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  • ProChef® Certification Exams

    Certification at Three Levels

    Though it is imperative to be well-rounded in many aspects of the culinary arts, we have selected several competencies to assess your skills and aptitude. Each ProChef Certification exam tests your culinary experience, leadership qualities, and financial proficiency using a combination of hands-on practicals and written examinations. Upon successful completion of each exam, you will receive certification from The Culinary Institute of America.

    Apply Now

    ProChef Level I Certification Exam

    To achieve ProChef Level I Certification, you must demonstrate proficiency in foundational culinary applications, interpersonal skills, and financial aptitude. Successful candidates must also display a sense of responsibility and dedication in all facets of their work. In addition to written and verbal examinations, the ProChef Level I Certification exam consists of practical testing of the required foundational competencies. Tuition: $1,750

    Written Exams Include: Practical Exams Include:
    Food Costing Knife Skills
    Food Safety Stocks, Soups, and Sauces
    Fundamentals of Nutrition Competency-based Menu Execution
    Weights and Measurement Conversions Demonstration of Food Safety Principles
    Recipe Conversions, Yields, and Culinary Ratios  
    Product Identification  

    Download the Level I study guide > (PDF) Start training now!

    Hyde Park, NY campus

    • ProChef I Exam: No exams currently scheduled (tuition: $1,750)

     San Antonio, TX campus

    • ProChef I Prep: 2023 dates TBD (tuition: $1,750)
    • ProChef I Exam: 2023 dates TBD (tuition: $1,750)

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    ProChef Level II Certification Exam

    ProChef Level II is the intermediate level of certification. Aside from competency in basic food science, baking, and nutrition, you must also demonstrate basic management and supervisory skills as well as an understanding of the basic concepts of financial controls of a food operation. Tuition: $2,000

    Written Exams Include: Practical Exams Include:
    Food Science Baking and Pastry for Chefs
    Mediterranean Cuisine Healthy Cooking and Nutritional Analysis
    Basic Baking and Pastry Garde Manger
    Healthy Cooking Mediterranean Cuisine
    Garde Manger  Ingredient and Equipment Identification
    Management and Employment Laws  
    Financial Analysis  


    Download the Level II study guide > (PDF) Start training now!

    Hyde Park, NY campus

    • ProChef II Exam: No exams currently scheduled

    San Antonio, TX campus 

    • ProChef II Prep: October 16 - 20, 2023 (tuition: $2,000)
    • ProChef II Exam: October 23 - 26, 2023 (tuition: $2,000)

     

    ProChef Level III Certification Exam

    As the top level of ProChef Certification, you must be well versed in a multitude of culinary disciplines and be able to demonstrate strategic application of human resources and financial management to earn ProChef Level III Certification. Tuition: $2,250

    Written Exams Include: Practical Exams Include:
    Asian Cuisine Asian Cuisine
    Latin American Cuisine Latin American Cuisine
    Wine Studies Seasonal Market Basket
    Problem Solving and Personnel Management Wine and Food Pairing
    Financial Skills Personnel Management (Role Playing)
      Financial Management (Case Study)


    Download the Level III study guide
    > (PDF 269) Start training now!

    Hyde Park, NY campus

    • ProChef III Exam: No exams currently scheduled (tuition: $2,250)
  • 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