Deliver WOC-certified programmes through your institution. ATC approval is formal, standards-governed, and built for organisations serious about competency-based certification.
WOC Approved Training Center status is open to established training organisations that can meet WOC's programme delivery and quality standards.
Established training providers operating in hospitality, culinary arts, or food safety with the facilities and staff to deliver WOC-approved programmes.
Hospitality schools, vocational institutes, and culinary academies with qualified trainers and assessors and appropriate practical learning environments.
Hotels, hospitality groups, and industry bodies with the capacity to deliver structured training and meet WOC facility, staffing, and quality standards.
Authority to deliver WOC-certified programmes
Approved centers are the only organisations authorised to deliver WOC programmes and enter candidates for WOC certification.
Access to WOC assessment and certification system
Full access to the WOC candidate registration system, assessment tools, programme frameworks, and marking guidance.
Candidates receive publicly verifiable certificates
Every candidate who completes a WOC programme receives a certificate with a unique ID, verifiable at worldofcertifications.org/verify by any employer or institution.
WOC quality assurance support and audit framework
Access to WOC quality staff for standards guidance. External Verifiers are provided by WOC — centers do not source their own. Audit feedback serves as a structured quality improvement mechanism.
ATC listing on worldofcertifications.org
Approved centers are listed in the WOC public center register, providing visibility to candidates and employers seeking WOC-certified programmes.
The application process follows seven steps. Each must be completed satisfactorily before proceeding to the next.
Complete and submit the WOC ATC Application Form (WOC-FORM-001) including your organisation name, country, proposed programmes, key personnel, and a brief description of your facilities. WOC will respond within 5 working days.
WOC reviews your application against the ATC Standards Framework. This includes staff CVs, facility specifications, and organisational policies. You may be asked to provide additional evidence at this stage.
WOC assesses whether your facilities, equipment, and resources meet programme delivery requirements. Kitchen facilities, storage, classroom space, and practical areas are reviewed against WOC standards.
Staff credentials are checked and approved by WOC. Trainers and assessors must hold relevant occupational qualifications and demonstrate assessor competence appropriate to the programmes to be delivered.
WOC issues a formal approval decision based on all evidence gathered. You are informed of the outcome and any conditions that must be met prior to final approval being granted.
On approval, the ATC Agreement is signed by both parties. The agreement governs all aspects of the delivery relationship, defines obligations, audit rights, and termination conditions.
Your center receives its unique ATC ID (WOC-ATC-[CC]-[NNNN]) and system access. You are listed in the WOC center register and authorised to begin delivering approved programmes.
Application and approval fees are currently under review for pilot partner institutions. WOC is working with its initial cohort of Approved Training Centers to establish a fee structure that reflects the cost of the approval and quality assurance process. Contact WOC directly for current information relevant to your enquiry.
From completed application to final approval decision, the process typically takes 6–12 weeks. This includes document review, facility assessment, and agreement preparation. Timescales may vary depending on the complexity of the application and the availability of WOC review staff in your region.
ATC approval is granted per programme. A center approved to deliver FCS1 (Foundation Certificate in Culinary Arts) is not automatically approved to deliver food safety programmes. Each programme requires a separate review of facilities, staff qualifications, and delivery capacity. Many centers begin with one programme and expand as they demonstrate consistent quality.
Approved Training Centers receive access to the full WOC programme framework, assessment instruments, marking guidance, and candidate registration systems. WOC quality staff are available for standards guidance. External Verifiers are provided by WOC — centers do not source their own. Annual audit feedback also serves as a structured quality improvement mechanism.
No. WOC does not require centers to operate exclusively under WOC. Centers may deliver programmes from other organisations simultaneously. However, WOC programmes and the WOC ATC designation must not be used in marketing for programmes that are not WOC-approved. The ATC Agreement is specific to WOC-registered programmes.
A center that does not meet the required standard at audit enters a formal Improvement Plan specifying the areas requiring improvement, actions required, responsible persons, and a target date. A re-audit is scheduled within 3 months. If the improvement plan is not satisfactorily completed, WOC may suspend or withdraw center approval — a decision that is formally communicated and subject to the WOC Appeals process.
Complete the form below and WOC will respond within 5 working days with next steps and the ATC Application Pack.
Read the full center requirements or explore how WOC certification works.