Breads & Pastry Arts Certification

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Welcome to MCAI's Breads & Pastry Certification Program

Our Breads and Pastry Program covers a full spectrum of baking essentials, from foundational skills to advanced pastry techniques, guiding students through both classic and modern methods.

What You'll Learn

By the end of the program, students will be equipped with professional knowledge and a versatile skill set to succeed in today’s fast-growing culinary industry.

Each week of this immersive course focuses on a different area of baking and pastry:

  • UNITS 1-4: Foundational Skills
  • Topics: Principles of the bakeshop, food safety, knife skills, and the art of quick and yeast breads.
  • Skills Gained: Students develop a solid foundation, learning the essentials of sanitation, baking processes, and the science behind gluten and leavening agents.
  • UNITS 5-7: Desserts & Pastry Techniques
    • Topics: Creating pies, pastries, cookies, cakes, and frostings.
    • Skills Gained: Explore a variety of mixing and baking methods, decorating techniques, and an introduction to classic and modern dessert styles.

  • UNITS 8-9: Nutrition and Special Diets
    • Topics: Preserving fruits, creating desserts for special diets, and understanding nutritional needs.
    • Skills Gained: Learn how to adapt baking methods to health-conscious and dietary-specific recipes, ideal for today’s diverse culinary landscape.
  • UNITS 10-11: Display & International Pastries
    • Topics: Presenting pastries and breads for retail and catering, and exploring global dessert recipes.
    • Skills Gained: Develop presentation techniques for restaurant-quality displays and explore recipes from around the world, enhancing versatility and cultural knowledge.
  • UNIT 12: Final Practical Exam
    • Exam Overview: Students will showcase their skills by creating individually plated desserts and a collaborative buffet-style display, bringing together everything they’ve learned throughout the course.

This program is accredited by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and a certificate in Breads & Pastry Arts will be awarded upon graduation. 

Why Choose MCAI?

Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education in a supportive environment. With small class sizes and an entirely hands-on approach, our program ensures each student receives personalized guidance, preparing them to thrive in the fast-paced culinary world. MCAI is SCHEV-certified and ACF-approved, meaning our curriculum meets the highest industry standards.

Enroll Today!

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a fulfilling career in baking, apply to our Breads and Pastry Program. Gain the skills, confidence, and professional knowledge to succeed as a baker or pastry chef in today’s foodservice industry. Book a Tour!

State-of-the-Art Kitchen

Our cooking school features a state-of-the-art kitchen that is equipped with everything you need to create delicious meals. You'll have access to top-of-the-line appliances, cookware, and utensils.

Social Atmosphere

Our cooking classes are not only educational, but also fun and social. You'll meet other food enthusiasts and have the opportunity to share your passion for cooking.

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Breads & Pastry Upcoming Semesters

Breads & Pastry EVENING

21 Weeks (Evening) 2026

Start Date: SATURDAY, January 10, 2026

End Date: Friday, June 6, 2026

IN-PERSON 

Part-time

  • SATURDAYS 9AM - 5PM 
  • MONDAY - FRIDAY 6PM - 10PM 

Weeks Off: 

  • February 9 - 14; April 4 -10

Total Weeks: 21 

Total Program Hours: 480

  • $19,900

Breads & Pastry EVENING

21 Weeks (Evening) 2026 JUST ADDED!

2028

Start Date: SATURDAY, July 25, 2026

End Date: Friday, December 12, 2026

IN-PERSON 

Part-time

  • SATURDAYS 9AM - 5PM 
  • MONDAY - FRIDAY 6PM - 10PM 

Weeks Off: 

  • September 4- 10
  • November 22 - 26

Total Weeks: 21 

Total Program Hours: 480

  • $19,900

Breads & Pastry EVENING

21 Weeks (Evening) 2027

2028

Start Date: SATURDAY, January 9, 2027

End Date: Friday, June 11, 2028

IN-PERSON 

Part-time

  • SATURDAYS 9AM - 5PM 
  • MONDAY - FRIDAY 6PM - 10PM 

Weeks Off: 

  • February 14 - 18
  • April 17 - 21
  • May 29 - June 2

Total Weeks: 21 

Total Program Hours: 480

  • $19,900

Breads & Pastry EVENING

21 Weeks (Evening) 2028

2028

Start Date: SATURDAY, January 8, 2028

End Date: Friday, June 10, 2028

IN-PERSON 

Part-time

  • SATURDAYS 9AM - 5PM 
  • MONDAY - FRIDAY 6PM - 10PM 

Weeks Off: 

  • February 14 - 18
  • April 17 - 21
  • May 29 - June 2

Total Weeks: 21 

Total Program Hours: 480

  • $19,900

Breads & Pastry DAYTIME

14 Weeks (Daytime) 2026 JUST ADDED!!

Start Date: Monday, January 19, 2026

End Date: Friday, April 24, 2026

IN-PERSON  Full-Time

MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM - 5PM

Weeks Off: 

  • February 16-20
  • March 23-27

Total Weeks: 14

Total Program Hours: 480

 $15,500

Breads & Pastry DAYTIME

14 Weeks (Daytime) 2026

Start Date: Monday, August 31, 2026

End Date: Friday, December 4, 2026

IN-PERSON  Full-Time

MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM - 5PM

Weeks Off: 

  • Labor Day Sept. 7
  • Sept 28-Oct. 2
  • November 24-27

Total Weeks: 14

Total Program Hours: 480

 $15,500

Breads & Pastry DAYTIME

14 Weeks (Daytime) 2027

Start Date: Monday, August 30, 2027

End Date: Friday, December 3, 2027

IN-PERSON  Full-Time

MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM - 5PM

Weeks Off: 

  • Labor Day Sept. 6
  • Sept 27-Oct. 1
  • November 23-26

Total Weeks: 14

Total Program Hours: 480

 $15,500