SIT20421 - Certificate II in Cookery
Overview
Earn this qualification to attain the skills and knowledge essential for boosting confidence in a variety of kitchen operations and tasks. Learn fundamental culinary techniques, spice up your skills, and master the art of creating delectable dishes.
This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in kitchens who use a defined and limited range of food preparation and cookery skills to prepare food and menu items. They are involved in mainly routine and repetitive tasks and work under direct supervision. This qualification does not meet the requirements for trade recognition as a cook, but can provide a pathway towards achieving that.
This is a nationally recognised course.
QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Study Experience
- Training Restaurant
- Flexible Online Study
- Experienced Teaching Team
Career Opportunities
This qualification provides a pathway to work in kitchen operations in organisations such as restaurants, hotels, catering operations, clubs, pubs, cafes, and coffee shops; and institutions such as aged care facilities, hospitals, prisons, and schools.
Structure & Availability
On Campus
Duration:| Full Time Duration |
|---|
| 24 weeks |
24 weeks full-time one day per week (8hr) Monday + services on Wednesdays or 12 services in industry
Core
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices |
| SITHCCC023 | Use food preparation equipment |
| SITHCCC027 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery |
| SITHCCC034 | Work effectively in a commercial kitchen |
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock |
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC025 | Prepare and present sandwiches |
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads |
| SITHCCC029 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups |
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs |
| SITXCOM007 | Show social and cultural sensitivity |
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices |
Start TAFE Now (STN)
Duration:| Full Time Duration |
|---|
| 24 weeks |
24 weeks full-time one day per week (8hr) Monday + services on Wednesdays or 12 services in industry
Core
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices |
| SITHCCC023 | Use food preparation equipment |
| SITHCCC027 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery |
| SITHCCC034 | Work effectively in a commercial kitchen |
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock |
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC025 | Prepare and present sandwiches |
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads |
| SITHCCC029 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups |
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs |
| SITXCOM007 | Show social and cultural sensitivity |
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices |
Traineeship
Duration:| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 24 weeks | 48 weeks |
24 weeks full-time or 48 weeks part-time.
Student must be within a Queensland registered traineeship.
Core
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices |
| SITHCCC023 | Use food preparation equipment |
| SITHCCC027 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery |
| SITHCCC034 | Work effectively in a commercial kitchen |
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock |
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC025 | Prepare and present sandwiches |
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads |
| SITHCCC029 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups |
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs |
| SITXCOM007 | Show social and cultural sensitivity |
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices |
RPL Structure
Duration:RPL Only
The time to complete this qualification via RPL is dependent on the timely supply of suitable RPL evidence by the candidate. Generally, RPL may take a duration between 3 and 6 months.
RPL Units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC023 | Use food preparation equipment |
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs |
| SITXCOM007 | Show social and cultural sensitivity |
| SITHCCC025 | Prepare and present sandwiches |
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads |
| SITHCCC029 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups |
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment |
| SITHCCC034 | Work effectively in a commercial kitchen |
| SITHCCC027 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery |
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices |
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock |
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety |
This course has no residential schools.
Requirements
There are no qualification entry requirements, however CQUniversity requires completion of bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher-level course.
ADDITIONAL STUDY REQUIREMENTS
- Students require access to a computer with internet
- 12 kitchen service periods are required for this qualification, where students cannot complete all 12 services within the CQ University Training Kitchens, they will be required to complete in industry
What to wear:
- Nonslip enclosed black footwear
- Long black pants/slacks
- Black collared shirt (no logos, print etc)
- No jewellery
or
- White chef jacket
- Checked chef pants
- White chef cap
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government-funded training programs, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Starting the 1st of July 2025, the Queensland Government is updating its TAFE subsidy offerings. Students commencing from this date will need to be reassessed, potentially requiring additional documentation to maintain their funding. Those who do not provide the necessary documents, or are no longer eligible, may lose their subsidy and continue as full-fee-paying students. For more information visit Paying for TAFE and review Important Changes to TAFE Subsidies from July 2025.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
As a high school student, you may be eligible for the Queensland Government’s VET in Schools (VETiS) program which is fee-free. Course specific costs may be applicable, an example would be high vis clothing and safety boots for trade courses.
If you are currently enrolled in or have previously completed a VETiS funded course, you will not be eligible for future VETiS funding.
Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
How to Apply
We appreciate your interest in the Certificate II in Cookery (SIT20421). There are currently no more intakes for 2025 for this course. Please, register your interest, to ensure you receive updates as soon as applications become available for 2026.
