How to Pick a Culinary Trade School

When pursuing a career in the culinary arts, you want to look for the right culinary trade school for you. You want a good school that provides the proper training and allows you to find a good position within the food and restaurant industry.

Instructions

1. Compile a listing of culinary trade schools in your area. You can use the directory on Trade-Schools.net to find local culinary programs. Select your state and compile a list of culinary trade schools.

2. Look at the different culinary programs offered by the culinary trade school. If you're looking for a certain type of program, this may affect your decision. Popular programs include baking and pastry, hospitality, culinary management and bar tending.

3. Find out the accreditation that the school carries. If you want to obtain a good position following graduation, find out your potential school's accreditation. Look for accreditations from the U.S. Department of Education, such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology, and the American Culinary Federation Accrediting Commission.

4. Learn about the externships provided by the culinary trade school. You'll want to learn about placement in restaurants and hotels as part of your learning process.

5. Research the length of schooling required for a degree. Before you pick a culinary trade school, find out how long you'll need to attend classes before receiving a culinary arts degree. On average, you'll need to attend one to two years.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're looking for a bachelor's degree in the culinary arts, you'll need to pick a school that offers a four-year program.