Course Code: SIT40521

Certificate IV in Kitchen Management

This course covers kitchen management, including menu planning, food safety, staff rostering, conflict resolution, culinary techniques, menu design, and financial management for leading kitchen teams.

About this Course

The Certificate IV in Kitchen Management provides a comprehensive understanding of kitchen management, emphasising essential areas such as menu planning, food safety systems, staff rostering, and conflict resolution. Core competencies include advanced culinary techniques, menu design, and financial management, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to lead dynamic kitchen teams.

The program features practical, industry-relevant training, aligning with contemporary kitchen management practices. Electives are designed to enhance specialisation in areas like food safety, catering for events, and stock control, supporting both individual career goals and organisational requirements. The course caters to experienced cooks aiming to elevate their roles and contribute to excellence in hospitality services.

Entry Requirements

While there are no formal entry requirements for the qualification, students are encouraged to meet the following recommendations to ensure successful participation in this advanced-level qualification:

Age: Applicants should be at least 18 years old at the time of commencement.
Academic Background: Completion of Year 12 or equivalent
Communication Skills: Applicants are expected to have the necessary language and communication skills to engage with course materials, participate in learning activities, and complete assessments effectively. Support services are available to assist students if needed.

Licencing and Regulatory Information

The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

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

In line with the 2025 RTO Standards, students’ Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) skills will be assessed prior to enrollment to ensure their readiness to successfully participate in the course.

All training aligns with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards, and industry codes of practice.

Overall Impacts & Key Benefits

Advanced Kitchen Management Expertise: Learn to oversee and coordinate all aspects of kitchen operations, including planning, rostering, and supervising staff to maintain smooth workflows in high-pressure environments.
Food Safety Compliance Expertise: Gain advanced knowledge in implementing food safety programs and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements in commercial kitchens.
Menu Design and Costing Skills: Master the art of planning, designing, and costing menus that balance creativity with financial viability, including developing recipes tailored to special dietary requirements.

Catering and Function Planning: Learn to package prepared foodstuffs, transport and store food safely, and plan catering for events and functions, broadening your expertise.
Stock and Inventory Control: Build critical skills in purchasing goods, controlling stock, and optimising kitchen resources to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Career-Ready Kitchen Management: Equip yourself with recognized skills and practical experience, preparing for supervisory roles in diverse hospitality and catering environments.

What you will Study

To achieve the SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, students must complete 33 units, including:

27 Core Units
6 Electives Units

All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.

Note: Units marked with an *asterisk have one or more prerequisites. Refer to individual units for details.

Our experienced team collaborates with clients and industry partners to carefully select elective units that align with workforce development needs and organisational goals. This ensures that all qualifications are tailored to industry demands, equipping graduates with the skills to excel in their chosen fields and meet sector-specific requirements.

Graduates at this level will have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for work and/or further learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

At AAHPL, we recognise the value of the skills and expertise gained through experience, training, or prior education. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process allows existing competencies to be formally acknowledged, creating a streamlined pathway to achieving qualifications faster.

To learn more about AAHPL’s RPL and Credit Transfer process, refer to the Skills Recognition page on our website.

