Hospitality, Food & Tourism training

Prep Cook Training

Learn what prep cooks do and how they do it: a semi-in-depth, practical course covering the role, vocabulary, common procedures, safety and career launch.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Enroll nowView syllabus
What you’ll learn in Prep Cook training

A practical, general introduction to the prep cook job: what the role involves, 15+ key terms, how to perform common tasks such as dice an onion and label and store prepped food, safety essentials and how to launch your career. Online, self-paced, about 6 hours, $59.99.

  • Tuition
    $59.99
    Volume pricing from 2 seats
  • Length
    6 hours
    10 modules
  • Format
    Online
    Self-paced, any device
  • Access
    12 months
    LMS access
  • Level
    Beginner
    To intermediate
  • You receive
    Certificate
    Of completion

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Explain what a prep cook does day to day, where they work and how the role fits into the team
  • Use 15+ essential prep cook terms correctly
  • Walk through dice an onion, label and store prepped food, and clean and sanitize a prep table step by step
  • Identify the tools, equipment and technology used on the job
  • Apply core safety, compliance and professional standards
  • Map your path into the field, including credentials such as Food handler card

Course syllabus

10 modules, about 6 hours in total.

MODULE 01Introduction to the Prep Cook Role30 min
  • What prep cooks do and why the role matters
  • Where they work: settings, employers and teams
  • Pay, job outlook and the career ladder
  • Professional and ethical expectations
MODULE 02A Day on the Job20 min
  • A realistic shift, start to finish
  • Schedules, shifts and workload
  • Working with supervisors, coworkers and customers
  • The best and hardest parts of the job
MODULE 03Essential Prep Cook Vocabulary35 min
  • Key term: Prep list
  • Key term: Dice
  • Key term: Julienne
  • Key term: Brunoise
  • Key term: Chiffonade
  • Plus 10 more terms with practice drills
MODULE 04Core Duties and Responsibilities35 min
  • Wash, peel and cut produce
  • Portion meats and proteins
  • Prepare sauces, dressings and simple recipes
  • Measure ingredients accurately
  • Label, date and store food
MODULE 05Common Tasks, Step by Step1 hr 20 min
  • How to dice an onion
  • How to label and store prepped food
  • How to clean and sanitize a prep table
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
MODULE 06Tools, Equipment and Technology30 min
  • Knives and cutting boards
  • Food processors and mixers
  • Slicers
  • Measuring cups and scales
  • Storage containers and labels
MODULE 07Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards45 min
  • Use cut-resistant gloves with slicers
  • Keep knives sharp and stored safely
  • Lift with your legs
  • Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate
MODULE 08Skills Employers Look For30 min
  • Knife skills
  • Recipe following
  • Measuring
  • Reliability
  • Speed
MODULE 09Launching Your Prep Cook Career30 min
  • Education and training pathways
  • Credential overview: Food handler card
  • Credential overview: ServSafe Food Handler
  • Resume and interview preparation
  • Your first 90 days on the job
MODULE 10Final Knowledge Check30 min
  • Comprehensive practice exam with explanations
  • Certificate of completion on passing

Who this training is for

  • Students: find out what the prep cook job is really like before choosing a program or major.
  • Career changers: test-drive the field and build vocabulary and confidence before investing in formal training.
  • New hires and employers: shorten ramp-up time with a consistent foundation for every new prep cook.

Pricing

$59.99 per learner. Buying for a team? Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners.

SeatsDiscount
2 to 101% off
11 to 202% off
21 to 503% off
51 to 1005% off
101 to 2507% off
251 to 5008% off
501 to 1,00010% off

Free preview lessons

Sample the course material for free:

Why train for this career

Food preparation workers wash, cut, measure and prepare ingredients, follow recipes, label and store food, and keep the kitchen clean and organized. BLS reports a median wage of $35,320 (May 2025) and about 135,700 openings per year. Read the full prep cook career profile or see salary details.

Enroll in Prep Cook Training

Fill this out and press the button: your email app will open with a pre-filled message to our enrollment team (info@hazwoper-osha.com). We reply with a payment link or invoice and your learning-platform login. Nothing you type is stored on this website.

Course Prep Cook Training · 6 hours · $59.99 per learner

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Prep Cook training FAQ
How long is the Prep Cook training?
About 6 hours, online, self-paced. You get 12 months of LMS access, so you can learn around work or school.
How much does the Prep Cook training cost?
$59.99 per learner. Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners, up to 10% off for large groups.
Is the course online?
Yes. The course runs on our online learning platform (LMS). After you enroll, we email your login details.
Will this course make me a licensed or certified prep cook?
No. This is a general career-preparation course. It does not by itself grant a state license, national certification or academic credit. It is designed to help you understand the job and prepare for the formal training, exams and interviews that follow.
Who is this course for?
Students exploring careers, adults changing careers, new hires who want a faster ramp-up, and employers onboarding prep cooks.
How do I enroll?
Use the enrollment form on this page. It opens a pre-filled email to our team, and we reply with your payment link or invoice and your LMS access. You can also call 1-866-429-6742.
Do you offer group or employer pricing?
Volume pricing from 2 seats. Choose “My team or employees” on the form or visit our employer training page.
What do I receive when I finish?
Certificate of completion from Career Education Institute after you pass the final knowledge check.


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