Plant-Based Professional Certification

Get certified with one of the only industry-recognized plant-based cooking courses.

Enjoy the convenience of an online course without losing the hands-on experience—practice plant-based techniques at home with expert guidance every step of the way.

Rouxbe Plant Pro Certification

Self-paced, online culinary course | Community feedback
Advance your plant-based culinary career or personal passion with Rouxbe’s comprehensive Plant Pro Certification Course, designed for aspiring chefs, nutritionists, educators, and home cooks seeking expert-led training rooted in professional culinary techniques. Unlike traditional in-person culinary schools, this fully online program offers unmatched flexibility and accessibility—learn anytime, anywhere. Developed alongside leading plant-based influencers and industry experts, you’ll master practical cooking techniques, ingredient knowledge, and plant-based nutrition to create delicious, balanced meals that align with sustainable and ethical values. Benefit from personalized instructor feedback and connect with a vibrant community of like-minded peers. Earn a respected certification that opens doors in professional kitchens, wellness coaching, food entrepreneurship, and more—your path to becoming a confident, skilled plant-based culinary professional starts here with Rouxbe.
Course Overview
  • 22 units | 130+ lessons | Over 300 tasks
  • More than 200 instructional technique videos
  • Personalized instructor support and grading from industry-leading chef educators
  • Certificate of completion upon graduating (must be completed within 9 months)
  • Lifetime access (excluding monthly subscription students)
Recognized By
Both the ACF and WAOCS recognize Rouxbe and this Professional Cook Certification course as an approved program.
Credits Available From
  • This course is approved across the industry for 100 CE hours with ACFEF, Worldchefs, and ANFP as well as 6 college credits through ACE.
  • Complete your course in 9 months with a grade of 75% or higher and you will earn your Certificate of Completion.
Syllabus
Click on image to access full syllabus. Content subject to change.
Sample Course Content
Rouxbe online learning focuses on high-quality videos plus incorporates activities such as quizzes to improve your overall success when taking Plant-Based Pro Certification. 

Choose the purchase option that works best for your needs

Lifetime access with enrollment. Financing available at checkout.
Pause or cancel your monthly fee at any time.
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What our community says

Student spotlight: Dr. Jeanie Subach

Dr. Subach, a registered dietician, teaches Introduction to the Principles of Food Selection and Preparation, Plant-Based Nutrition, and Culinary Nutrition at West Chester University in West Chester, PA. She also serves the Ram Chef Program Director, which she created in 2019. 

The Ram Chef Program (RCP) is a culinary program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. According to Dr. Subach, "We utilized air frying, pressure cooking, and countertop grilling techniques for healthy methods of food preparations. All menu items are plant-forward." Graduates of the RCP often secure jobs in the food industry right on campus. 

Her top 3 takeaways: 
(1) The need for a hot pan! Check out our YouTube tutorial: How to properly heat a pan
(2) Pantry and fridge reorganization!
(3) The importance of the "dice" aka fine, small, medium and its impact of food flavor. Try our free lesson:
How to cut using a chef's knife

Her top 3 Rouxbe recipes from Plant-Based Pro Certification: 
(1) Split pea soup with barley
(2) Risotto with small white beans
(3) Chocolate ganache torte

What to expect from your Rouxbe online cooking course:

All courses are 100% online and available 24/7
Learn at your own pace, on your schedule with any internet-connected device with a camera for assessments. 
Your chef instructors have 125+ years of culinary experience
Your chef instructors are here to support, answer your questions, and provide feedback on assessments.
Plan to spend
about 12-15 hours per week
To complete the course on time, expect to spend up to 12-15 hours per week.  The good news? Most of the time is spent cooking!
Set yourself up for success
Make sure you have (most of) the suggested tools and equipment on hand so you are ready to dive into the assignments. 
How to graduate
Complete your course in 9 months with a grade of 75% or higher and you will earn your Certificate of Completion.
Our active online community is here for you
With over 1,000,000 students worldwide, our exclusive online community is ready to support your journey during and after class

Frequently asked questions

1. What is a plant-based cooking certification course?
Learn professional plant-based cooking techniques, nutrition principles, and get certified with chef-led training designed to advance your culinary skills and career.

