Job requirements Cook in Canada

National Occupational Classification update

We have updated this page to reflect the transition to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This means that the occupation "cook" was moved from the group Cooks (NOC 6322) to the group Cooks (NOC 63200).

Find out what you typically need to work as a cook in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Cooks (NOC 63200).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • Completion of a three-year apprenticeship program for cooks or completion of college or other program in cooking or food safety or several years of commercial cooking experience may be required.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated in your province or territory.

Table listing provincial regulation requirements
Location Job title Regulation Regulatory body
Alberta Cook Regulated Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
British Columbia Cook (Professional) Regulated Industry Training Authority British Columbia
Manitoba Cook Regulated Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
New Brunswick Cook Regulated Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, Government of New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador Cook Regulated Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division, Departmant of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories Cook Regulated Apprenticeship and Trades, Government of the Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia Cook Regulated Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Ontario Assistant Cook Regulated Ontario College of Trades
Cook Regulated Ontario College of Trades
Institutional Cook Regulated Ontario College of Trades
Prince Edward Island Cook Regulated Apprenticeship Training and Skilled Trade Certification, Government of Prince Edward Island
Québec Cook Regulated Emploi Québec
Saskatchewan Cook Regulated Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Yukon Cook Non-regulated Apprenticeship and Tradesperson Qualifications, Yukon Education

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

Labour Market Information Survey
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