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International certifications for culinary professionals
Prove what you already know how to do with a recognized credential. In Honduras I offer two certifications: those of the Ibero-American Forum of Professional Culinary Organizations (FIOGP) and the Professional in Culinary Techniques and Arts certification from American Big Certifications.
Why get certified
Experience that is not documented is hard to prove. A certification turns it into a credential any employer or client can verify.
Better opportunities
It sets you apart in hiring and promotions, in Honduras and abroad.
Verifiable proof
Employers can confirm your knowledge and skills match the position.
Client confidence
It shows you work to quality, hygiene and food safety standards.
Ongoing learning
Courses and recertification keep your knowledge up to date.
Ibero-American Forum of Professional Culinary Organizations (FIOGP)
FIOGP certifies chefs, cooks, pastry cooks, bakers, instructors and restaurant managers across Ibero-America, based on work experience, training and four mandatory courses. I am its Executive Representative in Honduras: I receive, review and submit the country's applications.
The 14 titles it awards
Summary of requirements. In addition to the experience listed, every title except Culinary Art Professional requires passing the four mandatory courses. When I review your file I confirm which title fits you.
- C.E.C.
Chef Exécutif Certifié
Executive chef
10 years as executive chef; or 5 years as executive chef holding the Sous Chef Certifié title. Practical exam or gold medal.
- S.C.C.
Sous Chef Certifié
Sous chef
7 years as sous chef; or 3 years as sous chef holding the Chef de Cuisine Certifié title.
- C.C.C.
Chef de Cuisine Certifié
Chef de cuisine
5 years as chef de cuisine; or 3 years as C.P.C. plus 2 years of technical training.
- C.P.
Chef Privé
Private chef
Same requirements as Chef de Cuisine Certifié, for privately or exclusively hired chefs.
- C.C.P.
Chef Certifié de Partie
Chef de partie
3 years as chef de partie; or 2 years of experience plus 1 year of technical training.
- C.P.C.
Cuisinier Professionnel Certifié
Professional cook
3 years as a cook; or 2 years as a cook plus 1 year of technical training.
- K.M.P.
Kitchen Manager Professional
Kitchen manager
2 years as chef de partie (or 2 years plus 1 of technical training) and level 3 in a second language.
- D.R.
Directeur de Restaurant
Restaurant manager
5 documented years as restaurant manager.
- P.P.C.
Pâtissier Professionnel Certifié
Professional pastry cook
10 years as pastry cook; or 5 years as B.P.C. plus 2 years of technical training. Practical exam.
- C.P.P.C.
Chef Pâtissier Professionnel Certifié
Pastry chef
10 years as hotel pastry cook (gold medal or practical exam); or 7 years with a pastry diploma and practical exam.
- B.P.C.
Boulanger Professionnel Certifié
Professional baker
5 years as baker or pastry cook; or 3 years plus 2 years of technical training.
- C.E.
Chef Éducateur
Chef educator
4 years as chef de cuisine or private chef; or 4 years teaching in programs recognized by the Culinary Academy.
- I.G.C.
Instructeur Gastronomique Certifié
Culinary instructor
4 years teaching in recognized organizations; or 3 years of academic culinary teaching.
- C.A.P.
Culinary Art Professional
Culinary students
At least 580 internship hours and passing the Applied Sanitation for Professional Food Service course.
The four mandatory courses · 2027 calendar
- January 25, 26 and 27Culinary Techniques
- April 5, 6 and 7Applied Sanitation for Professional Food Service
- July 12, 13 and 14Management and Human Resources for Culinary Professionals, taught by me
- October 26, 27 and 28Basic Nutrition for Professional Cooks
Online via Zoom, three sessions per course, taught in Spanish. You can start with any course on the calendar.
How the process works
Application
Fill in the form on this page. I contact you to review your experience and advise you on the right title.
File
Gather the documents that support your experience and training: employment letters, diplomas and ID.
Review and approval
As FIOGP representative in Honduras I review your file and submit it for approval.
Courses and assessment
Take and pass the four mandatory courses. Some titles also include a practical exam.
Certification
You receive your FIOGP certificate and medal. The certification is valid for 5 years.
Investment
| Item | General public | Students |
|---|---|---|
| Each mandatory course | US$200 | US$185 |
| Medal and certificate | US$85 | US$85 |
| Total (4 courses + medal and certificate) | US$885 | US$825 |
- Members of the Honduran Association of Gastronomy and Tourism (AHGT): 10% discount.
- The graduation dinner or party is optional and charged separately.
- Recertification: every 5 years, with an update exam. If the certification expired more than three years ago, the four course exams must be retaken.
Professional in Culinary Techniques and Arts · American Big Certifications
A personnel competence certification under the international standard ISO/IEC 17024:2012, issued by American Big Certifications with EMA accreditation 198/22. It assesses what you can actually do in the kitchen, not just what you know in theory. I am an authorized assessor and representative in Honduras, and the practical exam is done with me.
What is assessed
- Hygienic handling of raw materials, equipment and tools
- Recipe preparation (mise en place)
- Preparation of standardized recipes
- Food presentation
Requirements
- Proof of a food safety or hygienic food handling course of at least 20 hours
- Professionals: at least 1 year of experience in professional gastronomy
- Students without experience: proof of a culinary diploma or school program of at least 250 hours
How the process works
Application
Fill in the form and I confirm whether you meet the requirements. We agree on your assessment plan.
Knowledge exam · 35%
60 minutes on the American Big Certifications online platform.
Evidence portfolio · 15%
Documents supporting your training and work, according to the assessment plan.
Practical assessment · 50%
90 minutes on a real kitchen case, assessed by me, in person or by video.
Result and certificate
With an overall score above 90% you are declared competent and receive your certificate, verifiable in the American Big Certifications registry of certified persons.
- Validity: 3 years, with a follow-up at 18 months (course certificates, performance letter or exam).
- Second chance: the knowledge exam may be retaken once within 10 days. The practical assessment has a single attempt.
- Investment: US$240. AHGT members: 10% discount.
Apply for your certification
Choose the certification you are interested in. I review every application personally and reply within one business day.
Your data is used only to handle your application. Privacy
Frequently asked questions
Which certification is right for me?
If you have several years in a specific position (executive chef, sous chef, pastry cook, restaurant manager…), FIOGP awards a title matching that role. If you want to certify your hands-on kitchen skills under an ISO standard, or you are a student, the American Big Certifications credential is the one. You can also earn both.
Can I get certified if I am not in Honduras?
Yes. FIOGP courses are online and the American Big Certifications practical assessment can be done by video. Write to me and we will look at your case.
When does the next course edition start?
The 2027 calendar starts on January 25 with Culinary Techniques. The four courses run through the year: January, April, July and October. Applying early secures your place.
How do I get the AHGT discount?
Members of the Honduran Association of Gastronomy and Tourism get a 10% discount. Say so in the form. If you are not a member yet, I will explain how to join the Honduran Association of Gastronomy and Tourism.
What if I do not pass?
With American Big Certifications you can retake the knowledge exam once within 10 days, and apply to a new process after 30 days. With FIOGP I will guide you to retake the pending course.
Your experience deserves a title
Write to me and we will work out together which certification fits you.
- +504 9350-5876
- [email protected]
- Reply within one business day