RCA certifies the knowledge, skills, and experience of Culinology® professionals.

RCA's Certified Research Chef™ and Certified Culinary Scientist™ programs provide the food industry with today's most valuable, sought-after product developers.

Those who hold CRC® or CCS® certification are highly regarded in the industry and employed by some of the most respected food companies in the world. In fact, the Research Chefs Association Certification Commission (RCACC) reports that major food companies are frequently requiring certification for their product development employees. These companies encourage their employees to fulfill CRC and CCS eligibility requirements and pursue certification in order to shine as leaders among the competition.

A recent survey conducted by the RCACC produced impressive results. Supervisors, upper management, and HR managers overwhelmingly agree that having an RCA-certified employee on staff:

Enhances product speed to market (78%)

Increases product quality (80%)

Increases team functionality (91%)

Increases their chances of earning a higher salary (71%)

Certified Research
Chef

The CRC designation is available to any qualified culinary professional, including members and non-members of RCA.

CRCs are recognized and acknowledged as being among the most knowledgeable in their field. They are leaders in the food industry and have proven competence in both culinary arts and food product research and development.

This RCA certification verifies the education, work experience, and expertise that the research chef brings to the marketplace.

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Certified Culinary
Scientist

The CCS is available to any qualified food science or technology professional, including members and non-members of RCA.

CCS certification confers a new status on experienced food scientists and technologists who have augmented their training by learning about the culinary arts and who use this knowledge in the development of superior food products.

This RCA certification verifies the education, work experience, and expertise that the culinary scientist brings to the marketplace.

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CRC and CCS
Practice Tests

To help you prepare for certification testing, RCA is pleased to offer a practice exam for the CRC or CCS certification.

This is a great way to understand the exam format — making you even more prepared for the final exam.

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Exam Preparation

RCA provides resources to help prepare for your certification exam.

Professionals have a variety of resources helpful in preparing for the CRC or CCS exam. This includes recommended texts, the exam blueprint, and study guide.

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Schedule Your Remote Proctor Exam

RCA makes it easy to sit for your certification exam.

Once you've fulfilled your certification requirements and have been notified of your application acceptance, you can take your exam virtually using RCA's Remote Proctor program.

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