NotesNone