Is Cookery NC II the same as going to culinary school?

Cookery NC II provides practical professional cooking skills and is a faster, more affordable alternative to culinary school. A full culinary degree covers more theory, management, and specialized cuisines. NC II is excellent for starting a cooking career quickly.

Can I work on cruise ships with Cookery NC II?

Yes, cruise ship companies recruit Filipino cooks with TESDA NC II certification. Additional requirements may include STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) certification.

What cuisine does the training focus on?

The program covers international basic cooking techniques applicable to Western, Asian, and Filipino cuisines. You will learn fundamental methods that apply across all culinary traditions.

Can I start a food business with NC II?

Absolutely. Many NC II graduates start catering services, food stalls, home-based food businesses, or small restaurants. The certification demonstrates your food safety and cooking competence.

Cookery NC II: TESDA Course Guide

NC II

316 hours (2-3 months)

PHP 5,000 - PHP 20,000

What is Cookery NC II?

Cookery NC II is one of the most popular TESDA programs in the Philippines, training individuals in professional cooking and food preparation. The program covers appetizers, soups, main courses, desserts, food plating, kitchen safety, and sanitation. Graduates are prepared for careers in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, cruise ships, and food businesses.

Cooking is a universally valued skill, and the Philippine food service industry continues to grow both domestically and as a source of overseas employment.

Who Should Take This Course?

This program is ideal for food enthusiasts who want to turn their passion into a profession. It suits aspiring cooks and chefs, food business entrepreneurs, home cooks wanting to go professional, and individuals seeking overseas culinary employment.

What You'll Learn

Training covers knife skills and kitchen equipment operation, food preparation techniques (grilling, roasting, sauteing, braising, steaming, frying), stock, soup, and sauce preparation, meat, poultry, and seafood cooking, vegetable and starch preparation, dessert preparation, food plating and presentation, food safety and kitchen sanitation (HACCP principles).

Duration and Schedule

The 316-hour program takes 2-3 months of full-time training. Expect hands-on cooking every day. Training includes both individual and team cooking exercises.

Assessment and Certification

Assessment requires preparing multiple dishes within time limits, demonstrating proper technique, taste, presentation, and safety compliance. The NC II certificate is recognized by the hospitality industry nationwide and abroad.

Career Opportunities and Salary

Cooks in Metro Manila restaurants earn PHP 12,000 to PHP 20,000 monthly. Hotel and resort cooks earn PHP 15,000 to PHP 25,000. Cruise ship cooks earn PHP 30,000 to PHP 60,000. Experienced chefs and kitchen supervisors earn PHP 25,000 to PHP 45,000 or more.

Salary ranges are approximate and vary by location and experience.

Training Centers

Cookery NC II is one of the most widely available TESDA programs. Visit tesda.gov.ph for accredited training centers in your area.

Cost and Financial Aid

Training costs PHP 5,000 to PHP 20,000, depending on the center's kitchen facilities and ingredients included. TESDA scholarships (TWSP, PESFA, STEP) frequently cover Cookery NC II. Many LGUs also sponsor culinary training.

Core Competencies

Prepare appetizers and salads
Prepare soups and stocks
Prepare main courses (meat, poultry, seafood)
Prepare desserts
Prepare egg, starch, and vegetable dishes
Present and plate food

Assessment Requirements

Practical cooking assessment including preparation of multiple dishes within time limits, evaluation of taste, presentation, food safety compliance, and kitchen hygiene. Written test on culinary theory and food safety.

Career Opportunities

Line Cook

Commis Chef

Kitchen Staff

Catering Cook

Restaurant Entrepreneur

Cruise Ship Cook