licensed chef; qualified cook
Refers specifically to a person who holds a national cook's license under Japan's Cookery Law. Not a general term for any cook.
He obtained a cook's license and works in a hotel kitchen.
This restaurant has three licensed chefs.
調理師 refers to a licensed professional cook of any cuisine, whereas 板前 emphasizes skill in Japanese-style cooking, especially at a cutting board.
Compound of 調理 (cooking) and 師 (master, specialist). The term became official with the enactment of the Cookery Law in 1958.