Program Overview

New Zealand Certificate in Baking (Generalist)

Overview

Learn the delectable art of baking plus the essential skills required to work in a commercial or boutique bakery. Gain the essential skills you need for a successful career as a professional baker with this industry-focused programme.

What will I study

By completing this programme, you will gain the New Zealand Certificate in Baking (Generalist) Level 4. During your studies, you will learn how to produce a range of bakery products, including biscuits, breads, cakes, and pastries. You will also learn all the basic principles of bakery science, quality management, health and safety, and hygiene standards required for the commercial baking industry.

Pathway

As part of the programme, you will take part in work placements at local cafés and bakeries as well as being involved in running your own bakery shop through 'Visions Pantry'.

Details

• Type: Certificate
• Code: NZ1842
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: 13 January for February start
• Credits: 120
• Level: 4
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
• Reference: NZ1842-STRU

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $8,085 - $8,995 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• 40 credits NCEA Level 1, including 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits
• If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g., International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Alternative Requirements

• Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?
• If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
  • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
• You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic

• 5.0 Listening
• 5.0 Reading
• 5.0 Writing
• 5.0 Speaking

Funding assistance

• If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study.
• We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core courses

• Level 3
  • Baking Industry Essentials
    • CBIE300
    • 30 credits
• Level 4
  • Artisan Baking Skills
    • CBAB400
    • 30 credits
  • Bakery Cafe Assistant
    • CBCA400
    • 30 credits
  • Craft Baking Skills
    • CBCB400
    • 30 credits

Career opportunities

• This qualification gives you all the skills you will need to start your career working in craft bakeries, cake shops, cafés, and factory plant operations.
• You may choose to work overseas at international hotel chains or in the cruise ship industry with this qualification.

Study pathways

• Additional industry-based study qualifications are available, including New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) Level 5 (Patisserie Strand).

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Processing Technologies
• Home Economics
• Mathematics
• Hospitality - Foundation Skills (Sector Related)
• Cookery - (Sector Related)

COVID-19 vaccination information

• Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme.
• You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme, but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation.
• The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.

Credit Recognition

• If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.