Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
Step into supervisory and team leading roles in the kitchen - operate independently, solve non-routine problems, and build a pathway to running your own small business.
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.
Aims and Learning Outcomes
This course is aimed at:
- Assisting students to gain the essential skills and competencies required to work as commercial cooks within the hospitality sector.
- Developing the required skills to operate effectively in a commercial cookery environment and gaining knowledge in kitchen operations and hospitality.
- Providing a pathway to further qualifications and learning.
Entry Requirements
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. |
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 to the College requirement. Please refer to English Language Requirements changes | Study Australia.
Supported Job Roles
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:
Duration, Structure & Intakes
Course Duration and Structure
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: 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. 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).
Intake Dates
2026
2027
Course Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (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 (includes chef uniform and knives set, excluding safety boots). All students must have their own laptop and software.
Units of Competency
This course training package requires students to successfully complete the following:
Core Units (27)
Elective Units (6)
Based on the course outcomes and training package requirements, the below elective units of competency have been selected for this qualification.
* These units have a 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 purposes. 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.
For more details on qualification and packaging rules, refer to training.gov.au / SIT40521.
Contempo students progressing from SIT30821: students who have fully completed SIT30821 (with the applicable 21 units attained - 1 year equivalent) will need to complete an additional 12 units in this course (6 months equivalent). Accordingly, their CoEs will be amended for the course duration.
Delivery, Assessment & Support
Delivery Mode & Work Placement
Face to face, classroom-based delivery. All units are delivered and assessed in the instructor-led face-to-face classroom mode. No other modes are offered. Students must attend a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Work placement: 200 hours.
Assessments
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 assessment activities, for the full course load, are:
- 200 hours of supervised assessment activities such as in-class/kitchen demonstrations, practicals, written assessments, exams/tests, case studies, projects, roleplays and presentations (min 4 hours pw x 50 weeks - 4 hours out of 20 scheduled hours).
- 150 hours of unsupervised practice, research, writing, preparation of presentations 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 of this course, specifically required for the unit "Work effectively as a cook", which requires students to be assessed across 48 complete food service periods within an operational commercial kitchen.
Note: The amount of assessment for students with credits (e.g. progressing students) will vary and will be proportionate to the total number of weeks allocated as part of their enrolment. For example, the amount of assessment for students progressing from SIT30821 with all applicable credits will be based on two terms equivalent (without the work placement requirement).
Language, Literacy and Numeracy Support
Strong language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills help students succeed in their studies, communicate confidently, and prepare for the workplace.
At Contempo College, all required students complete an LLND assessment during Orientation. This helps us understand your current skill levels and identify whether any extra support may be helpful. Based on the results, we provide appropriate learning support so you can build the skills needed to complete your course successfully and feel confident in your future career.
RPL & Credit Transfers
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.
Academic Pathways
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.
Orientation
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 to their support services for international students.
City of Perth
Your gateway to student discounts, libraries, transport networks, cultural experiences and essential city services.
Handbook & Course Flyer
International Student Handbook
In addition to in-person sessions, the information provided is also available in our International Student Handbook and online.
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The full SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management course flyer, with everything on this page in a single PDF.
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Contempo College welcomes students from across the world to Perth, Australia. Our diverse community of learners comes from over 35 countries, creating a rich multicultural learning environment.