Renew Your RCA Certification

If you achieved the highly sought-after Certified Research Chef™ or Certified Culinary Scientist™ credential, congratulations!

Don't forget that CRC® and CCS® credentials must be renewed every five years. Now, more than ever, companies recognize the value of RCA certifications and are supporting their employees in maintaining their credentials through professional development and recertification.

CRC and CCS logos

Requirements

Renewal requires at least 75 hours collectively from continuing education or professional contributions from the date of the most recent certification (five-year period). Documentation of all continuing education and professional contribution contact hours must be submitted with your renewal application. Please review the Certification Renewal Guidelines for required contact hours and acceptable documentation.

After the fifth year, certification will be considered expired. During the first three years after the certification lapses, it may be renewed with a variable fee penalty and a pro-rated number of RCA contact hours required. After year eight, the certification is non-renewable and individuals must begin the initial certification process anew, submit a new initial certification application, and pass the current version of the certification exam.