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.
What degree do you need
Associate’s Degree
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
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.
License and certifications
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
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Related to Chefs and Head Cooks Requirements
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