Contempo College

Certificate IV in Kitchen Management

SIT40521 –
 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
 | CRICOS Course Code: 109603A
Qualification description

Course Information

This qualification reflects the role of individuals in a variety of Business Services job roles. These individuals may have frontline management accountabilities.
Individuals in these roles carry out moderately complex tasks in a specialist field of expertise that requires business operations skills. They may possess substantial experience in a range of settings, but seek to further develop their skills across a wide range of business functions.
Qualification description
Course Information

This qualification reflects the role of chefs and cooks who have a supervisory or team leading role in the kitchen. They operate independently or with limited guidance from others and use discretion to solve non-routine problems. This qualification provides a pathway to work in organisations such as restaurants, hotels, clubs, pubs, cafes and coffee shops, or to run a small business in these sectors.

International Student Handbook

In addition to in-person sessions, the information provided is also available in our International Student Handbook and online at:

Other Courses

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Nil

This course is aimed at:

  • Assist the students gain the essential skills and competencies required to work as commercial cooks within the hospitality sector
  • Develop the required skills to effectively operated in a commercial cookery environment and gain knowledge in kitchen operations and hospitality
  • Provide a pathway to further qualifications and learning

To ensure an appropriate learning opportunity, candidates need to demonstrate the following:

English Language (International Students) IELTS 5.5 or higher with a minimum score of 5.0 in each band or equivalent English language test scores
Academic Level Year 11 or equivalent.
Minimum Age 18 years or over at the time of commencement.

Note: **Special English Note: For visa purposes students may be required to provide the Australian Government with further evidence of English proficiency which may be different than the College requirement. Please refer to English Language Requirements changes | Study Australia

A cook (commercial) works under the instruction of the chef/sous chef/chef de partie in a commercial kitchen.

Possible career opportunities after completing this course include cooking and food preparation roles in:

  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Clubs
  • Pubs
  • Cafes
  • Coffee Shops.

This course is delivered over a period of one and a half (1.5) years. The course duration is:                  

  • 78 Weeks of course duration consisting of:
    • 50 Weeks of scheduled study/tuition (5 terms of 10 weeks each)
    • 10 Weeks of work placement (1 term of 10 weeks)
    • 18 Weeks of scheduled breaks/holidays (6 breaks of 2 weeks and 1 break of 6 weeks)

Notes:
1. A minimum of 20 contact hours per week of study/tuition have been scheduled by Contempo College – to ensure students meet their student study visa conditions
2. The course duration may vary for students who have been granted credits or RPL towards this course (e.g., students having completed any units in a previous course/qualification).

Year Intakes

2026

05 Jan 2026
06 Apr 2026
06 Jul 2026
05 Oct 2026

2027

04 Jan 2027
05 Apr 2027
05 Jul 2027
04 Oct 2027
Fee TypeAmount (AUD)
Application Fee$250.00 (Non-refundable)
Course Fee$20,000.00
Materials Fee$2,500.00
Note: The Materials Fee covers all equipment and learning resources required for course delivery.
All students must have their own laptop and software.

This course training package requires students to successfully complete the below:
Total number of units = 33

  • 27 core units plus
  • 6 elective units

Based on the course outcomes and training package requirements, the below elective units of competency have been selected for this  qualification.

* These units have pre-requisite – SITXFSA005 Use Hygienic Practices for Food Safety and or SITHCCC027 Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery that must be scheduled prior to starting any new term or student group.

** Denotes the unit prescribed for work placement purpose. The allocated hours cover a minimum of 48 complete food service periods: 20 hours per week over 10 weeks in an approved workplace. Work placement is scheduled in term 4 of the course so that students have developed the essential skills and knowledge over the duration of the course to be ready to perform in a workplace environment.

Note: Elective units reflect the intended course outcomes and the supported job roles. When available, other elective units may be chosen within the packaging rules.

* These units have pre-requisite – SITXFSA005 Use Hygienic Practices for Food Safety and or SITHCCC027 Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery that must be scheduled prior to starting any new term or student group.

 ** Denotes the unit prescribed for work placement purpose. The allocated hours cover a minimum of 48 complete food service periods: 20 hours per week over 10 weeks in an approved workplace. Work placement is scheduled in term 4 of the course so that students have developed the essential skills and knowledge over the duration of the course to be ready to perform in a workplace environment.

Contempo students progressing from SIT30821 (fully completed with the above 21 units attained – 1 year equivalent) will need to complete additional 12 units in this course – (6 months equivalent). Accordingly, their CoEs will be amended for the course duration.

Face to Face, classroom-based delivery. All units are delivered and assessed in the instructor-led face-to-face classroom mode. No other modes offered. Students must attend a minimum of 20 hours per week.

200 hours

The amount of assessment hours required for this qualification is broken down into the course delivery modes/methods below. The number of hours allocated for summative assessments activities are detailed as follows: For the full course load:

  • 200 hours of supervised assessment activities such as in-class/kitchen demonstrations, practicals, written assessments, exams/tests, case studies, projects, roleplays, presentations, demonstrations, projects, etc. (min 4 hours pw x 50 weeks) – (4 hours out of 20 scheduled hours)
  • 150 hours of unsupervised practice, research, writing, preparation of presentations etc., and unit specific tasks including preparation of workplace-based assessment activities and submission documents (3 hours pw x 50 weeks)
  • 200 Hours of work placement – a compulsory component for this course and specifically required for unit – “SITHCCC020 Work effectively as a cook” – this unit requires students to be assessed and successfully complete the training package requirement for 48 complete food service periods within an operational commercial kitchen environment.

The total Amount of Assessment for this qualification is: 550 Hours

Note: The amount of assessment for students with credits (e.g., progressing students) would vary. The amount of assessment for students with approved credits will, therefore, be proportionate to the total number of weeks/durations allocated as part to their enrolments. For example, amount of assessment for students progressing from SIT30821 with all applicable credits will be based on two terms equivalent (without the work placement requirement).

For all students, strong Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills are fundamental to supporting vocational learning, employability, and effective workplace communication, regardless of their course or training level. To ensure students receive the necessary support, all students undergo LLN testing during Orientation to determine their skill levels and identify any required support. Contempo College uses these assessments to tailor assistance, ensuring learners develop the essential LLN competencies needed for their course and future employment.

Contempo College provides Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT) options to all prospective students. Applications must be submitted prior to enrolment completion, with supporting evidence demonstrating existing competencies or equivalent qualifications for relevant course units. No RPL or CT applications will be accepted after enrolment is finalised.

On successful completion of SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at Contempo College, students can progress to:

  • SIT50422 Diploma of Hospitality Management

Contempo College shall provide students with the required information regarding their pathway options as part of student support.

At Contempo College, we are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for our international students as they begin their studies and adjust to life in Australia. Our comprehensive orientation program is designed to provide essential support, promote wellbeing and set students up for academic success.
  • Settlement Support: Housing guidance, local area orientation, and cultural adjustment
  • Legal & Visa Requirements: Understanding visa conditions, work rights, and compliance
  • Health & Safety: Access to medical services, emergency contacts, and personal security tips
  • Academic Success: Study skills workshops, language support, and campus resources
  • Employment Readiness: Workplace rights, resume building, and career services
  • Daily Life Essentials: Banking, transportation, and local community connections
  • StudyPerth: Introduction their support services for International Students
  • City of Perth: Your gateway to student discounts, libraries, transport networks, cultural experiences and essential city services.

We’re here to help!

For questions or support, contact
All new international students at Contempo College must complete our comprehensive Orientation Program (Mandatory).