Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC)
Credential: Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC)
Credentialing Agency: American Culinary Federation (ACF)
Renewal Period: 1 year
The American Culinary Federation (ACF), Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) certification is for entry level culinarians within a pastry foodservice operation responsible for the preparation and production of pies, cookies, cakes, breads, rolls, desserts or other baked goods. CPCs demonstrate skills and culinary experience with high standards for food preparation and working knowledge of culinary nutrition, food safety and sanitation, and supervisory management. To obtain the CPC certification, candidates must meet the education requirement, work experience requirement, and mandatory course requirement. Candidates must also pass both a written exam and a practical exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 2 years
- Education: High School Diploma/GED
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 1 year
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
American Culinary Federation (ACF)
180 Center Place Way
St. Augustine, FL 32095
Phone: (904) 824-4468
Fax: (904) 940-0741
Email: acf@acfchefs.net
Education REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must have completed one of the following:
- High School Diploma/GED
- 100 continuing education hours (CEHs)
- Culinary Arts program certificate (1 year)
- Associate degree in Culinary Arts
- American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) Apprenticeship program
Candidates must also have completed three 30-hour courses in each of the following topics:
- Nutrition
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Supervisory Management
Note: Courses completed more than five years ago also require an 8-hour refresher in the topic. Courses are available through ACF approved providers or any academic institution.
Experience REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must have completed two years of entry level culinarian experience.
Note: Experience must be within the past ten years. One year of entry level culinarian experience is required of candidates with a one-year Culinary Arts Program Certificate. No work experience is required of candidates who have an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts or have completed an American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) Apprenticeship program.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) credential has the following other requirements:
- Candidates must agree to abide by the ACF Certification Code of Ethics.
Written Exam
- Basic Cooking 10%
- Sanitation 10%
- Nutrition 10%
- Supervisory Management 10%
- Basic Baking 60%
Practical Exam
The assessment is divided into four general areas.
- Safety and Sanitation Skills
- Organization Skills
- Craftsmanship Skills
- Finished Product Skills
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) examination:
- Best Sources
Testing Information
Testing for this credential is handled by PSI. The test centers are located in the U.S.
To find out more, use the following links on the PSI website:
For more information on the American Culinary Federation (ACF) testing process, visit the agency website.
RECERTIFICATION
Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC)
Renewal Period: 1 year
Additional considerations for the Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) include:
- Graduates from American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) accredited associate degree or bachelor’s degree programs are exempt from the written and practical exams if an application and documentation are submitted within one year of graduation from the program.
- Graduates from American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) certificate/diploma programs with one year of entry level culinary experience are exempt from the written and practical exams if an application and documentation are submitted within two years of graduation from the program.