Duff Goldman, Owner, Charm City Cakes and star of “Ace of Cakes” on the Food Network.
See your own star rise! Join now and share your passion for catering, design, events, and excellence.
Gain recognition, additional career opportunities, and expand your knowledge base through the NACE professional certification program.
To the left, Terry Shields, CPCE, CSEP, accepts his certification plaque from Gayle Skelton, CPCE, in Houston, Texas during the NACE 2007 Educational Conference.
Professional Certification
NACE encourages the professional development of caterers and event specialists through voluntary participation in its certification program. Achievement of the Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE) designation demonstrates expertise in catering earned by taking a comprehensive examination that covers the seven core competencies of the catering and event management industry.
The goals of the CPCE program are to:
- Establish a nationally recognized standard of competence in catering.
- Promote professional commitment to excellence in catering.
- Endorse active participation in educational offerings that support the continued competency of Certified Professional Catering Executives.
- Aid employers in identifying qualified catering personnel.
- Enhance the professional image of the catering executive.
- Provide a sense of personal achievement for the advancement of one’s career.
- Download the CPCE Application Form (Word format).
- View the criteria (PDF format).
- Complete the application and return with registration fees to NACE.
- Upon your application’s approval, you will receive the Certified Professional Catering Executive Study Guide*. The study guide includes all the material you need to know to become an expert in the seven core competencies of the CPCE exam:
Accounting
* In addition to the study guide, candidates must purchase the ServeSafe Coursebook available through www.amazon.com or www.servsafe.com.
Beverage Management
Catering Services
Contracts and Agreements
Event Management
Food Production
Sales and Marketing
- Candidates have one year from their application's acceptance to sit for the exam.
Future Exam Dates
- June 28, 2009 - Houston, TX
- July 26, 2009 - Charlotte, NC
Recertification Update
We are now working to update our recertification process. While the Certification Committee revises the application, the certification will be extended for individuals slated to recertify from 2007-2009. For further information, please contact Cara Smith at NACE Headquarters.
Certified Professional Catering Executive Study Guide
The price of the study guide is included in the application fee, however you may purchase the guide separately for $99.
CPCE Fast Track Program
NACE is pleased to offer CPCE candidates, a 7-week web-based training program to assist in preparation for the CPCE exam. Each week, the instructor will review one of the seven CPCE core competencies. Your CPCE application does not have to be approved to participate in the Fast Track. Candidates who complete the entire course receive .7 CEUs towards initial certification.
The trainings are scheduled on Tuesdays from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EST. The sessions are recorded so even if your unable to participate in all the sessions, you can listen to the recordings at your own convenience. Our next series will start on May 12. Complete the registration form today.
Industry certification has been proven to enhance sales, boost careers and supply the knowledge necessary to become a bona fide expert and leader. For any questions about the CPCE exam, contact Cara Smith at 410-290-5410.