Applying to CIA Certificate Program

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit the application form.

Step 2: Request official transcripts.

• Download the Transcript Request Form (PDF) and ask the postsecondary schools (colleges) you’ve attended to provide your transcripts electronically via Parchment Exchange or mail your official transcripts (not student copies) directly to the CIA Admissions Office.
• For applicants with foreign (non-U.S.) transcripts: We require academic transcripts to be sent to us in English, and SpanTran is our recommended translation service. If you need to have your transcript translated into English, you can request their service here: SpanTran Translations Application.
  
  Additionally, while Foreign Credential and Transcript Evaluation is not required for your CIA application, SpanTran offers this service as well. If you wish to have your transcript evaluated by an external provider (optional) and sent to the CIA Admissions Office, you can access their application here at a discounted rate: SpanTran Application.

Step 3: Submit a statement of purpose.

• Submit a personal statement (300–500 words) describing: your purpose for undertaking or continuing your study of culinary arts; your reasons for wanting to study at CIA; and your professional plans and career goals. You also may explain any special circumstances applicable to your background and elaborate on relevant academic or professional achievements.

Step 4: Ask for a recommendation.

• One letter of recommendation is required. It should be from an employer, educator, or professional colleague and tell us why you would be successful at CIA. Your primary letter of recommendation cannot be from a family member. Submit via CIA’s online application, email [email protected], or submit our online recommendation form.

Step 5: Provide an updated copy of your résumé or CV.

• That’s it! Once our admissions staff has reviewed your application and supporting materials, we’ll contact you if anything else is needed.