Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 1 to 2.5 years. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and units selected and how long individual students take to reach the required competency level.
Student Visa holders must study internally full time
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsOverview
This qualification reflects the role of commercial cooks who use a wide range of well-developed cookery skills and sound knowledge of kitchen operations to prepare food and menu items. Using discretion and judgement, they work with some independence and under limited supervision using plans, policies and procedures to guide work activities.
This qualification provides a pathway to work as a commercial cook in organisations such as restaurants, hotels, clubs, pubs, cafes, and coffee shops.
This qualification may also be suitable for Apprenticeships.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Hospitality include:
- Cook
- Cook chef
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from this qualification include but not limited to SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, or other relevant Certificate IV and higher qualifications from the SIT training package.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Credit transfer, or advanced standing, is awarded based on previous relevant studies completed successfully within the past seven years.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of advanced standing where credit is granted based upon the assessment of a student's prior formal, non-formal and informal learning (or a combination thereof) to determine the extent to which the student has achieved the required learning outcomes of a specified unit.
To apply for credit transfer or RPL, you must apply to study at CDU and submit the relevant supporting documents including:
- HE113 Application for Exemption Form (PDF, 216.84 KB)
- Official Academic Record (Academic transcript and award certificates)
- Unit outlines or syllabus matching time-frame of studies. Unit outlines must be specific to the teaching period in which the unit was undertaken and must include:
- aims/objectives
- learning outcomes
- assessment items
- resources required and institutional identifiers (web links are not accepted, these must be converted to PDF prior to submission)
Please make sure you submit all the required documents with your application to ensure processing time is reduced.
Fees
In 2023 this course is FREE for eligible students who receive an NT Domestic Supported place or $14,550.00 for domestic full fee places.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
"Study with the Territory's largest Training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster"
Why study at CDU?
"Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses"
What will I study?
To achieve SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, a total of twenty-five (25) units of competency must be completed comprising twenty (20) Core and five (5) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 970.
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
Core units of competency | ||
SITHCCC023* | Use food preparation equipment | 25 |
SITHCCC027* | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery | 45 |
SITHCCC028* | Prepare appetisers and salads | 25 |
SITHCCC029* | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups | 35 |
SITHCCC030* | Prepare vegetable, fruit, eggs and farinaceous dishes | 50 |
SITHCCC031* | Prepare vegetarian and vegan dishes | 40 |
SITHCCC035* | Prepare poultry dishes | 35 |
SITHCCC036* | Prepare meat dishes | 55 |
SITHCCC037* | Prepare seafood dishes | 35 |
SITHCCC041* | Produce cakes, pastries and breads | 55 |
SITHCCC042* | Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements | 75 |
SITHCCC043* | Work effectively as a cook | 100 |
SITHKOP009* | Clean kitchen premises and equipment | 13 |
SITHKOP010 | Plan and cost recipes | 40 |
SITHPAT016* | Produce desserts | 100 |
SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety | 15 |
SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices | 40 |
SITXHRM007 | Coach others in job skills | 20 |
SITXINV006* | Receive, store and maintain stock | 20 |
SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices | 12 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 835 | |
Elective units of competency (Select 5 only) | ||
BSBSUS211 | Participate in sustainable work practices | 20 |
SITHCCC025* | Prepare and present sandwiches | 10 |
SITHCCC038* | Produce and serve food for buffets | 25 |
SITHCCC040* | Prepare and serve cheese | 20 |
SITHCCC044* | Prepare specialised food items | 60 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 135 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 970 |
Prerequisite units:
*SITXFSA005 Use hygienic practices for food safety
*SITHCCC027 Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
There are no entry requirements for this qualification, although students will be expected to have employment in a relevant establishment. Individuals may enter SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery with limited or no vocational experience and without a lower level qualification.
Applicants are to attend a formal interview with the course coordinator to determine suitability for the course and that they have a clear understanding of the course requirements. At this interview stage students may negotiate any alternative training modes with the CDU Course Coordinator depending on their individual needs.
At the commencement of an apprenticeship, CDU will be in contact with the apprentice, employer and any other required parties to discuss and negotiate a training plan for the apprenticeship duration.
Admission criteria
As part of the application process, it is important that you meet the minimum academic entry requirements. If you have any questions, please email the International team: international@cdu.edu.au. We look forward to helping you through the process of applying to study with us at CDU.
Programs | Entry requirements |
Certificate level programs | A qualification equivalent to Australian Year 10 |
Diploma and advanced diploma programs | A qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12 |
Essential requirements
English language requirements
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0. |
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 165. |
Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 42 with no less than 36 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. |
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 46 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The teachers at CDU were amazing!
They were very passionate and knowledgeable and worked hard to meet both the learning and personal needs of students. Their care and individual attention meant that students like me received additional one-on-one training when I missed classes due to family or work commitments.
Leah
CDU student

The lecturers really care about us, and CDU has really good equipment to support our study. If you really want to join this course, you must know that everyone can cook, but not everyone can be a chef.
Nicholas
CDU student

Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the SIT - Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package.
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations:Palmerston
Study Mode: On campus
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
International Students
This qualification is available to international students at Alice Springs and Palmerston campuses (CRICOS Course No. 109769A).
Additional information
Contact details
Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: 1800 061 963 (free call). |
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How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
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