Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 2 is the most recognised.
Pay range: National Careers Service.
Live listings typically advertise £35,500 to £38,000 a year. See the full Chef salary guide.
Your route in
You can start without qualifications - direct entry/volunteering; a qualification improves your chances
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 2)
Any of these strengthens your application.
- Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery L260 courses
- Level 2 Diploma in Culinary Skills L256 courses
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery L231 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in General Patisserie and Confectionery L219 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in Culinary Skills L219 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in Professional Patisserie and Confectionery L218 courses
Add-on certificates
Complements to the main route. Where no level is shown, the awarding body does not specify one.
Where this can take you
With experience you could progress from being a commis chef, preparing and cooking dishes, to sous chef, supervising staff and running a kitchen when the head chef is away. As a head chef, you could train to move into restaurant or hospitality management. If you work for a chain, you may be responsible for managing several sites. You could also set up a catering business or open your own restaurant.
- Professional Cookery Level 3 (NVQ Diploma) L359 courses
- Level 3 Advanced Professional Cookery (Kitchen and Larder) L343 courses
- Level 3 Patisserie and Confectionery Diploma L323 courses
- Advanced Professional Cookery Diploma (Level 3) L322 courses
Courses for this career
Level 1
- Level 1/2 Award in Hospitality and Catering L13 courses
Level 2
- Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery L260 courses
- Level 2 Diploma in Culinary Skills L256 courses
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery L231 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in General Patisserie and Confectionery L219 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in Culinary Skills L219 courses
Level 3
- Professional Cookery Level 3 (NVQ Diploma) L359 courses
- Level 3 Advanced Professional Cookery (Kitchen and Larder) L343 courses
- Advanced Professional Cookery Diploma (Level 3) L322 courses
- Level 3 Patisserie and Confectionery Diploma L313 courses
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery (Preparation and Cooking) L35 courses