
Brown Belt
A Brown Belt from the Culinary Arts International Body of Knowledge (CAIBOK) demonstrates that you are ready to join the culinary field as a Commis in the kitchen brigade. It signals to employers and colleagues that you have basic understanding of workplace and food safety, knowledge of basic ingredients, and teamwork. This badge is required in order to progress to higher levels.
In order to achieve a CAIBOK Brown Belt, a series of quizzes must be passed on several subjects.
Exam Objectives
Safety
- 2102 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Covers essential gear for kitchen safety.
- 2103 Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls – Identifies hazards and prevention techniques.
- 2104 Fire Safety – Teaches fire prevention and response methods.
- 2105 Knife Safety – Outlines safe handling and storage of knives.
- 2106 Handling Hot Items – Focuses on avoiding burns and scalds.
- 2107 Proper Use and Maintenance of Equipment – Ensures safe and efficient equipment use.
- 2108 Chemical Safety in the Kitchen – Reviews safe storage and use of cleaning chemicals.
- 2109 Ergonomics and Lifting in the Kitchen – Promotes safe movement and lifting techniques.
- 2110 First Aid in the Kitchen – Covers basic response to common kitchen injuries.
- 2111 Cooking Temperatures – Teaches safe internal cooking temperatures.
- 2123 Temperature Danger Zone – Defines the range where bacteria grow fastest.
- 2128 Cleaning vs. Sanitizing – Explains the difference and when to apply each.
Cooking
- 2201 Knife Skills Level 1 – Teaches basic cuts and knife handling techniques.
- 2202 Basic Cooking Techniques – Covers foundational cooking methods like boiling and sautéing.
- 2204 Following Standard Recipes – Ensures accuracy and consistency in cooking.
- 2205 Food and Nutrition – Introduces basic principles of balanced nutrition.
- 2206 Vegetable and Fruits 1 – Identifies, stores, and prepares common produce.
- 2207 Plant-Based Proteins – Covers tofu, legumes, and meat alternatives.
- 2208 Grains – Describes types, cooking methods, and storage of grains.
- 2209 Pasta Level 1 – Teaches basic pasta types and preparation.
- 2210 Fats and Oils – Reviews uses, smoke points, and storage.
- 2211 Herbs and Spices Level 1 – Introduces flavoring basics and storage methods.
- 2212 Dairy Products and Alternatives – Covers milk, cheese, and plant-based substitutes.
- 2213 Eggs – Teaches handling, storage, and basic egg cookery.
- 2214 Beef Level 1 – Introduces cuts, preparation, and cooking methods.
- 2215 Poultry Level 1 – Focuses on chicken and other poultry basics.
- 2216 Seafood Level 1 – Covers handling and basic seafood cookery.
- 2220 Basic Culinary Math and Recipes – Builds math skills for portioning and cost control.
- 2221 Basic Culinary Measurements – Teaches standard measurement tools and techniques.
- 2222 Measurement Conversions – Explains converting between metric and imperial units.
Business
- 2301 Food Service Industry Level 1 – Gives an overview of the restaurant industry.
- 2302 Teamwork and Communication – Covers essential kitchen collaboration skills.
- 2303 Basic Business Concepts – Introduces pricing, cost control, and profit basics.
- 2304 Resume Tips for Culinary Professionals – Helps staff present skills effectively to employers.
Study Guides

2000 Brown Belt Study Guide
The CAIBOK Brown Belt Study Guide is the official reference for achieving a CAIBOK Brown Belt in Culinary Arts.