Advanced Technical Certificates

School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts

The School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts at Valencia College offers students an opportunity to earn Advanced Technical Certificates (ATCs). A valued credential, an ATC proves superior proficiency in specialized areas and is an extension of a specific associate degree program. With an ATC, you may qualify for promotions, expanded job opportunities and higher pay.

Students who have already earned an eligible associate degree and want to supplement that degree with a specialized program of study in the hospitality and culinary arena may seek three ATCs at Valencia College.

An Advanced Technical Certificate might be for you if:
  • You want to continue your education beyond the associate degree level.
  • You have already received an eligible associate degree and are seeking a specialized program of study.

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The School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts offers the following Advanced Technical Certificates:

Cake Artistry

Advanced Technical Certificate

The ATC in Cake Artistry offers advanced instruction in confectionery artistry to prepare you for a specialized career within the culinary industry. It will provide instruction in complex decorating techniques; figure sculpting, sugar flowers, color theory and design as pertaining to entremets and cakes. You will learn to create and execute celebration, wedding, and 3-D sculpted cakes. You will also learn the fundamentals of costing and managing a cake business.

Potential Careers

  • Lead Decorator
  • Assistant Pastry Chef
  • Assistant Cake Manager
  • Pastry Chef
  • Owner / Operator

Potential Earnings
$65,312

Data Source:
2024-25- Region 12 Demand Occupation List

Program Requirements
Chocolate and Confectionary Arts

Advanced Technical Certificate

The ATC in Chocolate and Confectionary Arts program enables you to create visual masterpieces while developing your culinary skills around Chocolate and Confectionary Arts. The program combines superb instruction and state-of-the art production kitchens and facilities with hands-on experience in confectionary artistry, including creating chocolates, confection, crystalline and non-crystalline confections, as well as aerated nougats, and more.

Potential Careers

  • Pastry Chef
  • Executive Pastry Chef
  • Assistant Pastry Manager
  • Lead Chocolatier
  • Assistant Pastry Chef
  • Chocolatier to Master Chocolatier

Potential Earnings
$65,312

Data Source:
2024-25- Region 12 Demand Occupation List

Program Requirements
Bread Baking

Advanced Technical Certificate

While earning an ATC in Bread Baking, you’ll advance your techniques of preparing lean breads, multi-grain breads, sourdough, bagels, pretzels, and flatbreads, as well as holiday and seasonal breads. Special emphasis will be placed on regional and ethnic breads; handling grains (such as soakers) for specialty breads; mixing, shaping, and finishing specialty breads; and learning innovative baking methods.

Potential Careers

  • Baker
  • Breadmaker
  • Viennoiserie Chef
  • Boulangerie Chef
  • Master Baker

Potential Earnings
$65,312

Data Source:
2024-25- Region 12 Demand Occupation List

Program Requirements