Units of Study

SITHCCC023* Use food preparation equipment

SITHCCC027* Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery

SITHCCC028* Prepare appetisers and salads

SITHCCC029* Prepare stocks, sauces, and soups

SITHCCC030* Prepare vegetable, fruit, egg, and farinaceous dishes

SITHCCC031* Prepare vegetarian and vegan dishes

SITHCCC035* Prepare poultry dishes

SITHCCC036* Prepare meat dishes

SITHCCC037* Prepare seafood dishes

SITHCCC041* Produce cakes, pastries, and breads

SITHCCC042* Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements

SITHCCC043* Work effectively as a cook

SITHKOP010 Plan and cost recipes

SITHKOP012* Develop recipes for special dietary requirements

SITHKOP013* Plan cooking operations

SITHKOP015* Design and cost menus

SITHPAT016* Produce desserts

SITXCOM010 Manage conflict

SITXFIN009 Manage finances within a budget

SITXFSA005 Use hygienic practices for food safety

SITXFSA006 Participate in safe food handling practices

SITXFSA008* Develop and implement a food safety program

SITXHRM008 Roster staff

SITXHRM009 Lead and manage people

SITXINV006* Receive, store, and maintain stock

SITXMGT004 Monitor work operations

SITXWHS007 Implement and monitor work health and safety practices

SITHCCC026* Package prepared foodstuffs

SITXFSA007* Transport and store food

SITHKOP014 Plan catering for events or functions

SITXINV007 Purchase goods

SITXINV008 Control stock

SITXWHS006 Identify hazards, assess and control safety risks

Our Online Campus Platform

Welcome to eVersity Online Campus

Innovation Meets Education

eVersity Online Campus is more than a learning platform—it’s the heart of AAHPL’s commitment to delivering innovative, flexible, and industry-aligned education. Designed with institutions, industry partners, and participants in mind, eVersity combines advanced technology with human-centered support.

Tailored Learning Solutions: Access a dynamic platform that supports diverse qualifications, from hospitality to business, with features customised to meet workforce and industry needs.
AI-Driven Personalisation: Benefit from cutting-edge AI tools that provide tailored learning pathways, real-time progress tracking, and adaptive support, ensuring an engaging and efficient educational journey.
Seamless Integration: Centralise all training and assessment materials, resources, and communication in one easy-to-navigate portal.
Flexibility for Modern Learners: Study anytime, anywhere with mobile-friendly access and intuitive tools like text-to-speech and automated reminders to keep you on track.
Collaboration-Ready: Built to support partnerships with institutions and employers, eVersity is designed to align with organisational needs while empowering participants to succeed.

Whether enhancing skills or exploring new opportunities, eVersity ensures a streamlined, future-focused experience supported by Industry Insight Avatars—interactive guides offering real-world expertise to enrich the learning journey.

Student Well-Being & Pastoral Care

At AAHPL, we believe that student well-being is fundamental to both academic success and personal growth. By combining tailored support services with proactive pastoral care, we ensure every participant has access to the resources and encouragement they need to thrive.

Comprehensive Support Services: We offer academic assistance, mental health resources, and referrals to external agencies to address a variety of student needs.
Inclusive Learning Environment: A culturally safe and inclusive space is fostered, celebrating diversity and ensuring equitable access for all students.
Proactive Progress Monitoring: Through our eVersity system, we actively track student progress and identify areas where additional support is required.
Motivational Outreach: Students receive personalised reminders and encouraging messages to inspire and keep them focused on their journey.
Empathetic Team: Our team is dedicated to fostering an environment of compassion and understanding, supporting students through challenges and celebrating their successes.

Together, these initiatives reflect AAHPL’s unwavering commitment to leaving no student behind, nurturing confidence, resilience, and readiness for the future.

Pathways: Continue your studies

Upon completing the SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, graduates can advance to:

SIT50422 Diploma of Hospitality Management: Enhance your leadership and operational skills to manage broader hospitality functions, including eligibility for roles such as Sous Chef. The diploma provides the advanced knowledge and qualifications required to oversee kitchen operations and manage teams in high-pressure environments.
SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management: Specialise in high-level operational strategies and hospitality business management, preparing for executive roles within the industry.
Bachelor of Hospitality Management (or related qualifications): Pursue higher education opportunities to expand your knowledge and career prospects in hospitality, business, or culinary management.

These pathways provide the foundation for career growth, enabling graduates to transition into senior and specialised roles in kitchen management and hospitality. For those aspiring to become a Sous Chef, the diploma is often a critical next step, complemented by substantial industry experience.

Vocational study pathway
Enrol in a range of AAHPL courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals.

AAHPL degree pathway
From certificates to Diplomas, to Advanced Diplomas, continue your studies with us to help build your success.

AAHPL – university partnership pathways
AAHPL has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose.

Other university pathways
You may gain entry to an international university using your AAHPL qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.

Keep learning with AAHPL

Employment Outcomes

Occupational Pathways

Chef
Chef de Partie
Kitchen Supervisor
Catering Supervisor
Food Safety Coordinator

Note: Progression to the role of Sous Chef generally requires additional qualifications, such as the SIT50422 Diploma of Hospitality Management, coupled with industry experience.

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