How to Become a Chef

Quick Answer: To become a professional chef, complete a culinary arts program at a trade school or culinary institute (6 months for a certificate, 2 years for an associate degree) or train through a kitchen apprenticeship. After completing your program, gain experience working through kitchen positions from line cook up. No license is required, but certifications like the ACF Certified Culinarian credential can help advance your career.

What does a Chef do?

Chefs and head cooks direct food preparation in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and other establishments. They create menus, manage kitchen staff, and ensure every dish meets quality standards. Beyond cooking, chefs handle purchasing, food costs, kitchen safety, and staff training - making this role equal parts creative and managerial.

Daily Responsibilities

• Plan menus, determine serving sizes, and price menu items
• Direct the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, and other foods
• Inspect supplies, equipment, and kitchen work areas for cleanliness and safety
• Determine production schedules and staff requirements for each shift
• Order food supplies and kitchen equipment, managing inventory and vendor relationships
• Hire, train, and supervise kitchen staff including line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers
• Monitor food plating and presentation to ensure consistency
• Ensure compliance with health and food safety regulations

Work Environments

• Fine Dining Restaurants - Upscale establishments with complex tasting menus and plated courses
• Hotels and Resorts - Managing multiple outlets, banquets, and room service operations
• Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants - High-volume kitchens with streamlined menus
• Hospitals and Healthcare - Preparing meals that meet dietary restrictions and nutritional requirements
• Catering Companies - Off-site event food preparation for weddings, corporate events, and parties
• Corporate Dining - Managing cafeterias and executive dining rooms for businesses
• Private Chef Services - Cooking for individual clients or families in their homes

Physical and Mental Demands

Kitchen work is physically demanding. You’ll spend 8-12 hours on your feet in a hot, fast-paced environment. The job requires lifting heavy pots and supplies (up to 50 pounds), working around open flames and sharp knives, and maintaining speed during rush periods.

Mentally, chefs must manage multiple dishes cooking simultaneously, coordinate kitchen staff under pressure, and make quick decisions when problems arise. Creativity is essential for developing new dishes and seasonal menus, while math skills help with recipe scaling, food cost calculations, and inventory management.

Personality traits that fit

• Creative - Developing new dishes and flavor combinations
• Leadership-oriented - Managing a kitchen team requires clear communication and decisiveness
• Detail-oriented - Consistency in taste, presentation, and portioning matters
• Calm under pressure - Kitchens get intense during service rushes
• Organized - Mise en place (everything in its place) is a way of life
• Physically resilient - Long hours on your feet in hot conditions

Chef certification types

Unlike electricians or plumbers, chefs don’t need state-issued licenses to cook professionally. However, food safety certification is required in most jurisdictions, and professional certifications from the American Culinary Federation (ACF) can significantly advance your career.

Note: Most states and local health departments require at least one manager-level food safety certified person per kitchen. ServSafe Manager certification is the most widely recognized.

Step-by-step path to becoming a Chef

Step 1: meet basic requirements

Before starting your culinary career, you’ll need:

• Age: At least 16 years old for entry-level positions (18 for most culinary school programs)
• Education: High school diploma or GED (required for culinary school, preferred for kitchen jobs)
• Physical ability: Can stand for long hours, lift 50+ pounds, work in hot environments
• Food handler card: Required in most states before working in a kitchen

Helpful high school courses include home economics, chemistry, math, business, and foreign languages (French and Spanish are especially useful in kitchens).

Step 2: choose your training path

Path A: culinary school (structured training)

Culinary school provides comprehensive training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and food science.

Program options:

• Certificate programs: 6-12 months
• Associate degree: 2 years
• Bachelor’s degree: 4 years

Cost range:

• Community college culinary programs: Tuition varies (see program costs section)
• Private culinary schools: Tuition varies (see program costs section)
• Top-tier programs (CIA, Le Cordon Bleu): Tuition varies (see program costs section)

Benefits:

• Structured curriculum covering fundamentals to advanced techniques
• Access to professional kitchen equipment and facilities
• Networking with industry professionals and classmates
• Externship/internship placements with top restaurants
• ACF certification preparation built into many programs

Path B: apprenticeship (earn while you learn)

Culinary apprenticeships combine paid kitchen work with structured education.

