Cake Decorating: How to Be a Professional Cake Decorator
Research the requirements to become a cake decorator. Learn about the job description and read the step-by-step process to start a career in cake decorating.
Requirements to Become a Cake Decorator
Cake decorators design, construct and embellish baked goods. Along with expertise in decorating techniques, this career depends highly on creativity and manual dexterity. Cake decorators often work in retail bakeries to create cakes and pastries for all occasions, such as weddings or birthdays. In addition to icing, frosting or piping these baked goods, common job duties include providing customer service, tracking supply inventory and maintaining clean work areas.
There is no strict career path for becoming a cake decorator, but formal training and apprenticeship programs are available. The following table outlines common requirements described by employers in July 2012 job posts:
| Common Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | No degree required, though a certificate or associate degree could expand career opportunities |
| Degree Field | Cake decorating, culinary arts, baking and pastry arts |
| Certification | Voluntary certification is available from the Retail Bakers of America |
| Experience | Varies by employer; requirements range from six months to five years |
| Key Skills | Creativity, manual dexterity, a sense of taste and smell, customer service skills, an attention to detail |
| Additional Requirements | A portfolio containing photos of finished cakes could also be required |
Step 1: Complete a Formal Training Program
Some professional cake decorators prepare for this occupation by completing certificate programs in cake decorating or baking. Associate degree programs in pastry or culinary arts are also available and could be coupled with an apprenticeship component, where students gain up to 6,000 hours of work experience under the supervision of skilled chefs and bakers.
Pastry and baking courses in these programs can cover such decorating techniques as airbrushing, piping and the use of gumpaste and fondant. Many also incorporate topics in baking and sanitation. These training opportunities are commonly offered by culinary schools, technical institutes, community colleges and even professional organizations like the American Culinary Federation.
Success Tips
- Practice at home. While enrolled in their formal training programs, aspiring cake decorators can improve and refine their skills by decorating cakes at home. Volunteering to decorate cakes for family and social gatherings can be one way to practice methods and techniques outside of school.
Step 2: Get Work Experience
A search of July 2012 job posts revealed that entry-level cake decorator positions were often with retail grocery store chains. In many cases, these employers stated that relevant education would satisfy experience requirements. After getting their foot in the door and working for two or more years with these companies, cake decorators could move on to positions with luxury hotels, bakeries and cake shops. These jobs might also come with some baking responsibilities.
Step 3: Earn Certification
Cake decorators can demonstrate their skills and advance in the field by obtaining voluntary professional certification. The Retail Bakers of America offers a Certified Decorator designation to applicants with at least four years of experience preparing icing, decorating cakes and serving customers in commercial bakeries. Along with passing a 1-day practical examination, certification candidates must have completed an approved food sanitation course.
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6 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (2 campuses)
- California (8)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (3)
- Georgia (1)
- Illinois (1)
- Indiana (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (1)
- North Carolina (2)
- Nevada (1)
- Ohio (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (2)
- South Carolina (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (4)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (2)
- Washington (1)
- Wisconsin (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management
- Bachelor in Culinary Arts
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- Bachelor in Culinary Arts Management
- Bachelor in Food & Beverage Management
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Associate
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- Associate in Baking & Pastry Arts
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- Associate in Culinary Arts - Baking & Pastry
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Professional Baking & Pastry
- Diploma in Professional Baking & Pastry
- Certificate - Culinary Arts
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- Diploma - Culinary Arts
- Certificate in Art of Cooking
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma: Hotel/Restaurant Mgmt
- Certificate in Feeding the Family
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Colorado (1 campus)
- Florida (1 campus)
- North Carolina (1)
- Rhode Island (1)
Areas of study you may find at Johnson & Wales University include:
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- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Catering and Restaurant Management
- Chef Training
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
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School locations:
- Wisconsin (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Milwaukee Area Technical College include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Cosmetology and Related Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Catering and Restaurant Management
- Chef Training
- Funeral Related Services
Other Related Schools:
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School locations:
- Ohio (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
- Catering and Restaurant Management
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
