# Professional Cook 1 Institutional Entry Certificate (CIP 12.0500)

The Professional Cook program follows Skilled Trades BC prescribed course curriculum for institutional entry to Professional Cook 1. Students will perform all phases of kitchen activities including the preparation and presentation of vegetables, soups, sauces, meat, fish and poultry; cold kitchen items; desserts, baking, pastry, basic menu planning/costing as well as knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food storage.

Students also gain valuable knowledge of human and customer relations which will enable them to become leaders in their field. Level 1 starts in a fully supervised environment with students performing basic cooking and food preparation tasks.

There is a Skilled Trades BC Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) exam at the end of this level training. Upon successful completion of the certificate of qualification exam, Professional Cook 1 students will receive 600 hours of work-based training toward their required 1000 hours for Skilled Trades BC Level 1 certification.

The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council, effective September 2026. (Current Program Information and Completion Guide)

Career Prospects

Professional Cooks work in a variety of settings including: camps, institutional kitchens, family restaurants, hotels, cruise ships, ferry boats, resorts, nursing homes, hospitals, catering operations, and airlines.

Details

Intakes

LocationStartingTypeDawson CreekSeptemberCohort

Length

840 hours; approximately 30 weeks long.

Estimated Program Fees

Program fee type: Trades/Apprenticeship (Tier 2)
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.

Domestic Fees

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees TotalYear 1$ 3,139.92$ 162.46$ 475.99$ 3,778.37

International Fees

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees International
Medical InsuranceTotalYear 1$ 12,978.00$ 162.46$ 475.99$ 289.80*$ 13,906.25

*Per four months

Still have questions?

Contact:

info@nlc.bc.ca if you are a domestic student

info@international.nlc.bc.ca if you are an international student

trades@nlc.bc.ca  if you are currently an NLC student

Admission Requirements 

Complete either A, B, or C:

A. English and Math

English Requirement
One of the following:

BC Language Arts 10 Courses - 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.

BC Language Arts 11 Courses - 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.

BC Language Arts 12 Courses - 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.

ENGL 030 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.

IELTS score of 5.5 overall with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent English placement test and score.

Math Requirement 
One of the following:

BC Math 10 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent

BC Math 11 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent

BC Math 12 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent

MATH 030 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.

B. ESTR 037

Complete:

ESTR 037 - Essential Skills for Trades - Intermediate Level with a minimum final grade of 67%.

C. Power

Complete:

People Obtaining Workplace Employment Requirements (POWER) program

Post Admission Requirements

One month prior to the start of the program, students will be required to provide proof of the following certification:
• Foodsafe Level 1
Certificate must be valid for the duration of the program. Failure to provide proof may result in dismissal from the program

Important Notes

The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit Student Aid BC to apply for financial assistance online.  Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.

Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.

The program is affiliated with SkilledTradesBC, School Districts 59, 60, 81 and 87, and Go 2 (Industry training organization who monitors all hospitality type industry training for SkilledTradesBC).

Program Requirements

Residency Requirement100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the DeanMinimum Grade Requirements70% minimum in all courses

All of: 

PCOI 102 - Professional Cook 1 Institution Entry (840 contact hours)

Credential

Certificate in Professional Cook Level 1