Many future chefs begin their training before they even graduate from high school. Many schools offer chef training and high school students can obtain additional experience by working in paid internships during the summer in food service. Many two-year and four-year colleges also offer degrees in Culinary Arts, and there are culinary schools in which one can study to be a chef.
Apprenticeship programs can provide the training necessary to work as a chef. The three-year apprenticeship program, offered by the American Culinary Federation, works in cooperation with local employers and junior colleges to provide training for those who wish to work as a chef. There are over 100 training programs that offer this apprenticeship program. The program lasts for three years and combines classroom work with hands-on chef training.
The American Culinary Federation certifies chefs who are pastry professionals, culinary educators, executive chefs and master chefs. The standards for certification are based on formal training and on-the-job experience. Obtaining certification allows chefs to make a higher salary and work in supervisory or management positions.