MESA, Ariz. – The culinary program at East Valley Institute of Technology, Mesa, Ariz., received initial programmatic certification from the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) Accrediting Commission’s Secondary Certification Subcommittee at the Accrediting Commission meeting held at the Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, Fla., July 10.

ACFEF programmatic certification was granted to East Valley Institute of Technology for its culinary-arts program and baking and pastry arts certificate of completion. The certifications will expire June 30, 2017.

“For 25 years, the ACFEF Accrediting Commission has evaluated faculty, curriculum, facilities, student services and administrative capability to ensure that the programs we accredit promote successful student outcomes,” said Rob Hudson, CEC, CCE, AAC, ACFEF Accrediting Commission chair. “We are proud to recognize East Valley Institute of Technology’s programs as ACFEF certified during this milestone year for the commission.”

ACFEF programmatic certification assures that a program is meeting at least a minimum amount of standards and competencies set for faculty, curriculum and student services. Certification ensures that the program follows established standards, has accountability and credibility standards, and maintains a high level of professionalism and up-to-date practices.

Certification by the ACFEF Accrediting Commission Secondary Certification Subcommittee of a program at an institution is voluntary. To receive programmatic certification, a program must first submit a self-study. Then, a two-member team performs an on-site evaluation to validate the information submitted in the self-study, which is compiled into a team report.

Next, the Accrediting Commission Secondary Certification Subcommittee reviews the report, along with the institution’s self-study, and decides if certification will be granted and for how long.

There are currently 156 secondary certified programs in 145 secondary institutions, and 430 postsecondary accredited programs in 231 institutions, accredited by the ACFEF Accrediting Commission Secondary Certification Subcommittee and ACFEF Accrediting Commission worldwide. The ACFEF Accrediting Commission, recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation since 1998, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

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