Culinary Ability: Food Preparation Award SCQF level 4

This qualification has been withdrawn and will enter its lapsing period on 31/07/2022 and will finish on 31/07/2025

During the lapsing period:

• no new centres may be approved to offer the qualification

• centres should only enter candidates whom they expect to complete the qualification during the defined lapsing period

The Culinary Ability: Food Preparation Award at SCQF level 4 is a practical qualification that provides a foundation for individuals who aspire to work in professional kitchens. 

The award focuses on instilling high levels of food hygiene and workplace health and safety; while developing the practical skills, knowledge and understanding required to identify, handle, prepare and store a wide range of food products.

This award covers areas such as: receiving and storing goods in a catering environment; selecting, weighing, measuring and preparing ingredients for future use; preparing ingredients for future use in a variety of dishes; assisting with the preparation of dishes for cooking and/or finishing; assisting with the completion and preparation of a variety of dishes; cleaning and disinfecting work areas, tools and equipment in a catering environment; and working effectively in a catering environment.

The Culinary Ability: Food Preparation Award at SCQF level 4 is available through colleges and training providers.  It has been designed to be delivered as a taught course and will normally be available as a combination of practical activities delivered in training or production kitchens and sessions covering underpinning knowledge. 

Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can show all the sections.

Why deliver this qualification

The Culinary Ability: Food Preparation Award at SCQF level 4 has been developed in partnership with employers and industry and is intended to address the gap for kitchen staff with the relevant skills to carry out a range of basic tasks to a high standard.

The unit-based structure aids timetable flexibility.  This qualification can be delivered on a full-time, part-time or day release basis.

This award also provides progression routes to further study (see Progression). 

Who does this qualification suit

The award is aimed at those of all abilities who have no formal qualifications in catering or hospitality but who are interested in, and motivated to pursue, a career in the sector.

Access

Entry to this qualification is at the discretion of the centre. No specific knowledge or skills are required to embark on this award; however; learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

  • prior SQA qualifications in basic numeracy, literacy and health and well-being
  • any prior work experience relevant to the catering industry
  • any previous employment skills

Progression

The units in the Culinary Ability: Food Preparation Award have been mapped against the National Occupational Standards for Professional Cookery.

Completion of the award will provide learners with a platform to progress to other qualifications, for example SVQs in Food Preparation and Cooking or a National Progression Award in Professional Cookery; or to seek entry-level employment in the catering and hospitality industry, eg as a kitchen assistant. 

Approval

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority are required to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

How to assess

Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.

Ongoing course assessment will apply. Integration of assessment is encouraged.

Assessment will allow candidates to enhance their own practice and develop their technical skills.

Examples of evidence recording forms that could be used to record candidate achievement of each unit are provided here:

Where can you take this course?

Qualification content and delivery tools

Information about the qualification(s)

Qualification Structure

Group award code: GL5P 44 (30 SCQF credit points)

Structure

The Culinary Ability: Food Preparation Award at SCQF level 4 consists of seven mandatory units

Group award specification

Group Award Specification GL5P 44 (89 KB)

Unit information for this qualification is available on our search