[header] How to work as a cook [title] Attend a two-or four-year culinary program. [step] Culinary arts degrees can be obtained at most local community or technical schools, as well as accredited private institutions. These programs provide instruction on the preparation of various dishes using different types of kitchen equipment, safety guidelines, and kitchen management. 
While these degrees are not required for most positions, many restaurants look kindly on prep and line cook candidates who have both restaurant experience and a culinary arts degree. [title] Rise to a prep or line cook from lower-level positions.