Credential Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

Credential Version

Starting with SY 26-27, for credentials offered through Certiport, NCDPI will only recognize the three most current versions as of August of the current school year.
These credentials are indicated by two asterisks in the Validation Artifact field of the 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 Code and Title	FH13 Culinary Arts and Hospitality III Honors
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)	Bakers (51-3011) Chefs and Head Cooks (35-1011) Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria (35-2012) Cooks, Restaurant (35-2014) First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers (35-1012) Food Batchmakers (51-3092) Food Service Managers (11-9051)
Articulation	Yes See NC High School to Community College Course Articulation: https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/high-school-to-ncccs-course-articulation/
Sequencing	No
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Online 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
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/
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
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

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.

^ 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.