Skill path
How to become a Cook
How to become a Cook: skill roadmap with 3 core skills, no degree required, courses and salary data. Updated weekly.
Education & experience requirements
- Education
- These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
- Experience
- Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.
- On-the-job training
- Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Foundations
Skills assumed by employers — the base to build on
- Culinary techniquesFoundation
Methods for preparing food to ensure quality and flavor. Needed in professional kitchens. Build through vocational culinary instruction or on-the-job training.
- Food safety and sanitationFoundation
Practices to prevent foodborne illness and maintain clean environments. Essential to meet health regulations. Gain certification through recognized food safety programs.
- Kitchen equipment operationFoundation
Using commercial kitchen appliances safely and efficiently. Needed for smooth operations. Learn through supervised practice and equipment manuals.
- Basic mathFoundation
Fundamental arithmetic and calculation skills. Essential for many roles, including cashiers and cooks, for accurate transactions.
Core skills
The skills that define the role today
- Food SafetyHigh demand
Standards and procedures to ensure food is safe to consume. Required to comply with industry regulations. Learn by studying food handling guidelines and taking official assessments.
- LinuxHigh demand
An open-source operating system used widely in servers and development. Employers need it for stable, secure infrastructure. Learn by using Linux command line and system administration tasks.
- ExcelHigh demand
A spreadsheet program for data organization and analysis. Essential for accountants and many other roles to manage and interpret data.
Specializations
Same profession, different paths. Each branch opens its own set of skills.
Pastry chefDesserts, breads and bakery
- Baking
- Sugar Work
- Menu Development
Sous chefLead the kitchen team in service
- Kitchen Management
- Food Safety
- Inventory Management
Executive chefOwn the menu, budget and kitchen strategy
- Menu Engineering
- Cost Control
- Team Leadership