Chef Certification vs No Certification: Do Restaurants Even Care?

In this article, we’ll show you how to obtain a certification for a Chef and we’ll list some of the best certification programs you can opt for.

What Is a Certified Chef?

A certified Chef is an individual who has completed a program that verifies their cooking, kitchen management and safety/sanitation skills. While you can become a Chef without culinary school, you’ll have an easier time finding employment with a certification.

A Chef certification acts as a stamp of expertise, showing potential employers that you’re ready to run the kitchen in their restaurant. Validating your skills this way can also translate into a higher salary and help you climb the ladder in the Chef hierarchy.

Once you become a certified Chef and land a job in the role, you’ll be working with other Chefs and the rest of the kitchen staff to deliver tasty dishes to customers and ensure the restaurant turns a profit.

Restaurants typically don’t require you to hold a certification, but it can be a nice addition to your Chef resume. In instances when they do, they’ll put it in their job description for the role of a Chef.

How to Earn a Certification for a Chef?

Earning a Chef certification is a crucial step for culinary professionals looking to enhance their skills, increase their job opportunities and establish credibility in the restaurant industry. A certification not only validates a Chef’s expertise but also boosts earning potential and opens doors to prestigious positions in fine dining restaurants, hotel kitchens and catering businesses. Here’s how you can get there:

Step 1: Complete Culinary Education

The first step to earning Chef certification is meeting the educational requirements. Many certification programs, such as those offered by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and Worldchefs Global Certification, require chefs to complete a formal culinary education.

Enrolling in an accredited culinary arts program or obtaining an associate degree in culinary arts helps develop essential skills in knife techniques, food safety, nutrition and kitchen management. Some Chefs opt for bachelor’s degrees in hospitality management, which provide advanced training in restaurant operations and leadership.

Step 2: Gain Professional Kitchen Experience

Hands-on experience is a critical requirement for Chef certification. Most programs require candidates to accumulate work experience in professional kitchens, with higher-level certifications demanding extensive experience in supervisory roles. For example:

• Certified Culinarian (CC): Entry-level chefs need at least one year of experience.
• Certified Sous Chef (CSC): Requires at least two years in a supervisory role.
• Certified Executive Chef (CEC): Candidates must have five or more years of experience managing a full-service kitchen.

Working in high-end restaurants, hotel kitchens, catering businesses and fast-paced environments allows Chefs to refine their culinary techniques, menu planning skills and leadership abilities.

3. Pass Written and Practical Examinations

Once the educational and experience requirements are met, Chefs must pass certification exams to prove their proficiency. These exams typically include:

• Written Test: Covers topics like food sanitation, nutrition, kitchen safety and business management.
• Practical Exam: Candidates prepare a variety of dishes under strict guidelines, showcasing skills in knife work, plating techniques and flavor balancing.

For example, the Certified Master Chef (CMC) exam, the highest culinary certification offered by the ACF, is known for its intense practical assessment, requiring chefs to excel in multiple cuisines, baking and pastry arts.

4. Obtain Specialized Certifications

Chefs looking to stand out in the industry often pursue specialized certifications, including:

• Certified Pastry Chef (CPC) – Focuses on baking, pastry, and dessert-making skills.
• Certified Personal Chef (CPC) – Ideal for those offering private Chef services.
• Food Safety and Sanitation Certification – Required for compliance with health department regulations.

These additional qualifications increase a Chef’s marketability and help secure jobs in luxury hotels, cruise lines and private dining experiences.

5. Continue Professional Development

Maintaining chef certification requires continuing education to stay updated with industry trends, emerging techniques, and new restaurant technologies. Chefs can enhance their expertise by:

• Attending culinary workshops and masterclasses led by industry experts.
• Earning advanced culinary certifications in sous vide cooking, wine pairing and molecular gastronomy.
• Joining professional organizations like the ACF or Worldchefs for networking and mentorship opportunities.

Why Get a Chef Certification?

Earning a recognized Chef certification provides numerous benefits, including:

• Higher earning potential – Certified chefs earn 20-30% more than non-certified chefs.
• Career advancement – Increases chances of becoming an Executive Chef, Restaurant Owner or Food and Beverage Director.
• International job opportunities – Some certifications, like Worldchefs Global Certification, are recognized worldwide.

By following these steps, aspiring chefs can boost their careers, gain industry recognition and achieve long-term success in the culinary world. Whether pursuing an ACF certification, a hospitality management degree, or a pastry arts specialization, investing in professional development is essential for standing out in the competitive food industry.

Recommended Chef Certifications

To help you earn your certification for a Chef, we compiled a list of ten credentials that individuals looking to become a Chef typically go after.

1. Certified Culinarian (CC)

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) offers a Certified Culinarian program that validates knowledge of both Cooks and Chefs and makes them more valuable candidates for hiring and promotion.

