New Zealand Certificate in Baking (Level 3)
Food & Beverage
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
A hands-on, full-time, 16-week certificate programme in baking, providing technical and practical skills in bread, pastries, cakes, and other bakery goods, delivered in a commercial kitchen environment for entry into the baking industry.
NZ$4,904
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Baking a variety of breads
Develop practical skills in producing crusty loaves to soft rolls using best practice baking techniques and applying bakery food safety principles.
Master pastry techniques
Prepare short and sweet pastry for pies and tarts while understanding pastry science and techniques.
About This Course
This nationally recognised, 16-week programme equips you with specialised baking techniques in artisan bread-making, pastry, cake-making, and bakery food safety. Learn in commercial kitchens with real-world experience, producing for a campus café and developing confidence and skills for immediate employment or further hospitality study.
Course Content
- Baking a variety of breads (crusty loaves, soft rolls)
- Bakery food safety and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in commercial kitchens
- Mastering pastry techniques (short and sweet pastries, pies, tarts)
- Cake and sponge-making (classic recipes, fillings, basic decoration)
- Creating bakery favourites: biscuits, slices, scones, muffins
- Customer service through selling to real customers at a campus café
Entry Requirements
Open entry
International students individually assessed for readiness
English language (if English is a second language): IELTS 5.5 (academic), no band lower than 5.0, or equivalent
Build towards these roles
BakerBakery assistantProduction bakerEntry-level employment in commercial bakeries, supermarkets, or catering
Build skills in these industries
HospitalityBakingFood & Beverage
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.
