Joining a professional association for the industry will provide you with insurance coverage, a professional network, and an efficient service to match you with clients in your area.

American Personal and Private Chef Association

The American Personal and Private Chef Association (www.personalchef.com) is a twelve-year-old organization headed by executive director and personal chef Candy Wallace. APPCA provides education and training to people who want to have their own chefing businesses. The organization also provides its members with general liability coverage and matches chefs with clients as part of its service to its members.

APPCA has local chapters around the country. The organization offers two-day skills seminars throughout the year in cities across the country. For those who want to study at home, it offers DVD-based programs as well.

United States Personal Chef Association

The United States Personal Chef Association (www.uspca.com) is the other professional organization in the industry. Although the USPCA is older, it's not run by a personal chef. Like APPCA, this organization provides its members with general liability insurance coverage for property damage and bodily injury while cooking in a client's home. It also provides seminars, networking opportunities, and a way to market yourself through www.hireachef.com. The USPCA offers certification, and once you have met the requirements, you have a recognized industry qualification, which will set you apart from those without it.