Red Seal: Cook

About

Cooks prepare and cook food in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, catering companies and many other kitchens. The Cook trade covers skills such as knife work, food safety, menu preparation, cooking methods, sauces, baking basics and kitchen organization.

The Red Seal is a mark added to a provincial or territorial certificate of qualification. It means you passed the interprovincial exam. Employers across the country recognise it as proof of strong, well-rounded skills. It can open doors to roles such as line cook, pastry chef, chef and executive chef.

Most people earn it through an apprenticeship. This means you work in a kitchen, learn from experienced cooks, and also complete technical training in a classroom or workshop setting. Some people with a lot of work experience can also apply to challenge the exam without a full apprenticeship, depending on local rules.

How to get it

1. Check your local apprenticeship rules
   Each province and territory has its own apprenticeship authority. Contact yours to learn how to register as a cook apprentice and what the local requirements are.
2. Find an employer and register
   You need a kitchen willing to hire and train you. Once you have a sponsor, you register as an apprentice with your provincial or territorial authority.
3. Work and learn on the job
   You build real kitchen experience under the guidance of certified cooks. Your hours are recorded and signed off as you gain skills.
4. Complete technical training
   You attend in-school training, usually at a college or approved training provider. It covers theory and practical skills that support your work in the kitchen.
5. Write the certification exam
   When your training and work experience are complete, you apply to write the exam. Passing it earns your certificate of qualification with the Red Seal endorsement.
6. Use your credential
   Add the Red Seal to your resume and share it with employers. It is recognised in every province and territory.

The exam

The Red Seal exam is a written, multiple-choice test. It checks that you know the full range of cook skills, including food safety, cooking methods, preparation, and kitchen operations. Most people prepare by reviewing their training notes and practice materials from their apprenticeship program. Your local apprenticeship authority can tell you how to apply and what to bring.

Licensed by each province

Careers that mention it

Keeping it

Renewal rules depend on where you live. In many places, your Red Seal certificate does not need to be renewed once you have earned it. Some provinces and territories may have their own requirements for keeping your trade credential in good standing, so check with your local apprenticeship authority.