Validating Your Career as a Chef and Taking it to the Next Level

Copyright (c) 2013 Eli Gali

As a chef in the restaurant world, one has to constantly improve his skills in order to allow the industry to take notice of one's expertise. While experience helps, getting certifications can catapult a chef into rare company. For a chef, the ProChef Certification program can be a perfect way to challenge one's self in the culinary world and further his career.

The ProChef Certification program was created by the Culinary Institute of American (CIA). The CIA allows chefs to validate their skills by participating in their many programs. All chefs, regardless of if they cook at prime steakhouses, seafood restaurants or taco stands, can apply. At the CIA, chefs are recognized for their successes and are given information and certifications to get ahead in the culinary world. However, obtaining the ProChef Certification from the CIA is the ultimate validation for one's career.

There are three levels of the ProChef Certification program. Each recognizes the chef's knowledge in culinary arts, management and administration. ProChef Level I is the most basic. Culinary skills needed to pass this exam include:

-Fundamental cooking techniques -Stock, soup and sauce preparation -Basic vegetable and starch accompaniments -Sensible plate accompaniments and menu progression -Basic cold food preparations -Food safety and sanitation principles

A ProChef I should also excel in leadership and financial skills.

A ProChef II Certification is given to those chefs that are competent in basic food science, baking and nutrition. They will also need to show basic management and leadership skills while understanding and implementing food cost control measures.

A ProChef III Certification is the highest level. A chef that attains this certification is well versed in multiple culinary disciplines. He also displays high management skills and is able to plan, manage and forecast various aspects of a restaurant operation, regardless of whether he's running a taco truck or a fine dining restaurant. Culinary disciplines he must know include Asian, Latin American and Caribbean. He must also show other world cuisine culinary techniques and be well versed in wine and food pairings. Leadership skills from a ProChef III include being adept at conflict resolution, interviews, organizational charts and preparations. He will also be able to budget and project timeline preparations and be able to adjust his inventory based on food costs.

Becoming a ProChef III makes the chef part of a very exclusive club. Currently, there are only 98 ProChef 3s in the United States.

Applying to start the process of getting one's ProChef certification can be done at the CIA website. Self assessments and courses found on the website can help chefs determine where they are, as well as preparing for the exams. Chefs who feel comfortable taking Level I or II certifications exams can do so from the start.

A ProChef Certification can be a valuable credential that not only gives the chef the validation he needs, but one that allows him to take his career to the next level.

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