There are no formal requirements for line cooks due to the wide variety of restaurants and their needs, and on-the-job training is common in this field; however, formal training can be helpful for securing a job or for career advancement. At upscale restaurants, a line cook may be expected to have completed some culinaryarts training. Programs are available from community colleges, vocational schools and culinary institutes. They may last several months or years and may lead to a certificate or degree. Some schools offer training programs specifically for line cooks culminating in a certificate. Coursework covers culinary arts professionalism, sanitation, cooking and baking skills.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many restaurants look for work experience when hiring a line cook, and food preparers may advance to line cook positions (www.bls.gov). It's also important that line cooks work within the regulations of the given state they're in. Most states require kitchen workers to obtain a food handler's permit. These permits certify carriers to work with and prepare food for others and are usually obtained by attending a short class and paying a fee. Industry certification is also available from the American Culinary Federation.