Training. Becoming an executive chef requires a lot of hands-on training and at least three years of work experience. Most executive chefs start off as an assistant chef or even a prep/line cook. Certification. ServSafe. An executive chef almost always has some sort of ServSafe certificate. In-class training is available depending on which city you live in. You can search under the “Class Locator” field to see if there is a program close to you. If not, there is online training available at servsafe.com, which costs $125 and can be completed in less than 90 days.