New Zealand Certificate in Baking (Level 3)
Love baking? Turn your passion into a career, with this nationally recognised, hands-on bakery programme.
Start your baking journey today!
Domestic
Distance (Assessment of Prior Learning only)
About the programme
Love baking? Turn your passion into a career with this hands-on bakery programme.
In just 16 weeks, you’ll gain experience in our commercial kitchens learning specialised baking techniques from artisan bread-making to basic cake decoration, all with expert guidance.
You will have the opportunity to produce high-quality baked goods for real customers at our campus café, giving you vital, real-world experience.
Class sizes are restricted to ensure you have plenty of one-on-one guidance.
This nationally recognised qualification will give you the confidence and skills to step straight into the baking sector or continue to advanced study, and with continued strong industry demand for skilled bakers - this is your chance to turn your passion into a practical, rewarding career.
If you have prior relevant baking experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for full or partial credit recognition towards this qualification.
Please contact us at FoodDesign@op.ac.nz who will be in touch to discuss this option with you.
International
Distance (Assessment of Prior Learning only)
About the programme
Love baking? Turn your passion into a career with this hands-on bakery programme.
In just 16 weeks, you’ll gain experience in our commercial kitchens learning specialised baking techniques from artisan bread-making to basic cake decoration, all with expert guidance.
You will have the opportunity to produce high-quality baked goods for real customers at our campus café, giving you vital, real-world experience.
Class sizes are restricted to ensure you have plenty of one-on-one guidance.
This nationally recognised qualification will give you the confidence and skills to step straight into the baking sector or continue to advanced study, and with continued strong industry demand for skilled bakers - this is your chance to turn your passion into a practical, rewarding career.
If you have prior relevant baking experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for full or partial credit recognition towards this qualification.
Please contact us at FoodDesign@op.ac.nz who will be in touch to discuss this option with you.
What You Study
What you will learn
Throughout this programme, you will:
- Bake a variety of breads – from crusty loaves to soft rolls, while learning essential bakery food safety.
- Master pastry techniques – including short pastry, sweet pastry, and creating delicious pies and tarts.
- Perfect cake and sponge-making – cover classic recipes, fillings, and basic decoration techniques.
- Create bakery favourites – such as biscuits, slices, scones, and muffins, all to professional standards.
Health and Safety
There are a number of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) issues associated with practical work in areas specific to a commercial kitchen environment.
These include, but are not limited to, burns from hot liquids or hot objects and cuts from sharp instruments. You will have access to an orientation booklet that covers the associated risks in more detail.
Workload
Your workload
This programme is hands-on and involves a lot of practical work to intensively develop your kitchen skills in a commercial facility.
Further study options
Upon completion of this Certificate, you can:
- further your learning and skills with our New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3) OR
- combine it with our New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage (Level 3) to become an all-around hospitality superstar. This programme starts in February and July each year.
- enter directly into the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) OR the Bachelor of Culinary Arts.
Entry
Entry requirements
- Open entry
- International students will be individually assessed to ensure they are ready for this study.
English language requirements
- Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) academic score of 5.5, with no individual band score lower than 5.0;
- OR equivalent.
Please email info@op.ac.nz for information on learning and assessment in your workplace.
Additional documentation
You must supply your academic records, along with certified copies of proof of identity and proof of residency (where appropriate).
Selection procedure
If the number of applicants exceeds the available places, a waitlist will be implemented to ensure preference is given to applicants in order of application.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have prior relevant bakery experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for full or partial credit recognition towards this qualification. Please contact us at FoodDesign@op.ac.nz and we will be in touch to discuss this option with you.
All fees and costs are approximate.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
During your induction day, you have the opportunity to purchase your full uniform from our preferred supplier.
You should expect to spend approximately $450 on programme specific equipment. This will be covered by the "Course-Related costs" section of your student loan (if you are eligible for this - see Student Loans and Allowances section below).
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Visit Welcome to StudyLink studylink.govt.nz to apply for a student loan to cover your course fees, course-related costs or living costs, or to apply for a student allowance.
If you are eligible for Fees Free you may not need to borrow for course fees, but you may still wish to apply for course-related costs, living costs or student allowance.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Fees Free
Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.
Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.
When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.
For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.
