Season’s greetings! Our campuses are closed from the 21 December 2024 until Monday, 6 January 2025, but you can still enrol for 2025 at www.tafensw.edu.au or speak to our Student Sales team on 131 601 Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (excluding public holidays).

    OverviewAbout this course

    The Certificate III in Commercial Cookery enables you to become more skilled, competent, and knowledgeable in all aspects of cooking, including food preparation and food safety. When you complete this course you'll be able to take your passion to the next level and transfer it into your work life as well.

    Learn to use a range of equipment and tools to prepare an array of delicious dishes including poultry, seafood, meat, vegetables and desserts. Get experience to work safely and effectively in a kitchen using clear communication with cultural sensitivity. Gain skills to plan and cost menus, manage stock and keep the kitchen clean. You'll also practice hygienic and safe food handling.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to: 

    • Make a variety of local and international cuisine and to maintain a balance of flavours
    • Create dishes with several elements when under time constraints
    • Create different dishes according to dietary preferences
    • Gain a sound understanding of flavour profiles and diverse palates
    • Cook for real customers during service periods

    Gain practical experience

    Build your experience and get practical skills in: 

    • Creating a range of culinary dishes inspired by local and international cuisine
    • Planning and developing recipes
    • Using different cookery methods and techniques to highlight specific ingredients
    • Cooking dishes according to dietary requirements
    • Working with other team members to produce food
    • Applying safe work, hygienic and sustainable practices

    Develop your professional confidence

    Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:

    • A sense of adventure and creativity in the kitchen
    • The ability to taste, judge and appreciate different flavours
    • Attention to detail and the ability to problem solve
    • A passion for a variety of cuisines
    • The ability to work in a high-pressure environment
    • High standards of personal presentation and hygiene

    Career pathways

    This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:

    • Commercial Cook
    • Chef

    SuitabilityInternational entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and unitsWhat you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    20 core units 5 elective units, consisting of:3 units from Group A or Group B below 2 units from Group A, Group B or Group C below. All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    • Use food preparation equipmentSITHCCC023

    • Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookerySITHCCC027

    • Prepare appetisers and saladsSITHCCC028

    • Prepare stocks, sauces and soupsSITHCCC029

    • Prepare vegetable, fruit, eggs and farinaceous dishesSITHCCC030

    • Prepare vegetarian and vegan dishesSITHCCC031

    • Prepare poultry dishesSITHCCC035

    • Prepare meat dishesSITHCCC036

    • Prepare seafood dishesSITHCCC037

    • Produce cakes, pastries and breadsSITHCCC041

    PathwaysContinue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Build your expertise with a TAFE NSW hospitality study pathway:


    At TAFE NSW Wollongong

    • You can apply for a package of Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (1 year) and Diploma of Hospitality Management (1 year). (Package Duration: 2 Years).

    You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    ServicesCampus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.

    We offer a range of support services including: 

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service 
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) support  
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling, and Pathways Service  
    • Smarthinking – online access to a tutor 
    • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International