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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery 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:| Part Time Duration |
|---|
| 36 weeks |
This course is available to study over 36 weeks part-time with students participating in on-campus training one day per week. On-campus training occurs on Tuesdays for a period of 8 hours, for 12 service periods (students may opt to undertake service periods in industry where applicable). This course is competency based, so it may be possible for learners to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
The Certificate II in Cookery has been designed to combine hands-on practical training with industry-relevant knowledge to help students build the foundational skills required for a career in the hospitality industry. Training is delivered through a blend of classroom learning, online theory via our learning platform Moodle, and practical hands-on activities. Students will develop their cookery skills in CQUniversity’s commercial training kitchens under the guidance of industry experienced teachers.
Students will gain real-world experience in preparing and presenting a variety of food items, operating kitchen equipment, maintaining food safety and hygiene standards, managing stock, and working effectively within a kitchen team. Practical training and assessment activities are designed to simulate authentic real-world hospitality working environments, ensuring graduates develop job-ready skills that can be transferred across a range of hospitality and food service roles.
Group 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices |
| SITHCCC023 | Use food preparation equipment |
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment |
| SITHCCC027 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery |
| SITHCCC025 | Prepare and present sandwiches |
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock |
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads |
Group 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC034 | Work effectively in a commercial kitchen |
| SITHCCC029 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups |
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs |
Group 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXCOM007 | Show social and cultural sensitivity |
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices |
Start TAFE Now (STN) - ON CAMPUS
Duration:| Part Time Duration |
|---|
| 36 weeks |
This course is available to study over 36 weeks part-time with students participating in on-campus training one day per week. On-campus training occurs on Tuesdays for a period of 8 hours, for 12 service periods (students may opt to undertake service periods in industry where applicable). This course is competency based, so it may be possible for learners to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
The Certificate II in Cookery has been designed to combine hands-on practical training with industry-relevant knowledge to help students build the foundational skills required for a career in the hospitality industry. Training is delivered through a blend of classroom learning, online theory via our learning platform Moodle, and practical hands-on activities. Students will develop their cookery skills in CQUniversity’s commercial training kitchens under the guidance of industry experienced teachers.
Students will gain real-world experience in preparing and presenting a variety of food items, operating kitchen equipment, maintaining food safety and hygiene standards, managing stock, and working effectively within a kitchen team. Practical training and assessment activities are designed to simulate authentic real-world hospitality working environments, ensuring graduates develop job-ready skills that can be transferred across a range of hospitality and food service roles
Group 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices |
| SITHCCC023 | Use food preparation equipment |
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment |
| SITHCCC027 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery |
| SITHCCC025 | Prepare and present sandwiches |
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock |
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads |
Group 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITHCCC034 | Work effectively in a commercial kitchen |
| SITHCCC029 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups |
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs |
Group 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SITXCOM007 | Show social and cultural sensitivity |
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices |
Trainees
Duration:| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 52 weeks | 104 weeks |
52 weeks full-time or 104 weeks part-time (as per registered training contract). However, as it is competency based, it may be possible for learners to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level and agreed workplace sign off.
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 |
|---|---|
| SITXFSA005 | Use hygienic practices for food safety |
| SITXINV006 | Receive, store and maintain stock |
| SITXWHS005 | Participate in safe work practices |
| SITHKOP009 | Clean kitchen premises and equipment |
| SITHCCC034 | Work effectively in a commercial kitchen |
| SITHCCC029 | Prepare stocks, sauces and soups |
| SITXFSA006 | Participate in safe food handling practices |
| SITHCCC023 | Use food preparation equipment |
| SITHCCC027 | Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery |
| SITHCCC026 | Package prepared foodstuffs |
| SITXCOM007 | Show social and cultural sensitivity |
| SITHCCC025 | Prepare and present sandwiches |
| SITHCCC028 | Prepare appetisers and salads |
This course has no residential schools.
For campus-based students, practical skills will be demonstrated in CQUniversity's Training Kitchen.
For the following course structure, placement within industry will be required to complete 12 service periods. Student is required to organise placement.
- Start TAFE Now - Online with Vocational Placement
- Online with Vocational Placement
Requirements
To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
During Your Study
While not needed to apply, you will need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
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 Career Start and Career Boost, 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.
Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. CQUniversity is an approved Skills Assure supplier with the Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
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.
Students must have a genuine interest in pursuing a post school vocational occupation to receive VETiS funding.
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
Some government-funded training programs, such as Career Start and Career Boost, provide a contribution that reduces the cost of training. Eligible apprentices and trainees will be charged $1.60 per *nominal hour. Concession rates apply to eligible students based on provided evidence. If you are required to pay Student Contribution Fees, you may be eligible for partial or full exemption, you can find more information on Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas. Learn more about eligible courses and funding eligibility criteria by visiting Career Start or Career Boost.
Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s Funding
Free apprenticeships for under 25s covers the cost of training for employers who commence an eligible new or existing apprentice or trainee in a priority qualification. Learn more about eligible courses and funding eligibility criteria by visiting Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s.
Some employers may optionally choose to sponsor all or part of a student’s full fees or co-contribution fees. Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. CQUniversity is an approved Skills Assure supplier with the Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
*Nominal hours is a value assigned to a VET course or unit and nominally represents the anticipated hours of supervised training deemed necessary to conduct the training and assessment activities associated with the course or unit.
*Some qualifications require students to pay for additional items, for example, the cost of a uniform or other compulsory resources which are not included in free or subsidised enrolments.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
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
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your Application Options
Follow These Steps
Start Your Application
Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.
Applications for 2027 intakes open on 1 September 2026.
