Menu
  • ProChef® Certification.
    Your Success Credential.

    Challenge yourself and stretch your skills. Make the industry take notice of your expertise. Move your career forward. Whatever your personal and professional goals, ProChef Certification can help you achieve them. Combining hands-on training, an approach to learning that's both stimulating and supportive, and the flexibility to work only on the skills you need to, the ProChef Certification program is perfect for busy foodservice professionals. And when you're done, you'll have not only a valuable new credential—you'll have a whole new outlook on what it means to be a professional chef.

    Apply Now

    The Ultimate Stamp of Approval

    The ProChef Certification program was created by The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the world's premier culinary college to provide hands-on skill validation, recognize professional achievement, and give you the knowledge and credentials to advance your career. Certification from the CIA provides the ultimate stamp of approval.

    Certification at Three Levels

    ProChef Certification acknowledges your proficiency in culinary arts, personnel management, and financial administration at three levels, each supporting a specific stage in your career. After successfully completing each level, you will receive a certificate from the CIA. Which level of ProChef Certification is right for you?

    Advice and Counsel

    As a ProChef program participant, you'll develop a valuable peer relationship with a CIA faculty member. Your ProChef advisor will work with you to develop a custom professional development plan, coach you through the certification process, and offer valuable career insight along the way.

    How to Get Started

    The first step in earning ProChef Certification is to submit an application. As soon as you provide us with your information, our chefs will review your application, begin e-mail correspondence with you, and assign your ProChef advisor. The two of you will begin to collaborate before you even set foot on campus. Once your professional development plan is designed, you're well on your way. Get started now—fill out an application today!

    Study Guide Addendum

    Effective January 1, 2020, all new ProChef® certifications at all levels will require renewal every 2 years. Renewal will require updating of contact information, and presentation of a current resume or CV. The fee will be $45 for the resume review process.

    Renewal reminders will be sent at the end of the 2-year period, and at 30, 60, and 90 days past the end of the 2-year period. Registrations that lapse beyond the 90 days will be automatically revoked and be subject to full recertification. Certifications that were awarded prior to January 1, 2020 will not be subject to re-registration. Download the study guide addendum here.

      

  • IACET logo

    The Culinary Institute of America is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. Read more here.

  • For CIA ProChef® Certification inquiries

    April Goess
    312 Pearl Pkwy, Bldg 3
    San Antonio, TX 78215

    210-554-6452

    April.Goess@culinary.edu