To pursue a culinary arts career, one must have the right skills and expertise, both of which can be attained through taking appropriate professional courses. Additionally, the right culinary courses and certifications boost one’s profile, helping one progress in their culinary arts career. Today, there are several reputable institutions offering culinary courses and certification. That said, it is important to review the available options and choose one that aligns with one’s skill level and requirements. 

Certifications
Whether one wants to kickstart their career or explore various branches of the culinary field, they can find a certificate program that meets their requirements.

1. Certified Culinarian certification
This is an entry-level certification that chefs are required to hold, as it indicates that they have a basic understanding of food preparation, food safety, and sanitation. The certification is issued by the American Culinary Federation (or the ACF), which is the largest organization of professional chefs in the continent. To enroll in this culinary certificate program, one needs to have either a high school diploma, GED, or 100 Continuing Education Hours (CEH) with at least two years of entry-level experience in the culinary field. Those who hold a Culinary Arts Program Certificate only require one year of field experience, and those who have an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts or have completed the ACFEF Apprenticeship Program require no on-field experience.

To get the certificate at the end of the program, one would need to complete courses on nutrition, food safety, and supervisory management. The fees of this culinary certification are around $250 for the members of the organization and around $500 for others.

2. Certified Foodservice Professional certification
Like the ACF, the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) provides certifications that indicate that the certified professional is well-versed in food preparation as well as food safety. Its certification program, called CFSP, or Certified Foodservice Professional, requires one to hold certain credits of industry experience to enroll. Along with that, one must clear the final exam with a minimum score of 75% to get the certificate. To help one achieve this goal, NAFEM provides required study materials on its online portal.

3. Certified Personal Chef certificate program
This culinary certification course is meant for those who want to become personal chefs, i.e., culinary professionals who work for private clients. The Certified Personal Chef certification course is offered by the United States Personal Chef Association (USPCA). To obtain this certification, one would need to gain at least two full years of experience as a personal chef. Additionally, along with preparing food, they will have to participate in activities such as purchasing, menu preparation, and maintaining food safety, among others.

The AFC offers a similar certification called the Personal Certified Chef. To earn the certification, one must have a minimum of three years of entry-level work experience and one year of experience working full-time as a personal chef. One must also have an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or an equivalent degree. They must have also completed 30 hours each in the fields of nutrition, food safety and sanitation, and business management.

Courses
While certifications help one get the accreditation for beginning or expanding their culinary career, a course often helps them get in-depth knowledge of the field. Like certification programs, one can also find different courses, including degree programs and diplomas, based on their skill level and desired specialization. While shortlisting the best culinary courses and certifications, one should carefully review the eligibility criteria and fees to make an informed choice.

1. Culinary Arts course
This is among the most popular culinary courses designed for those trying to enter the culinary arts field. Several universities and institutes across the country offer this course in different formats. For instance, the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) offers an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts, while the Johnson & Wales University offers a Bachelor of Science degree. While the latter might dive deeper into food sciences, there are several common culinary arts topics that it would cover. For instance, both courses cover the study of different culinary techniques, menu preparation, and food safety. The CIA also offers a Master’s Degree in the field for those who wish to expand their knowledge.

2. Applied Food Studies course
Those interested in understanding the culinary world in detail can consider enrolling in a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Food Studies. This program covers several aspects that impact food consumption and distribution, including sourcing food products (from the farm to the table), policymaking with international bodies, marketing of food products, and more. The course is primarily offered by the Culinary Institute of America.

3. Applied Science in Culinary Arts program
This course primarily focuses on different styles of food preparation, covering both traditional and modern ways of cooking. In this course, one would also get to study cuisines and cooking styles around the world. Several credible institutes, including St. Philip’s College, College of Southern Nevada, and Seattle Central College, offer this course as an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree program. 

4. Plant-based Culinary Arts course
With plant-based food choices becoming increasingly popular, plant-based culinary arts is also becoming a known field. The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts offers several courses in the field, including diploma and foundation courses. Likewise, the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) offers an online certification course in Plant-Based Culinary Arts with a flexible study schedule.