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Program Description

The Culinary Fundamentals certificate is a two-term program. Cooking is an excellent field for students seeking a challenging career in a rapidly growing culinary and hospitality industry. Students will study cooking techniques, safety, sanitation, nutrition, knife skills, teamwork skills, equipment use, culinary math and computer skills. Classes include classroom and lab time.

The certificate program is a required part of the Associate of Applied Science Degree which is nationally accredited by the American Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFFAC). ACF accreditation assures that a program is meeting at least a minimum of standards and competencies set for faculty, curriculum and student services. For more information about ACF go to acfchefs.org. Students may participate in culinary competitions with ACF, SkillsUSA and other extracurricular activities..

Special Requirements

Students are required to purchase four sets of chef’s uniforms, dining room service attire, textbooks and tools. Students should be able to lift 30 pounds and must present a physician’s certificate to CNM at the start of classes stating that the student is free from tuberculosis in a transmissible form. Students must be able to stand for the duration of lab classes.

Career and Educational Opportunities

Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.

Jobs are available in restaurants, resorts, schools, retirement homes, hospitals, cruise ships, bed and breakfasts, catering companies, convention centers and other areas. Types of employment range from prep and pantry cooks to line or banquet cooks, as well as managers or chefs and include employment opportunities from the fast food industry and fine dining establishments to casinos and resorts.

Exit competencies (see Program Exit Competencies) for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.

For the graduation policy refer to the Graduating From CNM  section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.

Certificate and Degree Options

• Culinary Fundamentals, Certificate of Completion 

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