How to find programs:

• American Culinary Federation registered apprenticeships
• Hotel and restaurant company training programs
• Union apprenticeships (UNITE HERE)
• State-registered apprenticeship programs

What to expect:

• 2-3 years (4,000-6,000 hours)
• Start at entry-level wages, increasing with skill development
• Classroom instruction in culinary theory, nutrition, and management
• Rotate through different kitchen stations (garde manger, sautee, grill, pastry)

Pros: Earn while you learn, no student debt, real-world experience from day one

Path C: work your way up (on-the-job training)

Many successful chefs started as dishwashers or prep cooks and learned on the job.

How this path works:

• Start as a prep cook, line cook, or kitchen helper
• Learn techniques from experienced cooks and chefs
• Take on more responsibilities as skills develop
• Supplement with food safety certifications and workshops

Timeline: 5-10+ years to reach head chef without formal training Best for: Those who can’t afford culinary school or prefer learning by doing

Path D: career changer route

Switching to a culinary career from another field? You may have advantages:

• Business experience: Management skills transfer directly to kitchen leadership
• Accelerated programs: Many culinary schools offer intensive programs for career changers
• Age is not a barrier: Many chefs start their culinary careers in their 30s or 40s
• Passion projects: Home cooking experience provides a foundation to build on

Step 3: complete required training

Culinary school curriculum typically covers:

• Knife skills and basic cooking methods (roasting, braising, sauteing, grilling)
• Stocks, sauces, and soups (the foundation of classical cuisine)
• Baking and pastry fundamentals
• Meat and seafood fabrication and cookery
• International cuisines and flavor profiles
• Menu planning and food costing
• Kitchen management and leadership
• Nutrition and dietary accommodations
• Food safety and sanitation (ServSafe preparation)
• Wine and beverage pairing

Progression milestones:

• Month 1-3: Knife skills, basic techniques, kitchen safety, stocks and sauces
• Month 4-6: Proteins, baking fundamentals, international cuisines
• Month 7-12: Advanced techniques, menu development, management skills
• Year 2 (associate degree): Externship, business courses, capstone projects

Step 4: get certified

Food safety certification is essential, and ACF credentials boost your career.

ServSafe Manager Certification:

• Format: 90-question multiple-choice exam
• Content: Foodborne illness prevention, temperature control, sanitation, HACCP principles
• Cost: Check servsafe.com for current pricing
• Valid for: 5 years

ACF Certified Culinarian (CC):

• Format: Written exam + practical cooking test
• Content: Cooking fundamentals, sanitation, nutrition, kitchen management
• Requirements: ACF-approved training or 1 year professional experience
• Cost: Check acfchefs.org for current pricing (includes ACF membership + exam fee)
• Valid for: 5 years (requires continuing education to renew)

How to prepare:

• Study the ServSafe Manager textbook and take practice exams
• Practice fundamental cooking techniques consistently
• Review ACF certification standards and competencies
• Complete an ACF-accredited culinary program (covers exam content)

Step 5: start working

After training and certification, begin building your professional kitchen experience:

1. Apply for line cook or station cook positions at reputable restaurants
2. Accept externship placements offered through your culinary program
3. Work under experienced chefs who can mentor your development
4. Rotate through different stations to build a well-rounded skill set

Step 6: maintain your credentials

Certification maintenance requirements:

• ServSafe Manager: Renew every 5 years by retaking the exam
• ACF Certifications: Renew every 5 years with continuing education credits (30 hours for most levels)
• Food handler cards: Renewal periods vary by state (typically every 2-5 years)

Training Programs

Culinary school programs

Culinary arts certificate and degree programs are available at community colleges, technical schools, and dedicated culinary institutes nationwide. Programs typically include:

• Hands-on cooking practice in professional kitchens (60-70% of program)
• Classroom instruction in food science, nutrition, and management
• ServSafe and ACF certification preparation
• Externship placements with local restaurants and hotels

Apprenticeship Programs

The American Culinary Federation sponsors registered apprenticeship programs nationwide. Contact your local ACF chapter or visit apprenticeship.gov to find culinary apprenticeship opportunities.

