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Cooking Instructors

Certification, Licensing, and Special Requirements

Certification and Licensing

The American Culinary Federation offers the certified secondary culinary educator and certified culinary educator designations. In addition to educational and experience requirements, candidates must also pass written and practical tests for each certification. The federation also offers a variety of certification categories for chefs. Certification for cooks and chefs is also provided by the International Association of Culinary Professionals, Research Chefs Association, and the United States Personal Chef Association. Certification is recommended as a way to enhance your professional standing and advance your career.

Public middle and high school teachers must be licensed under regulations established by the department of education of the state in which they teach. Not all states require licensure for teachers in private or parochial schools.