In order to advance your career in the culinary industry, you are typically expected to start at the bottom and work your way up through graft, perseverance, and connections. It can be very advantageous to differentiate yourself with specialized training or certifications as the industry becomes more crowded, even though the traditional approach is still highly revered (and frequently demanded). Depending on your focus and end goal, there are various training options, including degrees or diplomas, post-secondary certificates, apprenticeship training, and industry certifications.
Below, you’ll find a list of some of the top culinary certification programs. A nod of approval from one of these recognized experts in the field can help to validate your experience and advance your career, whether you’re a budding chef, restaurateur, or teacher. (For a list of organisations that can connect you with courses, scholarships, and other support, see our Continuing Ed Resource Section. ).
- Certified Foodservice Professional. …
- Master Certified Food Executive. …
- Certified Chef de Cuisine. …
- Certified Personal Chef. …
- Certified Executive Chef. …
- Certified Master Chef. …
- Certified Working Pastry Chef. …
- Certified Sous Chef.
Why earn a certification as a chef?
Obtaining a certification can help your career as a chef in a variety of ways. When looking for work, it may be able to help you distinguish yourself from competitors and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Numerous certifications also come with educational courses in food safety, restaurant management, cooking techniques, nutrition, and personnel management that can help you advance your culinary abilities. Your qualification for leadership positions at work or opportunities for higher pay may be boosted by these certifications.
What certifications are available for chefs?
Many chefs pursue other avenues to advance their professional qualifications in lieu of a college degree. Some people decide to enroll in culinary schools, while others choose to gain work experience and certifications to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities. There are numerous organizations that provide certifications for chefs, and each one has a different set of requirements and programs. Some companies that provide certifications for chefs and the programs they provide are as follows:
American Culinary Federation
One of the biggest organizations for chefs and other food service professionals is the American Culinary Federation. At various levels of expertise, they provide 15 different certifications for chefs. These are the programs they offer:
A high school diploma or GED, a range of continuing education hours, or an associate’s degree in culinary arts are all prerequisites for their programs. Each certification includes a practical and written test, and as the certifications advance, they demand increasing levels of professional experience. Candidates may need to complete additional certifications to be qualified at the highest levels.
International Food Service Executives Association
The IFSEA is a global organization that assists professionals in the hospitality sector with education, certification, and job placement. They provide four certifications that teach candidates how to work with people, keep food safe, manage a kitchen, and perform other foodservice tasks. Each certification requires a proctored exam to complete. According to level of expertise, they provide the following four certifications:
North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers
Manufacturers of food equipment and supplies are represented by the professional association NAFEM. They provide a certification called the Certified Foodservice Professionals Program to aid those in the hospitality industry in acquiring the abilities and information necessary to succeed in their field. Before a candidate is qualified to sit for the CFSP exam, they must have 35 credits of foodservice experience.
United States Personal Chef Association
The USPCA is an organization for professional chefs who cook meals for clients on a private basis. In order to help personal chefs gain recognition and demonstrate their expertise to potential clients, they provide a certification called Certified Professional Chef. For the CPC certification, a candidate must have at least two years of experience working as a personal chef before being allowed to sit for the exam.
Culinary Institute of America
A prestigious culinary college that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field of cooking is The Culinary Institute of America. They also offer a certification program for chefs called ProChef. The three levels of the ProChef certification range from entry-level to advanced. Candidates must submit an application that demonstrates their competence and experience in order to obtain these certifications. If the ProChef program accepts your application, you can visit one of the organization’s campuses to take a series of tests that cover all facets of a chef’s job, both written and practical.
How to earn a chef certification
If you’re interested in becoming a certified chef, think about taking these steps:
1. Consider your plans
Often, the first step in obtaining a certification is to analyze your plans in order to determine which program is best for you. For instance, you could become certified as a pastry chef if you want to specialize in baking and sweets. Consider obtaining a personal chef certification if you want to prepare meals for clients on a private basis. Because some programs require significant time commitments or require travel to attend classes and exams, it’s helpful to take these factors into account.
2. Choose a program
You can research your certification options after determining your requirements to find the one that’s best for you. Visit the websites of each certifying body to review their fees, specifications, materials, and deadlines. You might also think about asking your coworkers for recommendations and finding out if they have any experience with certifications.
3. Determine educational requirements
You can review the program’s requirements after selecting it to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. Many employers demand that candidates have a GED or at least a high school diploma. You might also think about pursuing an associate’s degree in culinary arts, which could improve your knowledge of the fundamentals of cooking and hospitality.
4. Get work experience
Practical experience is one of the requirements for most certifications. Many programs demand that applicants have a certain number of hours of restaurant experience. If you aren’t already employed in the restaurant sector, you might think about looking for a entry-level job in a kitchen to help you hone your fundamental culinary abilities. When you apply for certification, you can mention references who can attest to your restaurant experience.
5. Study for exams
Most of the cooking knowledge needed for some certification exams can be acquired through work experience, but some tests may also cover administration, food safety, restaurant finance, and personnel management. To prepare for these exam sections, it may be useful to learn about the local laws and regulations that are in effect. To broaden your skill set, consider taking local classes in person or online. In addition, a lot of certificate programs provide classes, tutors, and study materials.
6. Complete testing
You can choose a date to take the certification exam once you’re ready. You must take a proctored test for many certifications, and some of them happen in particular places. To learn more about the test site and procedures, get in touch with the accrediting body. Make travel arrangements well in advance of the test date if there is a requirement for travel.
Please be aware that none of the businesses mentioned above are actually
How to Become a Certified Chef
FAQ
Are there certifications for chefs?
The largest American professional association for chefs and cooks is called the American Culinary Federation (ACF). Depending on a person’s level of experience and expertise, it provides an extensive hierarchy of certification levels.
What is the highest certification for chef?
The American Culinary Federation offers three levels of certification, with Certified Master Chef being the highest and most difficult. The American Culinary Federation (ACF) offers a level of certification known as Certified Master Chef, or “CMC.”
How do you get recognized as a chef?
- Obtain a relevant school qualification, e. g GSCE or A Level certification.
- Join a professional culinary school.
- Pass your culinary school exams and earn a professional qualification.
- Obtain work experience in a professional kitchen.
- Find a full-time job in a top restaurant.
What is an ACF certificate?
The ACF certification program, which offers 15 certification levels, is the most thorough certification program for chefs. Culinarians receive certification based on their training, work history, and passing scores on written and practical tests.