Program costs

Financial aid options

Financial aid is available at schools that participate in federal student aid programs. Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility.

• Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395 per year (2026-27 award year) for eligible students
• Federal Student Loans: Subsidized and unsubsidized options available through FAFSA
• State Grants: Many states offer education grants for vocational and technical programs
• Scholarships: Professional associations and schools may offer program-specific scholarships
• Payment Plans: Many schools offer tuition installment plans

Salary and Job Outlook

Salary by Experience Level

Executive chefs at luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants often earn significantly more.

Highest-paying specializations

• Executive Chef (Fine Dining):
• Hotel Executive Chef:
• Corporate Executive Chef:
• Private Chef (High-Net-Worth Clients):
• Food and Beverage Director:

Additional earnings opportunities

• Overtime: Busy seasons, holidays, and special events often require extra hours
• Consulting: Experienced chefs consult on restaurant openings, menu development, and kitchen design
• Teaching: Culinary school instructors can supplement their income through education roles
• Media and Events: Cookbook deals, food festivals, and media appearances supplement income
• Private events: Catering and private dining experiences on days off

Job Outlook

Demand for chefs continues due to:

• Growing restaurant industry and consumer spending on dining out
• Hotel and hospitality sector expansion
• Increased interest in diverse cuisines and specialized dining experiences
• Retirements creating openings in established kitchens
• Growth in catering, meal delivery, and private chef services

Career Advancement

Typical progression:

Prep Cook / Line Cook → Station Chef (Chef de Partie) → Sous Chef → Head Chef / Chef de Cuisine → Executive Chef → Restaurant Owner / Director of Culinary Operations

Valuable Specializations

• Pastry and baking - Desserts, breads, and confections (pastry chef career path)
• Garde manger - Cold kitchen, charcuterie, and food presentation
• Butchery and charcuterie - Whole-animal cookery and cured meats
• Plant-based cuisine - Growing demand for vegan and vegetarian menus
• International cuisines - Japanese, French, Italian, Mexican specializations
• Food science and R&D - Recipe development for food companies

Certifications that increase pay

• ACF Certified Executive Chef (CEC) - Executive-level credential for senior positions
• ACF Certified Master Chef (CMC) - The highest ACF certification, held by fewer than 100 chefs
• Certified Executive Pastry Chef (CEPC) - Specialization in pastry and baking
• Wine certifications (Sommelier, WSET) - Valuable for chef-owners and F&B directors
• HACCP Certification - Required for food manufacturing and institutional kitchens

Pros and Challenges

Advantages

• Creative expression - Design menus, develop recipes, and plate dishes as art
• Strong earning potential - Competitive wages that increase with experience and advancement
• Multiple career paths - Restaurants, hotels, catering, private chef, teaching, media
• Tangible results - See the direct impact of your work every service
• Travel opportunities - Culinary skills are in demand worldwide
• Entrepreneurship - Open your own restaurant, catering company, or food truck
• No college degree required - Skills-based career with multiple entry points

Challenges

• Long, irregular hours - Evenings, weekends, and holidays are standard work times
• Physically demanding - Standing for 8-12 hours in a hot kitchen
• High-pressure environment - Service rushes require speed, accuracy, and composure
• Moderate starting pay - Entry-level kitchen positions pay modestly
• Burnout risk - The pace and hours lead to high turnover in the industry
• Injury risk - Burns, cuts, and repetitive strain injuries are common without proper precautions
• Work-life balance - Social life can suffer when you work while others are dining out

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a chef?

Culinary school certificate programs take 6-12 months. Associate degrees take 2 years, and bachelor’s programs take 4 years. Apprenticeships run 2-3 years. Beyond formal training, most chefs need 3-5 years of professional kitchen experience to reach a head chef or chef de cuisine position.

How much does it cost to become a chef?

Tuition varies by school type and location. See the program costs section above for current figures based on IPEDS data.

Is culinary school worth it?

