CCP - Certified Culinary Professional
The CCP (Certified Culinary Professional) designation is awarded by the International Association of Culinary Professionals to individuals who have demonstrated and maintain comprehensive knowledge of the culinary arts and sciences.
The mission of the CCP program is to identify individuals who have acquired and maintain a comprehensive range of culinary skills and knowledge through education and experience, who display continuing commitment to professional and community service, and who subscribe to the IACP Code of Ethics.
When you apply to become a Certified Culinary Professional, you'll join a select group of men and women who have made the ultimate commitment to excellence in the culinary arts.
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Julia Child, CCP: "Certification is very important. IACP is a serious professional organization and we want our members to be professionally qualified. This shows that one is or isn't. I'm all for it." |
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Francois Dionot, CCP: "It's very worthwhile because it denotes food professionals who have complete knowledge - not only in one subject but in all areas. It's very complete, like getting a master's degree. You're proud to be associated with people who have the same high degree of knowledge." |
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Ken Rubin, CCP: "For me, the CCP certification is a mark of distinction and achievement. It not only shows a comprehensive knowledge of the world of food and cooking, but also a real commitment to the IACP." |
There is no time like the present. Make plans today to become a Certified Culinary Professional.
The Ultimate Recognition for Culinary Professionals
The CCP program is designed not only to further elevate professional standards and evaluate individual performance, but to recognize and distinguish those who have reached the highest level of culinary achievement. The CCP designation is highly regarded by peers and is becoming known and appreciated as a symbol of leadership, competency and accomplishment.
Many CCPs credit completion of the program as their start on the course to greater personal and professional achievement. If your primary source of income or business activity is culinary related, you should definitely make CCP certification your goal.
Now is the time to learn about the CCP program and plan your strategy for earning this prestigious designation.
How the Program is Administered
A Certification Committee administers the CCP program, sets policy and assures that the program reflects the changing needs of the profession. The IACP president appoints the chairman, who selects the committee from members who have earned the CCP designation. The committee reviews and approves all applications for CCP certification and is responsible for administering the exam.
About the CCP Examination
A certification review session and exam are offered during the annual IACP conference. In addition, review sessions and exams can be scheduled for interested individuals or culinary organizations. Several groups have done this with terrific success. Watch the Frontburner for information on upcoming review and exam opportunities in your area, or contact the committtee chair for more information on the Satellite Program.
The examination includes 200 multiple choice, true/false or fill-in-the-blank questions, equally divided among the topics listed on page 17. Two essay questions, from a choice of seven topics, must also be answered. In addition, applicants can earn an extra five points by completing a third essay question, which will be reviewed only if the exam score is borderline.
Your chances of success will increase if you have a working knowledge of the major ethnic cuisines, a thorough foundation in techniques and a familiarity with sanitation requirements and basic nutrition. Over 90% of those taking the exam pass it on the first try.
If You Don't Obtain Certification the First Time
If you did not obtain the required 500 points on the application, you will be notified and you may resubmit an updated or amended form when additional educational or professional achievement points are achieved. The application is retained by IACP headquarters until your application is withdrawn. An approved application is valid for one year.
If you do not receive a passing score on the exam, you will receive a report from the committee chair advising you of your areas of weakness. You can be re-examined by scheduling the exam within three years and paying a small re-examination fee.
Six Steps to Earning Your CCP Designation
- Carefully read the CCP Information Package, including the application, examination Sections, examination sample questions and suggested reading list.
- Collect the materials you need to complete your application. You will need 500 points out of a total possible 1,100 points in order to qualify to sit for the examination.
The application provides a systematic point method for documenting educational and professional achievement and ongoing industry involvement. While 500 points are required, it is prudent to include all culinary achievements whenever possible. Try to qualify with documented points where possible. We understand that sometimes the documentation is difficult to obtain, but use undocumented points only where absolutely necessary. Credit for undocumented points is at the discretion of the committee. When applying with undocumented experiences please include as much information as possible. You can be assured that all information you provide is kept strictly confidential.
- Complete the application form and forward it, with the necessary fee, to IACP headquarters. Your application should be received at least two months prior to the date that you wish to sit for the exam unless special arrangements have been made. An approved application is valid for one year.
- Prepare for the examination by studying and becoming familiar with the books included in the suggested reading list. Many of the exam questions are taken directly from these sources. You should also attend the CCP exam review session, which is scheduled during each annual conference.
- Complete the CCP Examination. The exam is always offered during the IACP Annual Conference. In addition, the exam may be offered at any time and in any location where there is a qualified candidate and a CCP available to proctor the exam. Exam questions are based on concepts and practices in the culinary arts. Passing the exam reflects an advanced knowledge of many different aspects of the culinary field. It will not test the specific expert knowledge of any particular segment of the industry. A complete list of subjects covered on the CCP examination can be found on page 17. Examinations are usually identified by number rather than by the candidate's name to assure confidentiality and objectivity. A passing score on the exam is 70%.
- Candidates will be notified in writing of certification. New CCPs will be recognized at the annual conference.
Fees
| Application Fees (exam included) | |
| IACP Member Rate | $150 US |
| Non-Member Rate | $300 US |
| Please remit fee with application. | |
Re-examination fees are $50 US
| Re-certification Fees | |
| IACP Member Rate | $75 US |
| Non-Member Rate | $150 US |
How CCPs Recertify
To maintain certification, a CCP must accumulate professional credits and submit a completed Recertification form four years after the original date of certification. Following that date, recertification is required every three years. Professional credits for recertification can be accumulated in a variety of ways. Individuals actively involved in the industry should have no difficulty maintaining certification. An inactive or retired CCP may request emeritus status under certain circumstances. Please contact member services for more information.
An application for renewal must be completed and forwarded to IACP headquarters by November 15.
- Complete the recertification application, providing specific dates, and detailed information. Please type or print legibly. The Certification Committee will review and evaluate your certification renewal based only upon the information you provide.
- 12 points are necessary to qualify for renewal, with minimum points required for some categories.
- All activities listed in the renewal application must have occurred since the date of your certification (if this is the first renewal) or since your last recertification date.
- Retain a copy of the application for your records.
- Return the completed application with the appropriate renewal fee to IACP headquarters.
For more information, please contact CCP Committee Chair Jim Gallivan, CCP, or IACP Headquarters.
CCP Study Hall
For assistance with your study program, you may email CCP Committee Chair, Jim Gallivan, CCP, who can arrange mentoring support for you.
