Course at a Glance
Course duration depends on the funding stream, credit transfers and recognition of prior learning. The course can be completed quicker or slower depending on individual circumstances.
Unit of Competencies
SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery includes 13 units of competencies, including 7 core units and 6 elective units. CTA Training Specialists offers the following units of competencies to students:
Core Units
Elective Units
Units marked with an * have a prerequisite/s units.
Units marked with a ^ has workplace requirements.
For further information please email [email protected]
Workplace Requirements
Practical and workplace requirements apply to some units. CTA will advise students before enrolment of any required workplace access, service periods, practical demonstrations, employer involvement, equipment, travel or placement arrangements needed to complete the qualification.
Delivery Method
Delivery arrangements vary by enrolment pathway, location and training plan. CTA may use trainer-led face-to-face sessions, workplace-based training and assessment, and supported online learning where appropriate. The exact delivery mode, schedule, duration, assessment requirements and any workplace requirements will be confirmed before enrolment and documented in the student’s training plan or enrolment information.
Qualification Outcome
CTA Training Specialists will issue you a nationally recognised qualification upon completing all requirements of this course.
Study Pathways
Pathways into this qualification
There are no entry requirements for this qualification.
Pathways from this qualification
This qualification opens the door to careers in kitchen operations within various settings, including restaurants, hotels, catering services, clubs, pubs, cafes, and coffee shops, as well as institutions like aged care facilities, hospitals, prisons, and schools.
You can continue your studies through the following qualifications:
- SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery to work as a qualified professional chef.
- SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
Credit Transfer/ Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be available where a student can provide sufficient, current and authentic evidence of existing competency. RPL is assessed individually against the full requirements of the relevant unit or qualification and is subject to any funding or training product requirements.
For more information about credit transfers and RPLs, please contact us at [email protected].
Funding Options
Queensland Government funding is subject to eligibility, available funding, CTA’s approved delivery schedule and the current Queensland Subsidised Training List. Previous government-funded training can affect eligibility. CTA will confirm eligibility before enrolment. Accessing subsidised training may affect a student’s future funded training entitlement.
Career Start Program
Career Start provides eligible Queenslanders with subsidised entry-level training to help them start a career, find work, or move into more skilled or full-time employment. CTA offers approved Career Start qualifications through general training and/or apprenticeship and traineeship pathways, subject to the Queensland Subsidised Training List and CTA’s current Skills Assure Supplier approval. Eligibility is assessed before enrolment and may be affected by previous DTET-funded training, current enrolments and qualification history.
Queensland Government funding is subject to eligibility, available funding, CTA’s approved delivery schedule and the current Queensland Subsidised Training List. Previous government-funded training can affect eligibility. CTA will confirm eligibility before enrolment. Accessing subsidised training may affect a student’s future funded training entitlement.
For more information, please visit our Career Start page.
VET In Schools
VET in Schools (VETiS) 2026 and 2027 – General Training Pathway
Eligible Queensland secondary school students in Years 10, 11 or 12 may access Queensland Government-funded training in approved Certificate I or II qualifications. To be eligible, a student must meet DTET requirements, including not being an international secondary exchange student; not being enrolled in another DTET-funded qualification (including a SAT); not having previously completed a DTET-funded VETiS qualification or other DTET-funded qualification while at school; and having a genuine interest in pursuing a post-school vocational occupation. Students must be able to complete all training and assessment by 30 June 2028.
Eligible students use their one Queensland Government-funded VET in Schools qualification entitlement. No student or co-contribution fee applies under VETiS 2026 and 2027. CTA will confirm eligibility and the approved training pathway before enrolment.
School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SAT)
A SAT is a separate VETiS pathway and requires the student to be employed under a registered school-based apprenticeship or traineeship training contract. Specific eligibility, employment, school support and timetable requirements apply.
For more information, please visit our VET In Schools page.
Fee For Service Training
Fee For Service Training is for students who are not eligible for government funding. Students only pay for the number of units they complete as CTA Training Specialists do not charge for credit transfers. Additional information about funding and eligibility criteria can be found here: Funding Options at CTA Training Specialists
Benefits
What are the Benefits of the SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery?
The SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery provides the essential skills required for entry-level positions in commercial kitchens. Graduates can pursue roles such as kitchen hand, commis chef, or food preparation assistant, making it an excellent starting point for a culinary career.
This qualification covers basic food preparation techniques, cooking methods, kitchen safety, and hygiene practices. These foundational skills are critical for anyone looking to build a career in the culinary arts and ensure students are well-prepared to handle various kitchen tasks.
The course includes hands-on training in commercial kitchens, allowing students to gain practical experience and apply their skills in real-world settings. This practical component ensures graduates are job-ready and can perform effectively in a professional kitchen environment.
The Certificate II in Cookery serves as a stepping stone to more advanced culinary qualifications, such as the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. This progression opens up opportunities for higher-level roles and further career development in the hospitality industry.
As a nationally recognised qualification, the SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery is valued by employers across Australia. It demonstrates a commitment to the culinary profession and provides a competitive edge in the job market.
The course emphasises the importance of teamwork and effective communication in a kitchen setting. These skills are crucial for maintaining a smooth and efficient kitchen operation, contributing to a positive work environment.
With this qualification, graduates can explore various roles within the culinary and hospitality sectors. Whether working in restaurants, cafes, hotels, or catering companies, the skills gained from this course are applicable in multiple culinary settings.
FAQs
After completing your Cert II in cookery you can take up kitchen hand jobs in a number of different hospitality venues. This qualification doesn’t quite give you the skills to be a cook or a chef, but it is a good stepping stone to get there.
You do not need a Cert 2 to work in a kitchen, but the qualification does help you understand the foundational skills that most employers will look for when hiring kitchen staff.
Once you complete your Certificate II in Cookery, you can progress your hospitality career through work or further studies. For example, you can use a Cert 2 to apply for an entry-level kitchen hand job. Alternatively, you can continue your studies and apply for a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery to hone your cooking and business skills.
