Chef - requirements

As a chef, you’ll use your creativity, efficiency and passion for food to be an expert at preparing and serving food across a range of cuisines. Here you can find out more about what being a chef is like, where your career could take you, and what you should study or do to get a role.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

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What qualifications do you need to be a chef?

Qualifications aren’t necessary to work in this role, but they can be a good way to learn essential skills and build knowledge.

Subjects to consider include:

In most cases employers will value your experience and professional traits over qualifications. However, having a qualification proves to employers that you have a minimum knowledge level for cooking techniques and food safety. Many culinary degrees offer placements and work opportunities as well.

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a chef?

Postgraduate study is only needed in this field if you’re looking to get a specialist or regulated role, such as a dietitian or nutritionist.

Postgraduate courses include:

  • Human nutrition
  • Clinical nutrition
  • Nutrition and food science

What skills do you need to be a chef?

As a chef you’ll need to show motivation and an ability to work under pressure if you want to progress, as well as creative approaches to cooking.

Hard skills usually include:
  • Preparing and cooking food
  • Food safety regulations
  • Planning menus
  • Restaurant management
Soft skills include:
  • Being motivated
  • Clean and organised
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Ability to learn
  • Focus on detail
  • Innovative
  • Working well under pressure

Do you need work experience to be a chef?

Developing in your career will be challenging without a strong work experience history to demonstrate your abilities to employers. However, getting work experience at an entry level is typically quite straightforward and requires no qualifications.

Apprenticeships and other qualifications at specialist schools are a good way to gain further experience in a structured setting.

Getting experience in reputable restaurants will help your employment prospects.

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