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Best culinary chef certifications
The best certifications for a culinary chef are Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA), Certified Food Manager (CFM), and Certified Executive Chef (CEC).
Culinary chef certifications demonstrate your competency as a culinary chef to employers. However, not all culinary chef certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best culinary chef certifications. Obtaining a culinary chef certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
4 best certifications for culinary chefs
| Rank | Culinary chef certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA) | ACF |
| 2 | Certified Food Manager (CFM) | IFSEA, MCFE |
| 3 | Certified Executive Chef (CEC) | ACF |
| 4 | Certified Master Chef (CMC) | ACF |
4 best culinary chef certifications
1. Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA)
This certification is for an executive level chef who is responsible for the administrative functions of running a professional food service operation. This culinary professional must demonstrate proficiency in culinary knowledge, human resources, operational management and business planning skills. This position supervises at least 10 fulltime equivalent employees and reports directly to the owner, general manager or corporate office.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
2. Certified Food Manager (CFM)
These certifications test beyond culinary skills, but rather, focus on the skills needed for the food service professional seeking a management and executive career. These certifications test your knowledge from basic cooking to menu design, management, human resources, accounting and marketing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
3. Certified Executive Chef (CEC)
A chef who is the department head usually responsible for all culinary units in a restaurant, hotel, club, hospital or foodservice establishment, or the owner of a foodservice operation. A CEC must supervise a minimum of five full-time employees and pass a practical exam in front of peers.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
4. Certified Master Chef (CMC)
The consummate chef. A CMC possesses the highest degree of professional culinary knowledge, skill and mastery of cooking techniques.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
What is the best certification for a culinary chef?
The best culinary chef certification is Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA). The Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA) is awarded by the American Culinary Federation, Inc. this certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this culinary chef certification:
- To become a certified Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for culinary chefs?
The most in-demand culinary chef certification is Certified Executive Chef based on all active job postings. Having this culinary chef certification will give you access to more culinary chef jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of culinary chef certifications include: Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA), Certified Food Manager (CFM), and Certified Executive Chef (CEC).
Online courses for culinary chefs to earn certifications
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Cooking is one of the most powerful ways in which we can optimize our enjoyment of great quality food while protecting our health. Even on a tight budget, cooking can be a cost-effective, joyful and rewarding way to love the food that will love us back for a lifetime. In this course, you’ll learn some basic recipes from a home cook and two professional chefs who prioritize healthful eating. You’ll also learn some of the fundamentals of principle-based cooking that can help you break free from...
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The food safety course will help prepare you for safely working in a kitchen and food handler tests like Servesafe...
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The Highfield Food Safety Level 3 syllabus presented in two hours of video tutorials. Boost your food safety knowledge...
4. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System
Understand the requirements for a food safety management system applicable for any organization in the food chain...
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Standards, analysis, control points, and risk management related to ISO 22000 for food industry professionals...
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Impress management or get that job with you your ability to display life and dollar saving work place safety practices...
7. OSHA Workplace Safety (General Industry 6 Hr Class)
Learn the requirements and standards associated with OSHA and workplace safety. Safety best practices for the workplace...
8. OSHA Safety Training: Conducting Safety Meetings
A Brief Safety Management Course for Current and Aspiring Safety Professionals...
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Become an expert in Fire Safety, Fire Hazards Control, Fire Evacuation Plans, and Fire Risk Assessment...
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Basic Fire Safety Awareness - Your Gateway towards Career in Fire Safety...
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OSHA's General, Construction, and Maritime Industries Hazard Prevention and Safety Standard...
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How to implement and audit a health & safety management system and obtain certification to OHSAS 18001 Standard...
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Learn how the main process equipment such as chemical reactors , pumps , compressors & heat exchangers are controlled...
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Workplace Health and Safety Course For Employees & Managers...
15. NEBOSH health and safety Management System
It Shows the Start point to Build your Health & safety Career and how to Join the field and becoming HSE Specialist...
16. Fire Safety and Prevention Planning
Become an expert in understanding Fire Safety and Prevention Planning for your workplaces and organizations...
17. OSHA Safety Training: Heat Stress Management
A Workplace Safety Management Course for Current and Future Safety Professionals...
18. Cook Real Food: How to Make Simple Plant-Based Meals
Learn how to cook whole plant foods to make quick, easy, and healthy vegan meals for practical everyday eating...
19. Blockchain applications in Food Safety, Healthcare & Pharma
Best course to learn about Blockchain Business Applications in Pharma, Food Safety, Healthcare and Insurance Industries...
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A quick yet detailed certification in OSHA safety with a focus on Trenching, Excavation, & Soil Mechanics...