Prep Cook Certificate (PC51)

This technical certificate of credit provides skills for entry into the food services and preparation area as a prep cook. Topics include food services history, safety and sanitation, purchasing and food control, along with the principles of cooking.

Employment Opportunities

Prep cooks will be prepared for entry-level positions as restaurant cooks and combined food prep and serving workers.

Admissions Criteria

  • Submit a completed application and application fee;
  • Be at least 16 years of age;
  • Meet the following assessment requirements:
Test Reading Writing Numerical Algebra
Accuplacer 36 30 23 NA
Accuplacer (Next Gen) 218 222 223 NA
Compass 70 32 26 NA
SAT 16 15 18 NA
SAT 270 280 310 NA
ACT 14 13 14 NA
ASSET 37 38 32 NA
PSAT 16 15 18 NA
GED NA 145 145 NA
TABE 461 NA 442 NA

Prep Cook Certificate Curriculum

The curriculum for the Prep Cook certificate program is designed for the semester system. A student may enter the program any semester. To graduate, certificate-seeking students must earn a minimum of 12 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 315 contact hours and generally takes 2 semesters to complete.

Program Courses

Occupational Courses (12 Credits)

CUUL 1000Fundamentals of Culinary Arts

4

CUUL 1110Culinary Safety and Sanitation

2

CUUL 1120Principles of Cooking

6

NOTE: “C” or higher grade is required for the all above courses.

Program Costs

Tuition/Fees: $1,570

Books/Supplies: $200

Uniform/Knife Kit Package: Approximately $270*

Liability Insurance: $10 per fiscal year

Physical Exam: $150** TB Test: $40**

Hepatitis B Series: $265**

Course Supply Fee:

  • CUUL 1120 Principles of Cooking: $80

* Uniform/ Knife Kit package is required beginning with CUUL 1000 Fundamentals of Culinary Arts.

**Physical Exam (documenting adequate health including the ability to lift 50 pounds, to do prolonged standing, and to tolerate heat is encouraged but not required. TB Test and Hepatitis B Series are required by the end of the first semester. If students have proof of immunizations, a copy can be provided to the instructor.

(Costs are estimates and are subject to change.)