Culinary school provides structured training, industry connections, and certification preparation that can accelerate your career. However, many successful chefs learned on the job without formal schooling. Culinary school is most valuable if you choose an affordable program, complete an externship at a respected restaurant, and use the networking opportunities to build relationships in the industry.

Can I become a chef without culinary school?

Yes. Many acclaimed chefs are self-taught or learned entirely through on-the-job experience. Start as a prep cook or line cook, work under experienced chefs, and invest in food safety certifications. The trade-off is a longer timeline to reach leadership positions - typically 5-10 years versus 3-5 years with culinary school.

Do chefs make good money?

Yes, especially as you advance. See the salary data above for current BLS figures. Wages increase significantly with experience, specialization, and leadership roles. Executive chefs and private chefs for high-net-worth clients have significant earning potential.

Is being a chef a good career?

Being a chef is a good career if you have genuine passion for food and can handle the physical demands and irregular hours. The career offers creative fulfillment, clear advancement paths, and the potential for entrepreneurship. It is not a good fit if you prioritize a traditional 9-to-5 schedule or prefer low-pressure work environments.

What skills do I need to become a chef?

Key skills include knife proficiency, understanding of cooking techniques and flavor profiles, time management, leadership ability, creativity, math skills for recipe scaling and food costing, stamina for long shifts, and the ability to work well under pressure. Communication skills are essential for managing kitchen teams and working with front-of-house staff.

What certifications do chefs need?

At minimum, you need ServSafe Food Handler or Manager certification - this is required by most health departments. Beyond that, ACF certifications (Certified Culinarian, Certified Sous Chef, Certified Chef de Cuisine, Certified Executive Chef) are voluntary but demonstrate professional competency and can increase your earning potential.

How much do culinary apprentices make?

Culinary apprentice wages vary by location and employer. Wages increase as you progress through the program and demonstrate greater skill. By the end of a 2-3 year apprenticeship, pay approaches entry-level chef rates.

What is the difference between a cook and a chef?

A cook follows established recipes and instructions to prepare food. A chef creates menus, develops recipes, manages kitchen operations, and leads a team of cooks. The title “chef” traditionally implies leadership responsibility - the word comes from the French “chef de cuisine,” meaning “head of the kitchen.”

Am I too old to become a chef?

No. Many people enter the culinary field in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Life experience, business skills, and a mature palate can be advantages. The main considerations are the physical demands of kitchen work and willingness to work irregular hours.

What are the different types of chefs?

The professional kitchen uses a brigade system with specialized roles: Executive Chef (overall leadership), Chef de Cuisine (head of a specific kitchen), Sous Chef (second in command), Chef de Partie/Station Chef (runs one station), Pastry Chef (desserts and baking), Garde Manger (cold preparations), Saucier (sauces and sauteed items), Poissonnier (fish), and Commis (junior cook in training).

How to get started today

1. Start cooking seriously - Practice fundamental techniques at home using professional cookbooks and online resources
2. Get ServSafe certified - Take a food handler or manager course to demonstrate food safety knowledge
3. Research local programs - Compare culinary schools, community college programs, and apprenticeships in your area
4. Get kitchen experience - Apply for prep cook or line cook positions to test the environment and start learning
5. Visit culinary schools - Attend open houses and tour kitchens to find the right program for your goals and budget

Chef Salary by State

Top earners include executive chefs at luxury hotels, fine dining establishments, and private chef services in major metropolitan areas.

Certification and training resources

National resources:

• American Culinary Federation (ACF): acfchefs.org - Certifications, apprenticeships, and career resources
• National Restaurant Association (ServSafe): servsafe.com - Food safety certification
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/chefs-and-head-cooks.htm
• Apprenticeship.gov: apprenticeship.gov - Find registered culinary apprenticeship programs

Professional organizations:

• James Beard Foundation: jamesbeard.org - Scholarships, awards, and industry events
• Research Chefs Association: culinology.org - Food science and culinary arts
• UNITE HERE: unitehere.org - Hospitality workers union

Start your culinary training today

Ready to begin your culinary career? Many programs can have you working in a professional kitchen in 6-12 months. Explore accredited culinary programs in your area: