Are you interesting in learning about the requirements to become a chef? To work as a chef, it is necessary to complete formal career training as well as have a passion for preparing great food. Find out more about what's involved about preparing to work in this rewarding profession.
What are the Requirements to Become a Chef
Meeting the requirements to work as a chef depends greatly on the work environment that most interests you. Just as nurses have many different specialities, chefs may also focus in specific areas. The requirements depend on the type of chef you want to be.
- A commis chef is an apprentice who works in different areas of the kitchen for a certain duration. Working in this position can be a very valuable as a learning experience as the commis works under a speciality chef.
- Executive chefs are leaders responsible for hiring and coordinating staff and preparing food. Professionals working in this capacity are responsible for planning everything necessary to run the kitchen.
- Garde managers are cooks who specialize in preparing and presenting all cold foods, including salads, canapés and cold dressings and sauces, to name a few.
- Pastry chefs specialize in baked goods, desserts and confections. Job duties include ordering ingredients for recipes.
- Personal chefs prepare meals for private households and they may be responsible for purchasing groceries and kitchen supplies, depending on their employer.
- A saucier specializes in making sauces.
- Sous chefs works closely under the executive chef and supervises staff, prepares food and plans activities.
Education and Training
Formal training to become a chef typically takes place in a postsecondary institution, but many students begin taking classes in high school followed by on-the-job experience. Another alternative is to earn a two-year or four-year degree in culinary arts or hospitality. Educational facilities include:
- Armed forces
- Community college
- Culinary arts school
- Independent cooking schools
- Technical school
- Universities or colleges
Educational programs may require students to complete internships or apprenticeships. Some restaurants and hotels offer training and job placement for employees interested in becoming chefs.
Knowledge Base
The requirements to become a chef include an eclectic knowledge base that involves much more than food preparation. Practicing cooking skills is a considerable part of the training but students also learn:
- Care and use of kitchen equipment
- Cutting techniques
- Food storage
- Health regulations
- Inventory and computer accounting
- Management
- Menu planning
- Nutrition
- Portion control
- Purchasing
- Sanitation
- Visual and spatial skills
- Waste control
Job Skills
Skills required to become a professional chef include excellent communication and leadership skills, especially in advanced positions such as executive chef. Other attributes include:
- Ability to multitask
- Ability to stand for long hours
- Creativity
- Discerning sense of smell and taste
- Good memory
- Organization
- Presentational skills
- Sense of timing
- Stress management
- Work well with a team
The ability to cook well is a major facet of working as a chef but it is necessary to handle the stress of working with multiple recipes simultaneously. Many chefs work very long hours and advanced positions require the ability to keep inventory, order ingredients, evaluate food quality and manage staff members. A chef has to have a sharp mind paired with the ability to work quickly.
Many successful chefs learn their most valuable lessons on the job and advanced positions in this field may require many years of experience. A position as a personal chef is ideal for someone who prefers to work independently and at a slower pace.
More Information about Becoming a Chef
Those interested in learning more about the requirements to become a chef can benefit from visiting the American Culinary Federation for certification programs, schools and job listings.
