The ACF accreditation is based on a variety of factors including quality of curriculum, instruction, student success, administration of the program and student service. As part of Southwestern, OCCI already enjoys institutional accreditation with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities but this program accreditation is a feather in the cap of the OCCI Culinary Arts program by showing its value in providing practical skills and training beneficial to both future Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts professionals.
Upon graduation, completing the application and gathering the proper documentation; students will become Certified Culinarians or Certified Pastry Chefs. For information on becoming a Certified Culinarian, or Certified Pastry Chef, visit the American Culinary Federation Membership/Certification page to download the forms.
The Culinary Arts Degree Program was originally granted program accreditation through the American Culinary Federation, (ACF) in 2007 and the Baking and Pastry Degree Program in 2009. American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC) program accreditation is a process of self-review and demonstrates "that a program is meeting at least a minimum of standards and competencies set for faculty, curriculum and student services".