Exam Blueprint & Study Guide

To align with the transition to internet-based testing, in March 2019 the RCACC updated the exam blueprints for both the CRC® and CCS® exams. RCA follows strict certification practices to create and maintain our certification programs. The practices include many rounds of quality control to ensure that the CRC® and CCS® certification programs represent current and best practices in Culinology. RCA recruited over 40 subject matter experts working in both food science and culinary arts to create, review, test, and set the updated standards for the CRC® and CCS® exam blueprints. 

Download the Study Guide

Exam Process and Policies

• Candidates may take their exam at their home or office using RCA’s Remote Proctor Service. Specific dates and times are scheduled throughout the year, and limited seats are available. Your exam is proctored by an RCA member who monitors your exam via a Zoom video call. Please click here for details and to reserve your seat.
• Testing time is two (2) hours.
• Candidates must provide a laptop, desktop computer or similar tablets upon which the exam can be taken. Exams cannot be taken on smartphones.
• Candidates are responsible for wifi access. It is recommended that the wifi is tested prior to testing begins to avoid technical issues during testing.
• Testing must occur in a private, quiet location with a closed door – i.e., conference room.
• No other applications or websites may be open on the device during testing. All notifications should be turned off. 
• Testing candidates will be identified with a valid photo ID before sitting for the exam.
• No one is allowed to copy or record any test questions either in part or in whole.
• Candidates must hold the test and all those who are taking the test in the strictest of confidence, and will not share any information regarding the test to anyone who may be taking the test in the future.
• There is no talking between candidates taking the exam once the exam begins. Any questions a candidate may have can be quietly addressed to the proctor only.
• At no time will a candidate be allowed to look up a question in a book or the internet to verify whether or not a question was answered correctly during the exam.
• If you leave the virtual meeting during the exam, the exam is forfeited.

• Any violation of these rules will result in the forfeiture of the exam, the exam result and any opportunity to re-take an exam at a future date.

Testing Accommodations

The Research Chef’s Association is committed to ensuring access for all individuals and supports the full intention of the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADAAA).  RCA provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations to individuals with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for testing accommodations both in the United States and abroad. Requests for testing accommodations are inherently individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis.

Exam Retakes

Candidates must wait a minimum of 30 days between exam attempts.   There is a $150 retake fee. 

Contact RCA Certification by email.