Key details
Duration
The length of time to complete this qualification is two (2) years full-time or four (4) years part-time face-to-face
Refer to the relevant course information flyer for further information.
* - Student Visa holders must study internally full time
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsOverview
This qualification reflects the role of commercial cooks who have a supervisory or team leading role in the kitchen. They operate independently or with limited guidance from others and use discretion to solve non-routine problems.
This qualification provides a pathway to work in organisations such as restaurants, hotels, clubs, pubs, cafes and coffee shops, or to run a small business in these sectors.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Hospitality include:
>Chef
>Chef de partie
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.
Students who successfully complete VET qualifications at the Certificate IV level or above and subsequently enrol in a Bachelor degree in the same field or discipline, will receive advanced standing as detailed in the table below.
Completed Award Course Level | HE | VET | to a HE Award | Credit granted for a completed award in the same field |
Certificate IV | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Certificate IV | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Associate Degree | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points | |
Associate Degree | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
After achieving SIT40516 Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery, individuals could progress to SIT50416 Diploma of Hospitality Management.
Fees
2022 Course fee for students who are eligible for an NT Government supported place is $5,064.50, and for students who are not eligible is $18,087.50.
International tuition Fees
The annual tuition fee for commencing students in 2022 is AUD $14,800.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest provider of Vocational Education and Training (VET) 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
What will I study?
To achieve SIT40516 Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery a total of thirty-three (33) units of competency must be completed comprising twenty-six (26) Core and seven (7) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.
Course structure
The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 1447.
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
BSBDIV501 | Manage diversity in the workplace | 60 |
BSBSUS401 | Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices | 40 |
SITHCCC001 | Use food preparation equipment * | 25 |
SITHCCC005 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery * | 45 |
SITHCCC006 | Prepare appetisers and salads * | 25 |
SITHCCC007 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups * | 35 |
SITHCCC008 | Prepare vegetable, fruit, egg and farinaceous dishes * | 45 |
SITHCCC012 | Prepare poultry dishes * | 25 |
SITHCCC013 | Prepare seafood dishes * | 30 |
SITHCCC014 | Prepare meat dishes * | 50 |
SITHCCC018 | Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements * | 75 |
SITHCCC019 | Produce cakes, pastries and breads * | 40 |
SITHCCC020 | Work effectively as a cook * | 80 |
SITHKOP002 | Plan and cost basic menus | 30 |
SITHKOP004 | Develop menus for special dietary requirements | 15 |
SITHKOP005 | Coordinate cooking operations * | 100 |
SITHPAT006 | Produce desserts * | 100 |
SITXCOM005 | Manage conflict | 20 |
SITXFIN003 | Manage finances within a budget | 30 |
SITXFSA001 | Use hygienic practices for food safety | 15 |
SITXFSA002 | Participate in safe food handling practices | 40 |
SITXHRM001 | Coach others in job skills | 20 |
SITXHRM003 | Lead and manage people | 60 |
SITXINV002 | Maintain the quality of perishable items * | 10 |
SITXMGT001 | Monitor work operations | 20 |
SITXWHS003 | Implement and monitor work health and safety practices | 30 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 1065 | |
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY (Select 7) | ||
SITXCCS007 | Enhance customer service experiences | 40 |
SITXHRM002 | Roster staff | 30 |
SITHPAT004* | Produce yeast-based bakery products | 42 |
BSBMGT517 | Manage operational plan | 70 |
SITXCCS008 | Develop and manage quality customer service practices | 30 |
SITHASC008* | Prepare Asian cooked dishes | 90 |
SITXGLC001 | Research and comply with regulatory requirements | 80 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 382 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 1447 |
*Prerequisite unit is SITXFSA001 Use hygienic practices for food safety
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
CDU Domestic Entry Requirements
A current SIT30816 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or an equivalent qualification in cooking is a prerequisite for entry into SIT40516 Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery.
Candidates will be required to attend a meeting with the course lecturer prior to enrolment to discuss the requirements of the course.
Students will be sent a pre-enrolment letter generated by the team and sent to them by the coordinator. The pre-enrolment letter indicates to the student who the coordinating lecturer is, contact information, and when the induction and enrolment day is for the course and what the students are required to bring on the day.
On the day of induction, the student's complete enrolment forms, complete a learner support indicator assessment to determine learning support requirements and receive course information such as training dates and content.
Students will be expected to have employment in a relevant position in a commercial kitchen to satisfy the requirements of the unit SITHKOP005 Coordinate cooking operations, which requires students to supervise at least 12 service periods and SITHCCC020 Work effectively as a cook which requires students to complete 48 restaurant services.
International Students
Please refer to https://www.cdu.edu.au/international/how-apply for information regarding international student applications.
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

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 campus (CRICOS Course No. 093904A).
Additional information
Contact details
Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: (08) 8946 7766 or 1800 061 963 (free call). |
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How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU VET has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU VET 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 VET and undergraduate.
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