To become eligible for this certification, you need to have a minimum of two years of work experience as an entry-level culinarian. Additionally, you need to complete at least three 30-hour online courses in nutrition, food safety, sanitation and supervisory management through ACF-approved providers.

• Cost: $490 ($250 for ACF members)
• Visit the official ACF website to apply.

2. Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP)

The Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP) certification, offered by the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM), is one of the most common programs Chefs in the U.S. opt for. It teaches standards regarding food preparation and service, which is crucial for working in a kitchen environment.

To earn this certification, you need to complete 35 credits of foodservice experience and pass an online exam. NAFEM provides all the necessary study materials online.

• Cost: $775
• Visit the official NAFEM website to apply.

3. Certified Executive Chef (CEC)

Another Chef certification from the ACF you can obtain is its Certified Executive Chef (CEC) credential. It’s specifically designed for those operating in the Executive Chef role and are heads of their departments.

To earn this certification, you must have at least five years of experience in managing a team of at least five full-time kitchen staff members. In addition, you need to complete five 30-hour ACF-approved courses on different topics.

• Cost: $490 ($250 for ACF members)
• Visit the official ACF website to apply.

4. Certified Professional – Food Safety (CP-FS)

The Certified Professional – Food Safety (CP-FS) certification is a program designed by the National Environmental Health Association (NEFA) for anyone working in the food sector. It teaches all the necessary skills for safe food service in any retail environment.

To become eligible for this certification you need either a Bachelor’s degree in any subject or a high school diploma/GED paired with another food safety training program.

• Cost: $515 ($370 for NEFA members)
• Visit the official NEFA website to apply.

5. Master Certified Food Executive (MCFE)

Another popular certification for Chefs is the Master Certified Food Executive (MCFE). It’s offered by the International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA) and is the most advanced certification they offer. It serves as proof that you’re highly knowledgeable in nutrition, food safety/sanitation and supervisory management.

IFSEA requires no previous experience to apply for this course. Its stance is that certifications and experience are two sides of the coin and potential culinary employees don’t need to have both to work in the industry.

• Cost: $299
• Visit the official IFSEA website to apply.

6. Certified Sous Chef (CSC)

The ACF offers separate certification programs for all Chef positions, so it’s no surprise it has a third course on this list. Its Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential aims to prepare you for the role of Sous Chef and assisting a Head or Executive Chef.

The mandatory requirements for this Sous Chef certification include two years of experience supervising a shift or food station and completing three 30-hour courses approved by the ACF.

• Cost: $490 ($250 for ACF members)
• Visit the official ACF website to apply.

7. Certified Personal Chef (CPC)

The United States Personal Chef Association (USPCA) designed this program specifically for Personal Chefs who work with individual clients. In addition to food preparation, the program aims to teach you menu planning, financial management, marketing and decision-making.

It requires at least two years of experience as a Personal Chef since the aim is to show potential clients that they’re hiring an individual who has already proven they can deliver top-quality food service.

• Cost: $400 (for USPCA membership)
• Visit the official USPCA website to apply.

8. Certified Working Pastry Chef (CWPC)

Another ACF certification we had to include in this list is the Certified Working Pastry Chef (CWPC). This credential proves you’re knowledgeable in pastry-making and managing a kitchen team.

To be eligible for the program you need at least five years of experience in an entry-level pastry position and managing at least two full-time employees. Additionally, you need to complete the required ACT-approved courses.

• Cost: $490 ($250 for ACF members)
• Visit the official ACF website to apply.

9. Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC)

This certification program from the ACF specializes in the role of a Chef de Cuisine (typically Head or Executive Chef) who supervises the rest of the kitchen staff during food preparation. To be eligible for the Certified Chef de Cuisine certification, you need to have three years of experience supervising a shift or station.

Like other ACF programs, it also requires you to complete courses approved by the institution.

• Cost: $490 ($259 for ACF members)
• Visit the official ACF website to apply.

10. Food Safety Manager

The Food Safety Manager certification from the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP) is designed to verify your knowledge in keeping customers safe from foodborne illnesses.

This certification program has no requirements. To pass it, you need to take a live, in-person exam in front of an NRFSP proctor.

• Price: $35.99
• Visit the official NRFSP website to apply.

Benefits of Chef Certification

Obtaining a chef certification offers several advantages:

• Career Advancement: Certifications can make Chefs more valuable candidates for hiring and promotion, potentially leading to increased salary.
• Skill Validation: Certifications validate a chef’s skills and knowledge, demonstrating proficiency in culinary techniques and management.
• Networking Opportunities: Becoming certified often involves joining professional organizations, providing access to a network of industry professionals.
• Continued Education: Many certification programs require ongoing education, encouraging chefs to stay updated with industry trends and advancements.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, a Chef certification isn’t a golden ticket — but it can change your life. So, if you’re looking to boost credibility, increase job opportunities and stand out in the industry, getting certified is a smart move. However, if you have strong experience, industry connections and exceptional skills, you may not need it to land a great role.