Practical Exams for ACF Certification

Taking the Exam

When you are ready to take the practical exam for your ACF certification, complete the Practical Exam Candidate Registration Form and return it to the ACF national office.

You may be exempt from taking the practical exam if awarded a Gold or Silver Medal in either an ACF F-1 or F-5 Individual Competition or WACS Hot Food Competition within the past 5 years. Documentation required.

Practical Exam Test Fees

The test fee due to ACF is $50 for ACF members and $100 for non-members. Payment must be made prior to the exam date. You will receive a receipt after your payment is processed.

In addition, you must contact the test administration to confirm test time, host site fee and specific details about the testing facility. Test sites may charge an additional host site fee that is payable to the organization hosting the exam. Payment for any host site fees are separate from the amount due to ACF and are coordinated by the test site administrator.

Assessment Criteria

The assessment for certification practical testing is divided into four general areas: Safety and Sanitation Skills; Organization; Craftsmanship Skills; Finished Product Skills.

The candidate’s skills are evaluated during the examination period through frequent monitoring by the evaluators. The practical examination is scored overall as pass or fail. Points are calculated in various areas and a total numerical score is calculated. A total averaged score of 75% (75 points) or better is considered passing.

Study Tips and Helpful Hints

Become A Test Site

If you are interested in becoming a Certified Practical Testing Site, review the Test Site Requirements, complete the Certification Practical Test Site Application and send in for approval. Identify a Test Administrator willing to coordinate planning, set-up, administration and wrap-up of practical exam event. Job description can be found in Practical Exam Guide below.