New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)
Build practical cookery skills to embark on a career in commercial kitchens.
Commercial kitchens call for technical ability, organisation and teamwork. You’ll build these capabilities through practical training that reflects the pace, standards and responsibilities of professional cookery.
Your learning will cover hot and cold dishes, pastry and desserts, progressing towards more complex preparation and presentation techniques. Restaurant service and work experience will give you opportunities to apply your skills with customers, work under time pressure and become more confident across different areas of the kitchen.
Key features
- Globally recognised qualification:
Earn a qualification recognised by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies.
- Industry-standard training kitchens:
Train in commercial kitchens equipped with quality, industry-standard facilities.
- Real restaurant service:
Build confidence serving guests in our on-campus restaurant.
- Local industry connections:
Gain industry insight through projects and opportunities with local hospitality partners.
What you'll learn
- Knife skills and ingredient preparation
- Hot and cold dishes
- Stocks, soups and sauces
- Salads, dressings and preserves
- Pasta, rice and egg cookery
- Fish, shellfish, poultry and meat cookery
- Pastry, baking and desserts
- Menu production and dish presentation
- Food safety, hygiene and kitchen procedures
- Workflow, time management and portion control
- Kitchen communication and teamwork
- Customer service in a restaurant environment
Fees for 2026
10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits and 10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits
OR New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3) OR equivalent
OR If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
- If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
- Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic
- 5.0 Listening
- 5.0 Reading
- 5.0 Writing
- 5.0 Speaking
Funding your studies
If you experience financial hardship during your studies, you may be eligible for funding, scholarships, and awards to help you continue your education.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
- Chef in an intermediate position
- Commercial kitchen chef
Graduates of this qualification have been employed by:
- Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
- Venues Ōtautahi
- Gordon Ramsay
Study pathways
Pathways into this qualification
- Cookery & Restaurant Service Skills Level 3
Study options after this qualification
- New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) with a strand in Cookery
- New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) with a strand in Patisserie
New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)
Build practical cookery skills to embark on a career in commercial kitchens.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Certificate |
| Code | NZ2101 |
| Next starts | February 2027 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| Credits | 120 |
| Level | 4 |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Reference | NZ2101-COOK |
Fees for 2026
Credit Recognition
Translate your knowledge from previous study into credits towards a new qualification.
Apply for credit recognitionDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 1002 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 794 KB
Area of Interest
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