2. What will I learn in this plant-based certification program?
You’ll develop core cooking skills, ingredient knowledge, nutrition science, and advanced plant-based recipes—all with hands-on assignments and personalized chef feedback.

3. How is a plant-based cooking course different from a vegan cooking course?
Plant-based focuses on whole, nutrient-rich plants and may include some animal products in moderation, making it more flexible than strictly vegan courses.

4. Is this course right for me if I’m new to plant-based cooking?
Yes! While the certification course ranges from foundational to advanced skills, if you’re new or curious, start with our Intro to Plant-Based Cooking course. It shares many core lessons with the certification but in a shorter, beginner-friendly format—helping you build confidence before committing.

5. Can beginners take the certification course, or is it just for professionals?
Both beginners and professionals benefit. The course is designed to support learners at all levels with step-by-step video lessons, chef guidance, and a supportive community.

6. Is the Intro to Plant-Based Cooking course required before the certification?
No, it’s optional. You can jump straight into the certification course or take the intro course first to get a feel for plant-based cooking basics before advancing.

7. What are the main differences between the Intro and Certification courses?
The intro course covers foundational techniques and recipes over fewer lessons, while the certification dives deeper into culinary skills, nutrition science, and includes comprehensive assessments and certification.

8. Is this plant-based course good for people transitioning to a plant-based diet?
Absolutely! Whether transitioning for health, ethics, or sustainability, this course teaches you how to prepare delicious, balanced plant-based meals with ease.

9. Will I learn about plant-based nutrition as well as cooking?
Yes, the program integrates essential nutrition knowledge to help you understand the health benefits and build nutrient-rich meals.

10. Can this course help me cook healthier meals at home?
Definitely. You’ll learn practical techniques and ingredient swaps that promote long-term healthy cooking habits.

11. Does the course cover gluten-free or allergen-friendly plant-based recipes?
Yes, we include guidance and recipes tailored for gluten-free and other dietary considerations.

12. How does the online plant-based cooking course work?
It’s fully online and self-paced, with on-demand video lessons, assignments, and personalized chef feedback—so you can learn anytime, anywhere.

13. Will I get hands-on experience through the online format?
Yes! You’ll complete real cooking assignments, submit photos, and receive instructor feedback to build real-world skills.

14. Do I interact with other students?
Yes. You have access to a community of learners for support, inspiration, and sharing your progress.

15. Is the plant-based certification industry recognized?
Yes, it’s approved for continuing education hours by major culinary and nutrition organizations, and provides a respected certificate upon completion.

16. How can this certification help my career?
It boosts your professional credentials, supports roles in culinary arts, nutrition coaching, food entrepreneurship, and other health-related fields.

17. How is this online course different from in-person cooking classes or workshops?
You get flexible, chef-led training with personalized feedback and recognized certification, without geographic or scheduling limitations.

18. Why choose Rouxbe’s plant-based cooking course over free online recipes or videos?
Our course offers a structured curriculum, professional chef guidance, community support, and industry-recognized certification—not available through free content.

19. Can I complete the course at my own pace?
Yes, learn on your schedule with lifetime access to course materials when purchased at full price or through financing. Monthly subscribers and membership purchases must be maintained to have access to content. Some courses require completion within 9 months to receive certification. 

20. Are payment plans or refunds available?
Yes, we offer financing through Klarna plus a monthly subscription payment method. Refunds are available within 14-days of purchase. Extensions and support are available for students needing more time. Email support@rouxbe.com
to dig deeper into your payment or refund questions.

Developed with Chad Sarno

Chad Sarno is a renowned plant-based chef, author, and educator who helped develop Rouxbe’s Plant-Based Professional Certification. Known for his advocacy for plant-forward living, Chad brings decades of expertise in innovative, health-focused cooking. Learn more about Chad Sarno’s work here.