Continuing Education

Professional development through continuing education is key to RCA’s mission of supporting practitioners of Culinology® throughout their career.
 Two chefs demonstrating a culinary technique in a kitchen

 


Earn Contact Hours at the RCA Conference and Beyond

By attending the RCA Annual Conference & Culinology Expo, you will earn contact hours toward your CRC or CCS certification. Attending pre-conference programs held in conjunction with the RCA Conference provide additional contact hours.

If you are attending other conferences or conventions, you may be able to receive up to five contact hours if the event meets the required criteria for certification renewal:

  1. Associated with a nationally recognized professional organization
  2. Related in content or of relevance to Culinology® (i.e., the fields of food science, culinary arts, and product development)
  3. At least three days in length and offer educational sessions during a minimum of five hours in the three-day period

Acceptable documentation of conference attendance will be either an acknowledgement of registration for the conference or a copy of the individual’s conference badge.

Contact hours earned through conference attendance can account for no more than one-half of the required certification renewal contact hours.

Use the button below to learn more about the CRC and CCS renewal guidelines.

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Regional Events & Webinars

In an effort to provide members and the food R&D industry with relevant, fun and educational offerings year-round, RCA offers regional events and webinars.

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  Participants in a virtual event for chefs

Certification

logos for the Certified Research Chef and Certified Culinary Scientist programs
RCA certifies qualified professionals through the Certified Research Chef (CRC®) and Certified Culinary Scientist (CCS®) programs.

In today’s complex food industry, companies are seeking employees who can offer that competitive edge through experience and proven competencies in both culinary arts and food science. Through our certification program, RCA provides the food industry with today’s most valuable, sought-after product developers who excel in the practice of Culinology® — the blending of culinary arts and food science.

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Scholarship
Opportunities
RCA and the Culinology Scholarship Foundation promote education through scholarship programs.

Valuing the importance of education, the Culinology Scholarship Foundation strives to provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships to assist qualified students and professionals pursuing higher learning and continuing education opportunities in Culinology, culinary arts and food science.

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Culinology Workshops
& Courses

Do you have a workshop to be featured by RCA? Email RCA with the course information. 
RCA members receive the best rates for Culinology Workshops presented by Golden Food Science.

Online classes presented by Golden Food Science are designed to futher your expertise and prepare you for the Certified Research Chef (CRC) and Certified Culinary Scientist (CCS) exams. RCA members receive a sizeable discount on course registration fees.

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Professional Education
& Resources
RCA has partnered with The Butter Book to create a new member benefit

The Butter Book is an award-winning platform delivering the most comprehensive, skill-based, and personalized pastry and baking education available. Designed for chefs, food scientists, students, and foodservice operations, The Butter Book features adaptive and interactive resources that support the practitioners of Culinology with hands-on skill mastery and long-term professional growth.

RCA members can unlock access to the industry’s premier digital baking and pastry learning platform at a special rate of $1,999/year (includes up to 5 seats per account).

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