Careers & pathways
How to become a chef and commercial cook in Australia
Chefs and commercial cooks prepare and cook food to order in commercial kitchens, and supervise kitchen sections.
The work
What the job involves
- Prepare ingredients and cook to order
- Work a section during service
- Control food safety and hygiene
- Cost and plan menus at senior levels
- Supervise and train kitchen staff
Where the work happens
Commercial kitchens, working evenings, weekends and public holidays under time pressure.
Typical qualification pathway
The qualifications usually used to enter this work
One entry qualification is Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821), a nationally recognised qualification on the national register. The registered training organisations approved to deliver and issue it are listed on training.gov.au.
One entry qualification is Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521), a nationally recognised qualification on the national register. The registered training organisations approved to deliver and issue it are listed on training.gov.au.
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Last reviewed: 2026-09-10
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