Commercial cooks prepare, season and cook food in dining or catering establishments.
Occupation description
Commercial cooks prepare, season and cook food in dining or catering establishments.
Their job involves:
- examining foodstuffs to ensure quality.
- preparing, seasoning and cooking food.
- operating cooking equipment.
- portioning food, placing it on plates, and adding gravies, sauces and garnishes.
- storing food in temperature-controlled facilities.
- preparing food to meet special dietary requirements.
- cleaning food preparation areas.
Commercial cooks may also:
- plan menus and estimate food requirements.
- train other kitchen staff and apprentices.
NOTE: This occupation is for cooks working in commercial kitchens within dining or catering establishments. It does not extend to positions in a factory or limited service setting, including fast food / fast casual / takeaway food services, coffee shops, drinking establishments or mall cafes that offer only a limited food service.
How will I be assessed?
Documentary Evidence Assessment
We will review your documentary evidence to ensure it meets the employment and training requirements and indicates that you have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience as a Commercial Cook.
You can find information about the employment, training, and document requirements below:
- For information on what evidence you need to include with your application, download the Evidence guide.
- If you are in pathway 1 you also need to find information on assessment for your specific occupation
- Video guide
- Observation report
- For information about the employment experience requirements for a Pathway 1 application, please refer to the Pathway 1 Employment Experience Guidelines.
- If you are applying for a Pathway 2 assessment, please read the Pathway 2 Candidate Guide.
Technical Assessment
If you are successful in Stage 1, you will complete a technical assessment.
For more information about the technical assessment, see the Pathway 1 Technical Assessment Guide and Pathway 2 Candidate Guide.
What skills and knowledge do I need?
The qualification relevant to this occupation is the SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. To be awarded this qualification, you must demonstrate your skills and knowledge in the units of competency listed in the tables on the following pages. Each unit of competency defines a selection of knowledge and skills required in Australian workplaces.
You must achieve 25 units of competency:
- 20 core units
- 5 elective units
- Core Units
-
Code Title SITHCCC023 Use food preparation equipment* SITHCCC027 Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery* SITHCCC028 Prepare appetisers and salads* SITHCCC029 Prepare stocks, sauces and soups* SITHCCC030 Prepare vegetable, fruit, eggs and farinaceous dishes* SITHCCC031 Prepare vegetarian and vegan dishes* SITHCCC035 Prepare poultry dishes* SITHCCC036 Prepare meat dishes* SITHCCC037 Prepare seafood dishes* SITHCCC041 Produce cakes, pastries and breads* SITHCCC042 Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements* SITHCCC043 Work effectively as a cook* SITHKOP009 Clean kitchen premises and equipment* SITHKOP010 Plan and cost recipes SITHPAT016 Produce desserts* SITXFSA005 Use hygienic practices for food safety SITXFSA006 Participate in safe food handling practices SITXHRM007 Coach others in job skills SITXINV006 Receive, store and maintain stock* SITXWHS005 Participate in safe work practices
- Elective Units
-
Code Title SITHCCC025 Prepare and present sandwiches* SITHCCC038 Produce and serve food for buffets* SITHASC026 Prepare curry pastes and powders* SITHASC021 Prepare Asian appetisers and snacks* SITXCOM007 Show social and cultural sensitivity
You must demonstrate competency in all core and elective units of competency and all of their pre-requisite units.
NOTE: * — indicates that a unit requires a pre-requisite/s
How to Apply
If you're a tradesperson, your skills and experience will be assessed by someone who has worked in your trade and understands your skills and qualifications. VETASSES is Australia's leading assessment body for trades and we can assess 27 different trade occupations.
Step 1
Check your eligibility to apply for a Trade Skills Assessment.
Step 2
Understand the Assessment Process
Step 3
Confirm the type of evidence you may be asked to provide
Step 4
Find the cost you’ll need to pay up front for your trade skills assessment
Step 5
FAQs
You are strongly encouraged to review each of the units of competency shown above. To do this:
1. Go to the following website: http://training.gov.au/Search.
2. Enter a unit code (e.g. MSMWHS200) into the ‘Title or code’ search box.
3. Click on the ‘NRT’ button.
4. Click on the ‘Search’ button.
5. Read the Unit of Competency information.