Chocolatier School
Ecole Chocolat - Chocolate Making School

"Yes, I enjoyed the class very much and learned alot!

I was hesitant to take the class at first as I don't have any plans to open a business, I like to work with chocolate for fun. It turned out that I found the business related assignments very valuable in my home use, especially sourcing the chocolate (big savings), packaging (for gifts) and setting up my work area."

- Laura, Jan 08 Graduate

Making Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans

"I was concerned that an online course would not sufficiently prepare me for a career in chocolate.

I was surprised at how extensive the information was and how few questions I had after reading the assigned materials. I'd recommend this to anyone who has a passion for chocolate! I am definitely motivated to take on the challenge of opening a business after taking this course. Even the business portion was informative. I went to grad school for more than 3 years and this course prepared me better for the business end of things than my $60,000 education!"

- Cheryl, April 07 Graduate

"Ecole Chocolat is a program well worth over its price.

I have attended other chocolate classes but what I learned with Ecole is nothing in comparison. This is an intensive program for the serious student interested in a chocolate career, to start a strong foundation in this field."

- Ron, April 07 Graduate

"The strength of the Ecole Program is the intensive course materials coupled with hands-on assignments or assignments that required real world application.

I learned an incredible amount about the chocolate product but more importantly I learned this is a medium I want to dedicate my next professional venture. The Ecole Program was inclusive and intensive enough to teach me that something that I have enjoyed my whole life is worth the efforts to become a passion. At times I was challenged my the assignments to the point of throwing up my hands in confusion or defeat, but in the same breathe the challenges allowed me to grow as a creative culinary person and a business person."

- Shannon, April 05 Graduate

more testimonials

welcome to our school

The Professional Chocolatier Program is an intensive, part-time program in chocolate making delivered 100% online over a 3-month period so you can learn without "re-engineering" your work and personal life. Become a professional Chocolatier – learn how to make gourmet chocolate from Ecolechocolat.

Gourmet Chocolate
Next Chocolate Course

Sept 5 - Nov 25, 2008
April Program is now FULL

See Program Registration Info below for deadlines and costs.

our unique curriculum

During the Professional Chocolatier Program the following curriculum modules are available online and supported by online resource material.

Product Knowledge
Module Learning Objectives:

  • understand the history of chocolate as well as modern chocolate cultivation and processing.
  • develop a shopping list of chocolate making suppliers for all ingredients and equipment.

Physiology of Taste
Module Learning Objectives:

  • understand the chemistry of chocolate and what determines its flavor and texture in order to create successful chocolate recipes.
  • explore chocolatier products in major chocolate centers around the globe to better understand the industry.

Technique and Production
Module Learning Objectives:

  • practice working with chocolate (including chocolate tempering, dipping, decorating and molding) with a goal to produce a consistent gourmet chocolate.
  • create chocolate truffle formulas based on ganache and chocolate making recipe formulas based on sugar syrup and fondant.
  • explore the creative side of chocolate making by developing products that have great taste and eye appeal.

Developing a "Plan of Action"
Module Learning Objectives:

  • identify market need in order to position your products in the market and produce a marketing plan executive summary.
  • be able to position yourself (or your business) as an expert in chocolate making in your resume and promotional material.
  • understand how to set-up your operation to maximize production, efficiency and profitability and produce an production plan around your signature product.
Chocolate Making

You won't go through the our chocolatier program alone. Your instructors all have working chocolatier experience. I also have 9 years of experience in university-level online education - ensuring that your learning experience is comprehensive and enjoyable.

Registering for the Program

Registration Fee:

$595.00 US (US or International Residents) or CAD (Canadian Residents - plus 5% GST)

Next Program Start/End Date: Sept 5 - Nov 25, 2008

Registration Deadline is Sept 1, 2008

Click here to enroll using our online application form!

Note: We accept Visa, MC and Amex for your registration payment. The registration fee does not include ingredients or equipment. These extra supplies could cost approximately $200.00 US depending on what small equipment you already own.

When is the Professional Chocolatier Program offered during the year and is there a restriction on the number of students you take each session?

We offer a session of the Professional Chocolatier Program in January, April and September each year. Our programs can be full. Even though the curriculum is online, we do cut off registrations when we get a number over which our instructor and online tutor feel they will not have adequate time to work properly with all students. TO ENSURE A SEAT IN THE PROGRAM, you should register with your payment at least two weeks before the registration deadline.

Class Assessment:

  • Students will be assessed by completion of assignments throughout the program.

Certificate:

  • Students completing the program with a 70% or more will receive an Ecole Chocolate Certificate of Achievement.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel from the Professional Chocolatier Program up to 3 days before the start of the program. A refund of your registration fee minus a 10% administration fee may take approximately 10 working days to process. Because our programs are usually full and in order to make sure all students are committed, on the start date of your program your registration fee becomes non-refundable and non-transferable to another session (except in extraordinary circumstances).

Celebrating the Artistry of our Graduates


Truffles produced by student Thitima Boonserm from Thailand
during the Professional Chocolatier Program

Machiavelli Chocolatier
Graduate Raul Matias of Machiavelli Chocolatier

Chocolates by Daniel
Graduate Daniel Nelson of Chocolat by Daniel

Anna Shea Chocolates
Graduate Anna Shea of Anna Shea Chocolates

Yukari Hanada
Green Tea chocolates created by student Yukari Hanada
for her assignment in the Professional Chocolatier Program.

Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier-Madison
Graduate Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier-Madison

Saratoga Chocolates
Graduate Mary Loomis of Saratoga Chocolates

Chocolatier Resources
Our Celebration of Chocolate Shops
Find a chocolate shop near you
Our Favorite Chocolate Books
Chocolate Obsession: Confections and Treats to Create and Savor 
by Michael Recchiuti

Chocolate Obsession: Confections and Treats to Create and Savor
by Michael Recchiuti

more books on chocolate

Chocolate News

Click here to go to our News page where we list current news from the chocolate industry, chocolate events and health related news.

Professional Chocolate Tempering Machine Forum
Ecole Chocolat sponsors a forum focused on the use of professional tempering machines. Click here
We are Long Time Members of These Associations
2023 West 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC 1-604-484-1872 Canada or 1-213-291-8309 US