Understanding the ChefSeal
What verification tiers mean, how to apply, and how to verify a seal.
5 min readThe ChefSeal is CuliNect's verification system. It tells anyone who reads your CV how much of your claimed history has been independently checked. There are three distinct tiers — they are not ranks or ratings, they are levels of documentation.
The three tiers
Tier I — Claimed
You've filled in your own history. Nothing has been externally verified. Most profiles start here. This is not a bad thing — it just means 'self-reported'.
Tier II — Documented
You've submitted documents (payslips, appointment letters, experience letters) that our reviewers have checked against your stated history. Dates, roles, and establishments have been matched.
Tier III — Verified
Two or more people who worked with you at the listed establishments have independently confirmed your role and the quality of your work. This is the highest level and requires active human verification.
Important: what verification is NOT
CuliNect verification checks that you worked where you say you worked. It does not rate the quality of your cooking, your personality, or your skill level. A Tier III Seal means 'this person's history is independently confirmed' — not 'this is a great chef'.
We will never say a chef is 'Verified' in the sense of being approved or endorsed. The language we use is precise: Documented and Verified refer only to the paper trail, not to talent.
How to apply for a ChefSeal
Complete your work history
Make sure your work history has at least one completed entry with accurate dates and job title.
Open ChefSeal
On web, use the ChefSeal section on your Dashboard. On mobile, open More → ChefSeal.
Submit the available application
Eligible chefs can submit a Tier I request with optional notes for the reviewer. Work-history evidence and references are managed on their own records.
Wait for review
Review is manual. You'll receive a notification when the request is approved or when more information is needed; no fixed turnaround is promised.
Verifying someone else's seal
If you're a recruiter or employer and want to verify a chef's seal, go to culinect.com/verify and enter their Seal number. This is public and free — no account needed.
A seal number is printed on the chef's CV and looks like: CS-2024-000142. Every active seal can be independently verified at any time.
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