Job requirements Cook in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a cook in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Cooks (NOC 6322).

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 Several years of commercial cooking experience are required.
  • Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified cooks upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

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
Canada Ship’s Cook Regulated Transport Canada, Government of Canada
Alberta Cook Regulated Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office, Government of Alberta
British Columbia Cook Regulated Industry Training Authority British Columbia
Manitoba Cook Regulated Apprenticeship Manitoba
New Brunswick Cook Regulated Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification, Government of New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador Cook Regulated Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division, Departmant of Advanced Education and Skills 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 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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