City & Guilds culinary qualifications, explained

What is City & Guilds?

City & Guilds is one of the best-known vocational education organisations in the world. For well over a century it has set standards and awarded qualifications in practical trades, from engineering to hospitality and professional cookery.

Because its qualifications are built around real workplace skills, they are widely understood by hospitality employers internationally.

What does an accredited school mean?

An accredited school has been approved to deliver a programme and to prepare students for its assessments. The standard of what you must be able to do is set externally, so the qualification means the same thing wherever it is earned.

The Chef School's International Diploma is delivered as an accredited City & Guilds of London school.

How are culinary qualifications assessed?

A professional cookery qualification is not something you can pass from a textbook. Students at The Chef School are assessed through:

• Ongoing practical assessment in class
• Practical exams at the bench
• An international exam

Where can a City & Guilds culinary qualification take you?

• Professional kitchens in restaurants and hotels
• Catering and events
• Further culinary study and specialisation
• Starting a food business of your own

How does it compare with South African qualifications?

South Africa also has local occupational qualifications for cooks and chefs. If a particular employer or position requires a specific local qualification, check with them first, and ask us which qualification level the International Diploma leads to.