Many chefs registered with us here at Washokujob ask the same question:

“Is it required for me to have a chef’s license?”

　

Or one might ask:

“Will I be a more ideal candidate if I have one?” “Does it look bad if I don’t?”

　

Many of the job postings we have received from abroad here at Washokujob have the below familiar conditions:

・Chef’s license:　required

・Candidates with chef’s license preferred

　

◾️In Japan

　

Within Japan, having a chef's license is not required for a culinary career.

Without a license, you can still open your own dining establishment, or work at one.

Therefore, it's become an accepted thought that there's no disadvantage to not having a chef's license, and that having one isn't necessary at all.

　

However...

○Many large industries, hotels, and hospitals will require employees to have a chef's license to work in their food-related areas

○Some companies will see having a chef's license as a requirement for advancing one's career

○If you are opening your own dining establishment, many customers may be relieved to know the owner holds a license, and will feel more comfortable becoming a patron

...these above reasons show that having a chef's license might be more valuable than you think.

　

◾️For Abroad...

　

The world is currently experiencing a Washoku Boom, and many Japanese restaurants are opening across the globe.

After opening a new restaurant, many owners will come to Washokujob in hopes of finding highly qualified Japanese chefs.

　

And when they do.,,

...many of these foreign restaurant owners will ask that the candidates possess a chef's license.

Why, you ask?

Because having a chef's license will help with work visa acquisition.

　

In many countries, requirements for obtaining a visa have been getting stricter.

With those overseeing immigration asking, "will this individual truly contribute to our country?"

And amongst the things weighed in making this decision, a "chef's license" is certainly one of them.

　

Even if the employer finds the candidate to be a good fit for the position, there are instances where it does not work out because the candidate cannot receive the proper working visa.

Therefore, a pattern has emerged where having a chef's license has become a hiring requirement.

　

Currently, there is no universally accepted measurement of a chef's abilities in Japanese cuisine, which is where the license comes into play.

And a license recognized within Japan can be counted as your "chef's license."

It may not be an issue the short-term working holiday visa,

but for those over 30 years of age looking to work permanently abroad, we recommend obtaining a chef's license.

　　

～～～　Chef's License Exams　～～～

　

・Each city/prefecture holds its own exams for obtaining a chef's license.

　The date, location, and number of questions for the exam vary depending on where you take it.

・You will be tested of four of six categories: public sanitation, food science, nutrition, culinary theory, food hygiene, and the culture of food.

・There will be at least 60 questions

・You only need a 60% to pass, so it is not viewed as a difficult exam.

　　

And there you have it.

If you've yet to obtain your chef's license, please challenge yourself and try to get yours!