Chef's Assistant I Certificate

The Chef's Assistant I Certificate builds a strong foundation that allows you to further specialize as you progress in your career in the culinary industry. You'll study sustainable food preparation, handling, sanitation, and safety, as well as business and management principles. This course of study gives you the knowledge and hands-on skills needed for entry-level positions, including (but not limited to): line cook, line lead cook, commis, chef assistant, prep cook, soup or sauce cook, and similar positions in institutional food service, small to large hospitality operations, cruise ships and more.

Stackable MCC certificates in this program include: Chef's Assistant I Certificate > Chef's Assistant II Certificate > Assistant Restaurant Manager Certificate building up to the Culinary Management AAS

Contact (815) 479-7521 with specific questions about this program.

(in-district) Total Amount: $3,128

Credit Hours to Complete: 16

Weeks to Complete: 32


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What you need to know about getting your Chef's Assistant I Certificate (CIP 12.0505)

Total Chef's Assistant I Certificate Costs
Cost in-district out-of-district out-of-state international
Tuition $1,864 $5,266.4 $7,403.68 $7,403.68
Additional Costs $1,264 $1,264 $1,264 $1,264
Program Total $3,128 $6,530.4 $8,667.68 $8,667.68

What makes MCC's Chef's Assistant I Certificate program better than or distinct from similar programs at other institutions?

The program is designed so you can complete your Chefs Assistant I Certificate or Baking and Pastry Assistant I Certificate as you work toward either your Culinary Management AAS or your Baking and Pastry Management AAS.

Be sure to apply for MCC scholarships to help defray the cost of your education. We have several scholarships for culinary students.

How will MCC's Chef's Assistant I Certificate program prepare me for my career or connect me to opportunities?

The curriculum is designed to meet industry standards set by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) as well as the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

The NRAEF prepares students for the NRAEF ManageFirst® industry certification as well as the ServSafe® Sanitation Manager certification.

Outside of the Classroom

In addition to standard coursework, you have the opportunity to enroll in a working classroom via Tartan Bistro, our student-run restaurant, and Sweet Scots, our student-run bakery. With department chair permission, you may also apply to be paid interns in either the student-run bakery or restaurant.

Additional information:

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Semesters to complete assumes students are taking a full-time credit load of 12 credits per semester (the minimum required for federal financial aid).

Proportion of students completing in normal time is the percentage of completers who earned the credential within the specified time of their first enrollment at the College.

Students attending part-time or changing their program of study are two common reasons why they may not complete in "normal" time.

Tuition and fees are set by the Board of Trustees. Prices for books and supplies are subject to change.

See additional information about international student costs.