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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Select and handle cooking tools and equipment
   • Work area is prepared for operations and hygiene standards confirmed
   • Cooking utensils required for work are identified, handled and stored safely and according to workplace procedures
   • Equipment and machinery required for cooking operation is identified and prepared
   • Maintenance requirements for knives and other utensils are identified and implemented
   • Food safety requirements are implemented at all times when handling and using cooking utensils and equipment
2. Prepare ingredients
   • Major food group classifications are identified
   • Range of ingredients typically used in the workplace are identified, and their characteristics and effect on food quality and taste described
   • Recipe is examined and required ingredients identified
   • Sequence for preparation is determined
   • Ingredients are selected and quantity and quality confirmed using measuring or weighing devices or sensory analysis techniques
   • Ingredients are prepared and assembled according to recipe requirements
   • Ingredients are stored according to workplace procedures
3. Use basic cooking methods
   • Range of basic cooking methods are identified and their effect on quality, taste and nutritional value described
   • Cooking methods required by recipe are identified and sequence determined
   • Cooking method is applied to achieve quality standards for food item
   • Typical problems are identified and addressed
   • Cooking utensils and equipment is used according to manufacturer's instructions
   • Waste minimisation and environmental considerations are applied during cooking process
   • Cooking area, utensils and equipment are cleaned and stored according to workplace standards
4. Finish product
   • Cooked ingredients are transferred for further processing
   • Final product is assembled and presented or packed according to recipe or operating requirements

Required Skills

Required skills

Ability to identify and access ingredients identify the major food group classifications read and interpret recipe requirements safely and correctly use work utensils and equipment interpret numerical information on quantities and conduct measurements apply safe work and food safety standards select fit and use personal protective clothing andor equipment plan operations identify cooking problems and take corrective action such as reporting abnormalities or problems repeating processes andor making required adjustments maintain work area to meet housekeeping standards

Required knowledge

Knowledge of uses and characteristics of basic food ingredients major food groups and classifications principles of basic cookery food safety standards in the workplace common terminology used in cooking

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package
Overview of assessment	Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	Evidence of ability to prepare and use utensils and equipment safely and according to work procedures identify major food groups and uses and effects of ingredients used in food products prepare food products using basic cookery methods on more than one occasion identify and address common cooking problems apply safe work practices and food safety procedures maintain cooking area according to workplace standards
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to recipes and work instructions ingredients utensils and equipment cooking area facility
Method of assessment	This unit should be assessed together with core units and other units of competency relevant to the function or work role
Guidance information for assessment	To ensure consistency in ones performance competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances cases and responsibilities and where possible over a number of assessment activities

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Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Policies and procedures	Work is carried out according to company policies and procedures, regulatory and licensing requirements, legislative requirements and industrial awards and agreements
Workplace information	Workplace information may include: standard operating procedures (SOPs) specifications production schedules and instructions manufacturers' advice, recipes
Food products	Food products may incorporate a range of ingredients, such as: meat dairy grains herbs and spices flavourings
Utensils and equipment	Utensils and equipment may include: ovens, microwaves and stoves grills and griddles deep-fryers and steamers food processors blenders, mixers and slicers pans, pots and trays knives hand-held utensils
Basic cookery methods	Basic cookery methods must include: boiling poaching steaming stewing braising roasting baking grilling shallow frying deep-frying stir-frying pan-frying
Common cooking problems	Common cooking problems may relate to: temperature ingredient accuracy, quality and quantity proportions and measurements sequence of operations timing

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