Most culinary programs, whether at public schools or private institutes, require applicants to have a high school diploma or pass an equivalency test; some require previous experience in the food industry. All applicants must interview before admission. ACFEI-accredited programs are regulated by the American Culinary Federation Educational Institute. Hillsborough Community College: Three-year program includes classroom instruction leading to an Associate of Science degree in Hospitality Management with specialty in culinary arts. Students can complete a 40-hour-a-week apprenticeship to earn cook certification through the American Culinary Federation. Cost: $2,205 plus $300-$400 for books. There is a $120 registration fee for chef apprentices. Students can enroll for classroom instruction only. Contact George Pastor at HCC, P.O. Box 30030, Tampa, FL 33630; 253-7316. Pinellas Technical Education Center, St. Petersburg Campus: The 15-month ACFEI-accredited program leads to a certified diploma in basic and commercial cooking. Cost: $1,080 for tuition plus $250 for books and supplies. Contact Alvin Miller, Culinary Arts Department, 901 34th St. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711; 893-2500, ext. 1104. PTEC, Clearwater Campus: The 18-month ACFEI-accredited program includes advanced training in cooking and restaurant service leading to a certified diploma in culinary arts and commercial foods. Students can earn ACF cook certification. Cost: $1,080 for tuition plus $250 for books and supplies. Contact: Robert Lee, Culinary Arts Department, 6100 154th Ave. N, Clearwater, FL 34620; 538-7167, ext. 1015 or 1006. D.G. Irwin Vocational Technical Center: The 14-month program leads to a diploma in commercial foods and culinary arts. Cost: $1,021 for tuition, books and supplies. Contact William McCabe, 2010 E Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33610; 231-1815. The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, School of Culinary Arts: The 18-month, six- quarter program offers an Associate in Science degree. Established in 1991, the school has applied for ACFEI accreditation. Cost: $2,950 per quarter. Contact: Klaus Friedenreich, School of Culinary Arts, 1799 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316; (800) 275-7603 or (305) 463-3000, ext. 208. Florida Culinary Institute: This division of the New England Institute of Technology at Palm Beach offers an 18-month ACFEI-accredited program leading to specialized associate degrees in culinary arts and international baking. Cost: $18,500 for tuition, books and lab fees. Contact: Scott Spitolnick, Florida Culinary Institute, 1126 53rd Court, West Palm Beach, FL 33407-9985; (800) 826-9986 or (407) 842-8324. Johnson and Wales University, College of Culinary Arts, North Miami Campus: Students who complete the two-year, ACFEI-accredited program earn Associate in Applied Science degrees in Culinary Arts and can complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Arts at the Providence or Charleston, S.C. campuses. Cost: $25,716 for tuition, supplies and books for the two-year degree. Contact: Donna Delong, Johnson and Wales University, 1701 NE 127th St., North Miami, FL 33181; (800) 232-2433 or (305) 892-7000. Disney Culinary Apprenticeship: Students are hired into this three-year program for training and employment with Walt Disney World Co., plus cook certification through the ACF. Cost: $1,200 for tuition, books and knives. Contact: Walt Disney World Co., Casting and Employment Center, Attn: Disney Culinary Apprenticeship, P.O. Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000; (407) 934-7595. Culinary Institute of America: Offers two 21-month programs leading to associate degrees in occupational studies in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. Cost: $23,000 for tuition, supplies and two meals a day. Contact: Admissions Office, 433 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538-1499; (800) 285-4627 or (914) 452-9600.