Personal Chef Certification (CPC)
In 1996 the United States Personal Chef Association created a certification program with a three-fold purpose:
- To provide a standard by which the public could assess a Personal Chef’s competency.
- To provide the Personal Chef with industry recognition of their professional commitment.
- To establish standards by which the Personal Chef industry could become self-regulated.
The United States Personal Chef Association remains the only association to hold the federally trademarked designation of "Certified Personal Chef" and "CPC". This trademark is an industry endorsement of professional expertise and assures customers of the chef's commitment to excellence. It also demonstrates their committment to the program requirements, standards, and procedures as established by the United States Personal Chef Association. These requirements are updated regularly to reflect, support, and enhance the growth of the Personal Chef industry. Obtaining this designation allows a Personal Chef to join the elite ranks within the industry and demonstrates to potential clients that the chef is the professional they want to hire and invite into their home.
A Certified Personal Chef is a chef with a minimum of two (2) full years experience as a Personal Chef who is engaged in the purchasing, preparing, cooking and serving of food on a "cook-for-hire" basis. They are responsible for menu planning and development, marketing, financial management and operational decisions for their private business. They provide services to a variety of clients; possesses a thorough knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and nutrition and have the work experience, education, business knowledge and culinary group activities and participation required to comply with this certification.
The "CPC" designation was the first certification for Personal Chefs listed in the Federal Government's employee certification database.