How to Become a Certified Chef

Video Transcript

"Chefs conceptualize, help prepare and insure quality presentation from everything, appetizers to deserts. Chefs also oversee all kitchen operations including the work of other food service workers. Chefs can find employment in restaurants and other food service establishments. Now there are five basic steps to becoming a certified chef. Step number one, get your high school diploma. Acquiring a high school diploma is absolutely necessary for anyone who wants to pursue a more advanced cooking position such as that of a chef. Many of your high schools will offer courses in basic food safety, food handling and cooking. Step number two, enroll in a vocational training program. Undertaking a program designed to impart knowledge with regards to food sanitation, nutrition and basic cooking methods is the perspective chef's next step. You may also find that there are restaurants and hotels that offer their own training programs. Step number three, on the job training, there is not any better experience that you can glean then by working in an entry level position as a food preparation worker or a short order chef. Aspiring chefs can learn much by working in restaurants under the tutelage of a mentor. Step number four, consider culinary school. For those chefs who seek employment in fine dining establishments a more formal training is necessary. Culinary degree programs offer students a significant hands on kitchen experience as well as training in menu planning and portion control. Step number five get your certification. Now the American Culinary Federation offers various chef certification levels. Certification standards are based on training and experience and although certification isn't required it is a sign of accomplishment and can well afford you some advancement in the future and those are the five basic steps to becoming a certified chef."