Career Path for a Worldchefs Certified Judge

Worldchefs judging levels were designed by the Culinary Competition Committee (CCC) to advance standards of excellence built on professionalism, leadership, and collaboration. Applicants can progress through the judging levels over the course of their career and culinary competition experience to reflect their commitment and expertise in the field.

LEARNER JUDGES

Rookie / Learner Judge – Qualifying candidates with the necessary endorsements can serve at a Rookie / Learner Judge level. Proof of participation as a Rookie / Learner Judge at Worldchefs Endorsed Competitions can be used as supporting documents in applications for all Worldchefs Certified Judge levels. This level is by-event only; there is no application process. Interested applicants must reach out to the event organizers of a Worldchefs endorsed competition for more information on how to participate.

LEARNER JUDGES

SPONSORED JUDGES

Guest / Sponsored Judge – Qualified chefs recognized as experts from a reputable company or institution can serve as a Guest / Sponsored Judge level. Guest / Sponsored Judges are mentored by a Worldchefs Certified Judge prior to any event. Guest / Sponsor Judges must be with a company sponsoring the competition event. Whether a Guest / Sponsored Judge’s judgement points will be incorporated into the final score is decided by the head juror of the group. This level is by-event only; there is no application process. Interested applicants representing a sponsoring partner of a Worldchefs endorsed event must reach out to the event organizers for more information on how to participate.

SPONSORED JUDGES

REGIONAL JUDGES

REGIONAL JUDGES

Worldchefs Certified Regional Judge – The Worldchefs Certified Regional Judge level is designed for culinary competition jurors with a local scope not just limited to regional areas but also International areas where your language or cuisine may be featured. This is a stepping stone to the next level.

CONTINENTAL JUDGES

Worldchefs Certified Continental Judge – The Worldchefs Certified Continental Judge level represents midlevel culinary professionals with some judging experience, including competitors with silver medal performance and/or a minimum of two years in a high-end restaurant environment. The Worldchefs Certified Continental Judge level has replaced the former B Judge level.

CONTINENTAL JUDGES

INTERNATIONAL JUDGES

INTERNATIONAL JUDGES

Worldchefs Certified International Judge – The Worldchefs Certified International Judge level represents senior-level culinary professionals with advanced judging experience, including competitors with silver medal performance and/or a minimum of five years in a high-end restaurant environment. The Worldchefs Certified International Judge level has replaced the former A Judge level.

HONORARY JUDGES

Worldchefs Honorary / Life Judge – The Worldchefs Honorary / Life Judge level is awarded by the Worldchefs President for outstanding contributions to Worldchefs and competition programs. Recipients must be in good standing as a Worldchefs Certified Judge at any level.
This level is by nomination only; there is no application process.

HONORARY JUDGES

How to APPLY as a Worldchefs Certified Judge

APPLICATION
PROCESS

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1

Make sure you meet the basic requirements below:

• You are required to have an approval letter signed by your National Association’s President. 

• You must be a qualified Chef, Food Service Manager, or a Chef Educator in a culinary school.

• You must have taken part in qualifying Worldchefs Competition Seminar in the last five (5) years.

• You must be able to understand basic English for Continental & International Judge levels.

Step 2

Identify the right Worldchefs Certified Judging level for you:

 • Regional Judge 
 • Continental Judge (formerly B level)
 • International Judge (formerly A level)

Step 3

Attend a Worldchefs Competition Seminar and submit a valid certificate (Validity lasts 5 years) of participation for one of the corresponding judging categories:

• Culinary Arts / Hot Kitchen
• Pastry Arts
• Carving
• Community Kitchen / Military
• Vegan / Plant Based Cuisine

Note: Attending a Competition Seminar does not automatically qualify attendees as Worldchefs Certified Judges. Participating in “Introduction to Competition Standards” seminar is not eligible for inclusion in an application to be a Certified Judge.

Step 4

Provide basic details and upload all the required documents in the online application form. Submit the application for evaluation by the Culinary Competition Committee. 

Note: Only complete applications will be considered 

Approval Letter template can be downloaded by clicking here

The application fee is non-refundable 50 €

Judging license is valid 5 years from taking a competition Seminar and the renewal of the judging license is free of charge.

Renewal of a Worldchefs Certified Judge license

In order to maintain their judging license, Worldchefs Certified Judges are required to attend a Competition Seminar every five (5) years. They will receive a reminder from Worldchefs office one (1) year ahead of expiration. The renewal request is then reviewed by the Culinary Competition Committee.

If you allow your license period to elapse, you will have to start the application procedure again.

INTERESTED IN WORLDCHEFS CREDENTIALS?

Showcase your Judging Credentials

Once you’ve been granted a Worldchefs Certified Judge License, you will receive a Worldchefs Credential; a digital badge that translates qualifications and capabilities into verified skills. Furthermore, each time you judge in a Worldchefs Endorsed Competition, you will be issued event specific digital badges.

Digital badges represent concrete evidence of learning outcomes and achievements, allowing earners to showcase their skills confidently. With secure digital verification, each credential can be verified in real-time, providing the proof needed to build a professional profile to propel opportunities and unlock careers. Digital badges can be easily shared online to social media, linked on a resume, or embedded on a website to showcase your experience.

GENERAL RULES FOR JUDGES

Upcoming Competition Seminars

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