Membership

Membership Categories

Membership categories are designed to follow your professional culinary career. Choose the designation that best describes you.

Professional Culinarian

A Culinarian with a minimum of three years full-time employment in the culinary profession.

Culinarian

A Culinarian is an individual not involved in the management or supervision of staff, with a minimum of 6 months full time employment. A Culinarian should be pursuing on-the-job training and experience necessary to advance to the membership level of Professional Culinarian. A culinarian membership is subject to a limit of five years.

Student Culinarian

A Student Culinarian is a student or apprentice with less than two years full-time employment, a student enrolled in an accredited postsecondary culinary education program, or a registered apprentice as defined by the ACF apprenticeship training program. A student membership is subject to a limit of four years.

Junior Culinarian

A Junior Culinarian is a high-school student between 16 and 18 years of age.

Associate

An Associate Member is a representative of a group, company or corporation providing products or services to the culinary profession.

Allied

An Allied Member is an individual employed in a field related to the culinary profession (such as dietitians, nutritionists, and restaurant managers or owners).

Property Membership

A Property Membership is an affordable option for companies who wish to enroll their employees. A minimum of six culinary staff must be enrolled to receive a discount. Each employee may join a local chapter or become an ACF national member. More

Culinary Enthusiast

A Culinary Enthusiast Member is an individual that is not employed in a culinary field but has a passion for the culinary arts. Individuals who enjoy cooking, baking, dining at independent restaurants, or who may have their favorite chef on speed dial should join as an Enthusiast.

Military

ACF offers military personnel the benefits of a membership at a reduced price. More

Join Today

  • Take your place in ACF, the only organization promoting the professional image of chefs worldwide through education of culinarians at all levels. Network with renowned chefs, top industry professionals and executives.
  • Big Savings!
    • Up to $200 savings on certification fees
    • Up to $500 savings on registration fees at the ACF regional and national conferences
    • Up to 50% savings on products and services from our Members Advantage Program participants
    • Canada Cutlery has set up a special discount for American Culinary Federation members. Members who purchase products from their website receive 40% off their purchase.
  • Get involved through participation in your local ACF Chapter.
  • Propel your career through Certification.
  • Access ACF’s Career Center. Our web-based service allows job seekers to post résumés and view open positions across the nation.
  • Access the latest trends with National Culinary Review, ACF’s award-winning magazine.
  • Receive up-to-date ACF news in The Culinary Insider, the official biweekly e-newsletter.
  • E-Shop: ACF’s online store with culinary books, textbooks, cookbooks, ACF logo merchandise and more!
  • Competitions: participation in our local, regional or national ACF-sanctioned competitions.
  • Access to the ACF Private Insurance Exchange, with insurance plans for health, dental, vision, pet, and more available to member chefs and their staffs.
  • Gain access to a global network: the World Association of Chefs Societies, or Worldchefs, comprised of 8 million chefs worldwide in 92 countries.

Join Now

ACF National Membership Options

National Dues Current Dated 11-18-21

  • Professional ($245.00)

  • Associate Member ($272.00)

  • Allied Member ($240.00)

  • Culinarian ($136.00)

  • Student Culinarian ($114.00)

  • Junior Culinarian ($80.00) High School Student

  • Military $79 National Member Fee (for ranks E1-E5)

  • Military $131 National Member Fee (for ranks E6 and above)