What is a Certified Master Chef?
Only the American Culinary Federation (ACF) can present the highest and most challenging level of achievement a chef can receive; the title of Certified Master Chef. It reflects the peak in culinary expertise and skill. A Certified Master Chef has proven their mastery of cooking techniques by passing a rigorous 8-day examination.
The quick and talented contenders are examined over 130 hours in areas of buffet catering, classical cuisine, freestyle, global cuisine, baking and pastry, and morning continental cookery. The CMC title is the highest recognition in the industry. It says you have attained culinary excellence. There are currently only 69 American chefs with the Certified Master Chef distinction.
How do I Get Certified?
Eager chefs who wish to qualify for the CMC exam must have the trained skills to perform the art of cookery at the very highest level. You must be prepared both mentally and physically to endure the rigorous and demanding eight days of testing under extreme pressure. Applicants must also bear the financial burden of meals, travel, lodging, tuition, and application fees of about $4,000-$6000.
In addition, specific experience of holding a current Certified Executive Chef or Certified Culinary Educator certifications apply. Recommendation letters from two Certified Master Chefs are also required to apply for the exam along with your letter of intent.
Why Culinary School is Necessary for Certification
Do you think you have what it takes to become a distinguished CMC? Earning the distinction of CMC takes time, dedication, and skill. Your journey begins with graduating from an accredited culinary arts school where you will gain a solid foundation in kitchen safety, organization, how to run a profitable kitchen, and basic culinary techniques which will evolve into advanced a la carte food preparation. The hands-on experience you receive from professional chef instructors while earning a culinary arts degree is the cornerstone on which you will build your professional career as a chef.
Developing your own creative style in the kitchen begins with learning how to read a recipe properly. Understanding how and why you combine ingredients to express your unique artistic designs. Learning the basics, like quartering and trussing a chicken, will build your confidence in the kitchen allowing you to build the speed and patience you will need while working under pressure on the job.
Culinary school will plant the seeds of your own trademarks as a chef. While you learn which tools are necessary to master cooking you will also discover your favorite knives, which ingredients to always have on hand, and how to be creative on the fly. While practicing the basics your creativity and style will begin to blossom. Becoming a master starts with learning the basics. Practice, patience, and skills set the stage for perfect execution.
What Else does a Chef need to Become a Certified Master Chef (CMC)?
Master chefs have their own style and their own special brand of magic in the kitchen. They also tend to share some or most of the following traits.
Certified Master Chefs are:
- Quick and talented – Are passionate about food, its preparation, and presentation.
- Professional – Lead their team in a way that creates an atmosphere of unity in the kitchen. Master chefs can teach and mentor staff to keep things running smoothly during the dinner service.
- Persevere – Stamina is important for the long hours and high-pressure conditions of a kitchen.
- Strive for excellence – Commitment to using the best ingredients in the best possible way.
- Flexible – Being prepared to improvise quickly and efficiently at any time.
These traits along with the proper training and burning desire are what every Certified Master Chef had to start their journey toward culinary excellence.
Are you looking to start your culinary journey? If you want to earn an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts, ECPI University’s Culinary Institute of Virginia offers this course at an accelerated rate. Helping you to move from the classroom to the kitchen. For more information about this degree program, connect with a friendly admissions representative today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.
Gainful Employment Information – Culinary Arts - Associate’s
For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.