How To Become a Chef and Head Cook

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Chefs and Head Cooks

Chefs and Head Cooks direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

Salary
$58740
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Associate's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality



What degree do you need

Recommended degree level

Associate’s Degree

We did a survey to ask other Chefs and Head Cooks what degree they had when they became a Chef and Head Cook. Here are the results.
Associate’s Degree
44.44%


a Post-Secondary Certificate
22.22%


High School Diploma
11.11%


One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Chefs and Head Cooks or what courses do I need to take.

We also asked Chefs and Head Cooks what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.

Cooking and Related Culinary Arts
Baking and Pastry Arts
Culinary Arts
Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management
Culinary Science or Culinology

A growing number of chefs and head cooks receive formal training at community colleges, technical schools, culinary arts schools, and 4-year colleges. Programs cover all aspects of kitchen work, including menu planning, food sanitation procedures, and purchasing and inventory methods.



How hard is it

Difficulty
Not Too Hard

You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be a Chef and Head Cook. For example, an electrician must complete three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Careers in this difficulty category will usually need 1 or 2 years of on-the-job training and informal training with experienced workers. These careers usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Similar careers include hydroelectric production managers, travel agents, electricians, court reporters, and medical assistants.


Related work experience required
4 to 6 years

4 to 6 years
40.74%


2 to 4 years
33.33%


None
11.11%


Job training
Up to 1 month

Up to 1 month
29.63%


1 to 3 months
29.63%


None
14.81%



License and certifications

Do you need any license or certification
Recommended but not required

Although not required, certification can show competence and lead to advancement and higher pay. The American Culinary Federation certifies Chefs and Head Cooks, in addition to various levels of chefs. Certification standards are based primarily on work-related experience and formal training. Minimum work experience for certification can range from 6 months to 5 years, depending on the level of certification.


Skills required

We asked other Chefs and Head Cooks if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

1. Monitoring what does this mean
2. Speaking what does this mean
3. Coordination what does this mean
4. Social Perceptiveness what does this mean
5. Time Management what does this mean

= Hot in-demand that most employers are looking for


Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Chefs and Head Cooks are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

1. Food Production what does this mean
2. Production and Processing what does this mean
3. Customer and Personal Service what does this mean
4. Education and Training what does this mean
5. Mathematics what does this mean


Learn more about Chefs and Head Cooks

Summary
Job Description
Salary
Requirements (You are here)
Quiz

Related to Chefs and Head Cooks Requirements

Chefs and Head Cooks requirements, how to become Chefs and Head Cooks, degree required to be a Chef and Head Cook, Chefs and Head Cooks license and certifications, majors to be a Chef and Head Cook, is it hard to become a Chef and Head Cook and how long does it take


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