Bergen Community College in Paramus offers an 18-credit academic Baking Certificate of Achievement and a separate six-course continuing education Certificate in Baking. They serve different enrollment paths and should not be treated as the same credential.
The academic sequence focuses on practical bakery production. The continuing education route lets students choose two subjects from confections, artisan breads, and specialty cakes.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School | Bergen Community College |
| Location | Paramus, New Jersey |
| Credentials | Baking Certificate of Achievement; continuing education Certificate in Baking |
| Credits | 18-credit academic Baking Certificate of Achievement; six continuing education courses |
| Format | Campus-based baking and pastry instruction |
| 2026–27 cost example | About $3,973.50 for 18 credits over two 9-credit terms at 2026–27 in-county rates, before course-specific charges; continuing education priced separately |
Academic Baking Certificate
The current Baking Certificate of Achievement curriculum totals 18 credits over two suggested semesters. The first includes Food Protection and Safety, Professional Food Preparation Techniques, and Introduction to Baking. The second includes Advanced Baking Techniques and two choices from Confectionery Arts, Artisan Bread Production, and Specialty Cakes.
Bergen describes training in yeast breads, puff pastry, quick breads, cakes, pies, and decorating. The certificate aims at work in bakeries, restaurants, catering, and lodging. The current 18-credit curriculum corrects the older 30-credit Baking and Pastry Arts description that appears in some archived material.
Continuing Education Option
The continuing education Certificate in Baking requires four core classes and two electives. Its core covers food protection, professional food preparation, introductory baking, and advanced baking.
Bergen says graduates may seek assessment for up to 18 credits toward a hotel and restaurant management certificate or degree. Credit is subject to its prior-learning process; it is not automatic transfer merely for taking the noncredit classes. Ask continuing education for the current price of the six-course sequence.
Admissions and Training Format
The academic certificate uses college credit courses with a suggested two-semester order. Applicants should check college admission, course prerequisites, and placement requirements before registering. Practical baking courses require on-campus kitchen work.
Students considering the continuing education certificate should confirm class availability and the process for claiming prior-learning credit if they may later enter an academic program.
Tuition and Additional Costs
Bergen’s 2026–27 schedule lists $1,986.75 for nine in-county credits in a term, including its semester registration fee. Two nine-credit terms total $3,973.50 for the 18-credit academic certificate, before course-specific fees and supplies.
For comparison, two nine-credit terms cost $7,188.30 at the out-of-county rate. Continuing education courses have separate pricing, so the academic tuition calculation does not apply to that certificate.
Which Option Fits?
Choose the academic certificate if you want 18 college credits on a defined baking sequence. Choose continuing education if its six-course format and elective choice suit you; get a written quote and confirm any later credit assessment before you enroll.