What qualifications are needed to become a chef?

Answer by  bryama (23)

The single most important qualification to being a chef is a proven history of hands-on experience in a restaurant kitchen. Formal training and schooling is secondary to putting in many hours in a business environment under established chefs and working your way up.

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

A qualification like a college degree isn't required, only to be a good cook. In many places, a food handling certification is required to be a cook or a chef. Chef skills can be acquired from apprenticeship or attending a culinary academy. Taking cooking classes and getting on the job experience can also result in being considered a chef.

Answer by  kak (488)

Short order cooks can be trained on the job. Restaurant chefs and chef management requires atleast an associate degree and completion of a reputable culinary school program.

Answer by  blrVoice (1054)

Basically you need to have great talent in cooking. You should be a creative and have excellent tastebuds. Then finally an apprenticeship for being chef needs to be done.

Answer by  patti (29325)

With all the interest in cooking spawned by the Food Network, more and more culinary schools are popping up all over the US. The community college programs are the best bargain, fyi. There is not, however, any educational or licensing requirement to be a "chef." Plenty of famous chefs had/have no formal education in culinary arts.

Answer by  John (9008)

There are no precise qualifications, other than an ability to cook. Many chefs go to culinary school, and this is very useful both to gain skills and to have proof that you have basic training, but it is not absolutely essential.

Answer by  patti (29325)

The qualifications depend on the employer. Most chefs have a great palate, a thorough understanding of flavor profiles, techniques and the latest trends. While formal education is not required, it does make the candidate competitive, as does experience.