NZ Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)
Food & Beverage
A course by
EIT
This one-year full-time (or part-time two-year) NZQA approved Level 4 certificate equips students for a career as a professional chef, with practical cookery training, industry placements, and opportunities in hospitality and commercial kitchens.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Develop fundamental and advanced cookery skills
Graduates will have the ability to prepare and cook a variety of meat, vegetable, sauce, and pastry dishes to industry standards.
Work safely and professionally in a commercial kitchen
Gain knowledge and skills in food safety, hygiene, and professionalism required for a commercial cookery environment.
Apply skills in a real-world setting
Complete industry-based experience and enterprise reporting, establishing professional networks and competence in a workplace context.
What You're Signing Up For
The NZ Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) at EIT is designed for students aiming to start a professional career as a chef. The program covers foundational and advanced cooking skills, food safety, and professional practices through modern training kitchens and substantial industry-based learning components. Graduates will be able to work in commercial kitchens, restaurants, and catering, gaining hands-on experience via workplace placements. The course is delivered full-time over one year or part-time over two years through an In Work Learning format that allows students to work while studying.
Course Content
- Entremetier (vegetable and starch dishes)
- Garde manger (cold kitchen, salads, larder work)
- Saucier (sauces, soups, and hot dishes)
- Pâtisseries (pastry, baking, and desserts)
- Food safety and hygiene
- Professionalism in the kitchen
- Industry-based workplace experience (minimum 50 hours for full-time or 20 hours per week for in-work learners)
- Enterprise report as part of placement
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy, or evidence of achievement at a higher level; OR ability to demonstrate interest in the industry and potential to succeed
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Hospitality
Food Services
Catering
Future employment opportunities might be
Professional chef in a commercial kitchen
Restaurant cook
Catering assistant