Diplomas and Certificates

For just about all the different kinds of jobs in the culinary field there are diplomas and certificate programs to help you get there.

It’s possible to get into a decent-paying position at a good restaurant with your native skills and talents, but if you don’t have the connections, longevity, or just want to ensure that you can prove that you know your stuff to a potential employer, a diploma or certificate will certainly help.

And, if you aspire to specialty positions in your field, proving that you’ve gained the necessary skills and techniques is easier done if you’ve completed a diploma or certificate program.

The main focus of these credentials is mostly on the technical, practical aspects of the job. These credentials are generally offered for the fundamental elements of working in the culinary field – basic kitchen skills and hospitality, baking and pastry, restaurant management, catering and others. Other certificate programs include overview courses on the different kinds of popular cuisine and offer students the opportunity to improve their existing techniques.

Do you have the basic knife skills to be a line cook or food prep worker? Can you maintain a clean working environment and handle and store food in a manner consistent with the health code? Do you know the difference between baking and broiling? Do you have the basic administrative and customer service skills to keep the kitchen and the dining area running smoothly? A diploma or certificate can answer these questions.

Not all diploma or certificate programs are equal, however, so it’s important to know the details of the program before you sign up. Those just entering the field might want to set themselves up with the program that gives them the most chance to take advantage of the opportunities in the culinary field; those with some experience may not need such an extensive education and might want to take courses that point them towards the specialty they desire. Those just breaking in might want to take programs with plenty of hands-on experience to maximize their beginner skills; those who’ve been working for a while might be able to use their experience in lieu of kitchen or lab hours.

No matter which program you choose, accreditation is an important element you must not overlook. A cheap, quick course that promises you credentials in a few weeks might be too good to be true, but so is the expensive, extensive course if the school does not back it up with accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

A graduate of a certificate or diploma program will be able to work in the entry-level spots in restaurants, cafeterias, cafes, bistros, bakeries, hotel eateries and other outlets. They may also find themselves working more behind the scenes with food distribution companies and kitchen equipment companies, or corporate dining rooms. They may manage the floor or the kitchen of a casual dining establishment, or cater events.

Other occupations a certificate or diploma may give graduates access to include food writer, or food demonstrator, cooking workshop teacher, event coordinator and restaurant publicist.

  • The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division

    The world of tomorrow awaits. The world of fashion, of design, of media. This world is looking for the next generation of talented professionals ready to make an impact with their passion, their talent and their training from the leader in online creative arts education, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division.

    As part of the renowned Art Institutes system of schools, with more than 45 campus locations across the country, we build on more than 85 years of excellence in delivering 27 academic programs designed to help you succeed.

  • Ashworth College

    Ashworth offers respected, affordable online degree programs and expert guidance to help you meet your goals while balancing work and family. Now you can get the precise training you need to become the professional you’ve always wanted to be. And you can go as far as your education takes you.

  • Penn Foster

    Having the right skills is vitally important in today’s super-competitive job market. With online training from Penn Foster Career School, students are assured of learning up-to-date career skills that will prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Students at Penn Foster Career School can get the training they need quickly, conveniently, and affordably.

    Penn Foster is one of the world’s largest and most respected online education providers. Their programs are job focused, and they offer training for employment in the fastest-growing fields in business, technology, health care, and the trades.

  • The Art Institutes

    Why choose an Art Institutes school? That’s truly the central question, isn’t it? The short answer: because we can help you turn your passion and inspiration into a rewarding career. At The Art Institutes schools, we recognize and share your creative passion. You have the inspiration and great ideas; we have the industry-relevant technology and hands-on degrees to help you make it happen in the real world. With schools located across North America, we are America’s Leader in Creative Education. Choose an Art Institutes school and let’s get started.

  • Lincoln Culinary Institute

    Lincoln Culinary Institute is committed to providing each student with one of the most memorable and interesting educational experiences of their lives. We focus on teaching classical cooking techniques and methods with a modern twist. Our instructors teach practical skills in either our brigade-style kitchens, or in our European island-style kitchens.

    By fostering a hands-on teaching environment our students learn interactively through discussion, demonstration and direct contact with chef-instructors, administrators, restaurant owners, industry professionals and chefs and are prepared to enter the fast-paced food service industry upon graduation. By engaging students in the learning process, together we can produce results.

  • Salter College

    Salter College, a private two-year college, offers an enriching balance of liberal arts and professional career education. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of our students through quality education and support services while fostering an environment that inspires academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and an interest in life-long learning and continued higher education.

  • Keiser University

    At Keiser University we are here to help you succeed by providing the professional and academic foundation to meet your educational goals and objectives. Keiser University continues to be a valuable partner to employers, the community, and, above all, a valued choice for students serious about their education and career.

  • Star Career Academy

    Star Career Academy – the career school of choice. What makes us unique, and unlike other trade schools, is the dedication of our staff to provide performance-based occupational training. Students will be prepared for entry-level employment in allied health fields, hotel and restaurant management, cosmetology, or a choice from our professional cooking, culinary, baking or pastry schools. Students gain the knowledge and confidence they need so that they may quickly gain employment and achieve the success they desire. Choose from any of our convenient locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Long Island.

  • Dorsey Schools

    The entire staff of Dorsey Schools strives to prepare men and women for the best possible career opportunities in various fields. We are committed to providing quality career education and positive reinforcement to enable the individual development of self- esteem, self- reliance, discipline and confidence in all graduates, coupled with an obligation to the communities in which they live and work.

  • Branford Hall Career Institute

    Prestigious Branford Hall has been a leader in professional education for four decades. Branford Hall has campuses conveniently located in Branford, Southington and Windsor, Connecticut; Springfield, Massachusetts; and Albany and Bohemia, New York. Students are instructed with state-of-the-art, real-world technologies that today’s employers are seeking.