There are no prerequisites for obtaining a culinary certificate; however, to obtain a culinary bachelor's degree or culinary associate degree, you will need to have a high school diploma or GED. For a master's degree in culinary arts programs, you will need to have a bachelor's degree.
Culinary schools, such as CIA, want to make sure you know what being in a kitchen is like before you get there. To gain admittance to a culinary school, it is necessary to have at least six months of food preparation experience in the kitchen. This experience must be in a kitchen where at least half of the food that is served is actually made on-site. Your knowledge of basic recipes, weights and measurements will likely be taken into account.
Most culinary schools will require one to three recommendations. Choose someone who can attest to your skills in the kitchen or your passion for food and cooking. For example, a friend, guidance counselor or co-worker who knows you for your hard-working and responsible nature would a great person to go to for a recommendation.
Most culinary schools, including CIA, will do an assessment test to see where you stand in the kitchen. Assessment tests are required of all applicants and will assure you are placed in the appropriate classes. A knowledge of food, flavors and basic pairings will be crucial to your success in culinary school, and therefore you will be tested on this type of information.
It can help you to have taken a few classes and seminars before you apply for culinary school. An applicant who has attended seminars not only has a greater knowledge but also demonstrates motivation and genuine interest in the culinary field.