Certified Club Culinary Director Application

Becoming a Certified Club Culinary Director (CCCD) through the Club + Resort Chef Association requires a combination of education, certification, and experience. Candidates must complete a comprehensive application and submit supporting documentation, including their resume, professional references, and letters of recommendation.

To achieve CCCD certification, candidates must successfully submit the following criteria:

• A certificate proving the successful completion of one of the following certifications:
  • World Association of Chefs' Societies: Worldchefs Certified Master Chef (WCMC)
  • American Culinary Federation: Certified Master Chef® (CMC)
  • World Association of Chefs Societies: Worldchefs Certified Executive Chef (WCEC)
  • American Culinary Federation: Certified Executive Chef® (CEC)
• A certificate proving the successful completion of the American Culinary Federation's Certified Culinary Administrator® (CCA)
• A certificate proving the successful completion of advanced wine training
• A certificate proving the successful completion of food safety training
• A certificate proving attendance at a Chef to Chef Conference or PlateCraft
• A letter of recommendation written specifically for CCCD certification detailing their character and commitment to culinary and operational excellence written by either a board member, a board of governors, or someone with the following title within a club or resort operation: General Manager, CEO, COO, or CFO.
• A letter of recommendation written specifically for CCCD certification detailing the candidate's proven track record of team management, organizational and coaching skills written by either a GM, CEO, COO, CFO, a member of an educational entity, an ACF Certified Master Chef, or a Worldchefs Certified Master Chef.
• Five of the following electives must be achieved:
  • • Earned a gold or silver medal in a culinary competition sanctioned by the ACF or WACS
    • Competed in the IKA Culinary Olympics, Bocuse D’or, International Catering Cup, Hotelympia (London) or Culinary World Cup
    • Published an industry-related article in a relevant periodical, cookbook, or food industry website
    • Presented at a Chef to Chef Conference or Club + Resort Chef Webinar
    • Competed in the Club + Resort Chef of the Year competition
    • Held the position of Executive Chef at a Platinum Club® for three consecutive years
    • Coached or mentored a ProStart or Skills USA culinary team in preparation for competition
    • Attended at least two culinary continuing education events in the past five years
    • Mentored culinary apprentices, ran an apprenticeship program, or evaluated at an apprentice graduation
    • James Beard Foundation Guest Chef at the Beard House
    • Inducted into the Honorable Order of the Golden Toque
    • Featured Chef of an Escoffier Society, Les Dames d'Escoffier International, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs or American Academy of Chefs Event
    • Member of the American Academy of Chefs
    • Recipient of a Michelin star, four or five stars from Forbes, or four or five diamonds from AAA
    • Recipient of a James Beard Foundation Award
    • Chair of an advisory board for Club + Resort Chef or Club + Resort Business
    • Completed a strategic leadership course
    • Advisory board chair for a culinary school
    • Currently sitting on a foodservice industry steering committee
    • Philanthropic participation in a not-for-profit organization that feeds or nourishes those in need
    • Certified Club Manager (CCM) through the Club Management Association of AmericaSuccessful completion of five electives:

Please verify your name and information and submit the required documentation. Your submission will be reviewed by a panel of your peers and you will receive further correspondence shortly.

CCCD Certification requires renewal every five years.