Professional Chef Certificate
- Cost
- $7,971*
Become a skilled chef
Walk into every kitchen with confidence. Build on your professional cook certificate to develop advanced culinary, nutrition and supervision skills. Learn advanced cooking techniques for meat, poultry, seafood and breakfast.
Let your cooking strengths shine!
Our new culinary space opened Fall 2023. Gain real-world experience in a student-managed restaurant, culinary kitchen and multi-purpose kitchen for baking and pastry classes.
What can you do with a certificate as a Professional Chef?
Many CLC graduates have become supervisors and managers months after graduation. The professional chef certificate improves your culinary toolkit, preparing you for higher-level roles in the food service industry, such as:
- lead cook
- supervisor
- chef
Complete this certificate to meet the requirements for the sanitation, nutrition and supervision courses in the American Culinary Federation’s Chefs Certification program.
Highlights
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Career Certificate
Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career. -
Program Length: 1.5 Years
Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years. -
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available
Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college. -
Prairie at Brae Loch
Gain hands-on learning at this student-managed restaurant. -
Stackable Credentials
Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
Career Outlook
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Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
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Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $41,225
- Median
- $63,690
- Senior-Level
- $106,971
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $19.82
- Median
- $30.62
- Senior-Level
- $51.42
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
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Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 13.8%
- Certificate
- 17.24%
- Some college
- 3.45%
- Associate Degree
- 51.72%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 13.79%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.
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Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $30,876
- Median
- $38,492
- Senior-Level
- $51,012
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $14.84
- Median
- $18.50
- Senior-Level
- $24.52
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
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Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 73.08%
- Certificate
- 14.21%
- Some college
- 5.85%
- Associate Degree
- 0.08%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 6.78%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.
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Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $29,260
- Median
- $46,391
- Senior-Level
- $96,441
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $14.06
- Median
- $22.30
- Senior-Level
- $46.36
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
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Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 46.15%
- Certificate
- 38.46%
- Some college
- 3.85%
- Associate Degree
- 11.54%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.
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Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $30,288
- Median
- $39,296
- Senior-Level
- $51,848
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $14.56
- Median
- $18.89
- Senior-Level
- $24.92
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
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Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 62.94%
- Certificate
- 17.56%
- Some college
- 11.21%
- Associate Degree
- 4.77%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 0.87%
- Doctorate
- 2.65%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables.
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Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $30,690
- Median
- $35,992
- Senior-Level
- $49,873
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $14.75
- Median
- $17.30
- Senior-Level
- $23.97
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
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Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 88.38%
- Some college
- 10.69%
- Associate Degree
- 0.93%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.
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Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $33,123
- Median
- $41,554
- Senior-Level
- $67,044
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $15.92
- Median
- $19.97
- Senior-Level
- $32.23
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
-
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 80.94%
- Certificate
- 9.69%
- Some college
- 2.09%
- Associate Degree
- 7.28%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.
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Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
- Entry-Level
- $37,933
- Median
- $57,146
- Senior-Level
- $104,890
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Entry-Level
- $18.23
- Median
- $27.47
- Senior-Level
- $50.42
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
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Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
- High school diploma or less
- 70.56%
- Certificate
- 4.83%
- Some college
- 18.35%
- Associate Degree
- 0.71%
- Bachelor's Degree
- 5.54%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
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Need help?
Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you
- complete the admission process
- choose an academic program
- enroll in first-semester classes
- get access to helpful resources
Recommended Pathway
This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.
*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.
Hospitality and Culinary Management at CLC
Get the bigger picture
A professional chef certificate is just one possible way to study Hospitality and Culinary Management. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.
View the Hospitality and Culinary Management program overview
Frequently asked questions
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The professional chef certificate totals 31 credit hours. Students take an average of 3 semesters to complete this program.
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Both. Due to the nature of the courses for this degree, in-person classes are essential. This provides you with hands-on, immersive culinary training.
We offer most of the Hospitality classes in person. All lab classes are hands-on and in person. Students typically prefer in-person for lecture-only program classes. Several HCM (hospitality and culinary management) classes are available online and in person, such as Introduction to the Hospitality Industry (HCM 110) and Nutrition (HCM 175).
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We offer smaller lab classes of 10-16 students. Lecture-only classes are capped at 24 to 32 students, so you’ll get plenty of personalized attention from your professors. Plus, you’ll have unique opportunities to connect with your classmates.
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Yes, you’ll fit right in. Our student profile is varied. There is a 50/50 split between traditional and non-traditional students pursuing this certificate. Educational backgrounds range from high school diplomas to associate or bachelor’s degrees.
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Develop teamwork and people management skills you can carry into any kitchen. Learn strategies for safe and efficient food production and operations.
Extend your ability to create menus and execute recipes to perfection. For example, in Culinary Principles II (HCM171), students work on an ingredient project. You choose ingredients—such as fresh basil—and research the herb listing, where it’s grown and its uses in cooking.
Experience a mixture of learning strategies, including:
- field trips
- guest speakers
- hands-on labs
- individual and team projects
- in-person lectures
- online discussion boards
- quizzes, exams and tests
- textbook readings and homework
In the hands-on labs, you follow and refine recipes as experienced chefs train you.
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The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.
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