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Chef Cody Middleton, Associate Professor of Baking & Pastry Arts at the HGTC International
Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is proud to announce that Chef Cody Middleton, Associate Professor of Baking & Pastry Arts at the HGTC International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach, has successfully passed the Certified Master Baker (CMB) exam, a rigorous certification process administered by the Retail Bakers of America (RBA). Chef Middleton achieved this prestigious credential in Charlotte, NC, marking a significant milestone in his culinary career and for the College’s esteemed culinary program.
The Certified Master Baker exam is a highly demanding test that consists of a 200-question written portion and a 16-hour, two-day practical exam covering 14 key areas of baking, including breads, cakes, pastries, and nutritional baking. Unique to this exam, candidates are not allowed to premeasure ingredients or utilize any mise en place, requiring exceptional skill, accuracy, time management, and adaptability. Many candidates do not pass all portions of the test on their first attempt, making Chef Middleton’s accomplishment even more remarkable. In fact, the last time an individual passed the full exam prior to Middleton was in 2019.
“Earning the Certified Master Baker credential was a true test of skill, accuracy, time management, perseverance, problem-solving, and adaptability,” said Chef Middleton. “It was one of the most challenging experiences of my career, but I am incredibly proud to have successfully completed it. I look forward to bringing this level of expertise and dedication to my students at HGTC.”
HGTC President, Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, praised Chef Middleton for this extraordinary achievement. “Chef Middleton’s success in earning this prestigious certification is a testament to his dedication to excellence in baking and pastry arts. His expertise further elevates the exceptional education we provide at the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach. We are incredibly proud of him and look forward to the knowledge and experience he will continue to share with our students.”
HGTC remains committed to providing top-tier culinary education, and Chef Middleton’s achievement underscores the College’s mission to prepare students for successful careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.
For more information about the HGTC International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach, visit hgtc.edu/culinary or call 843-347-3186.