NZ Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3)
Duration
12-18 weeks
Delivery
In class
Campus
New Lynn
Credits
TBC
Fees Domestic
TBC
Fees International
This programme is not available for international students.
If you’re excited by fast-paced environments, connecting with people, and opportunities that can take you around the world, the New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3) is a pathway into the hospitality industry. This programme builds the professional knowledge and practical skills you need to succeed in food and beverage service, including food safety, customer service, communication, and problem-solving. You’ll train in NZSE’s very own bar and kitchen, complete with barista espresso coffee services, giving you hands-on, real-world experience from day one.
Cafe food and beverage preparation
Cafe culture and customer service
Barista skills
Barista operations
Events and in-house functions
Buffet services and events
Organising buffets for in-house functions
Operating buffets
Fast food restaurant services
Food and beverage in a fast-food restaurant
Restaurant services
Customer services in restaurants
Beverage and food service in bar operations
Bar services
For Domestic Students
- It is strongly recommended that applicants have completed the requirements for Literacy and Numeracy for NCEA Level 1 or equivalent.
- Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake the programme, which is taught and assessed in English.
- Applicants are required to undergo an interview with a Course Advisor to determine their eligibility and suitability for the programme. They are welcome to bring whānau members or friends to the interview.
- Certificate in Bar Services (40 Credits): The Bar Service pathway includes the LCQ qualification comprising of Unit Standards 4646 and 16705. The LCQ qualification is required when applying for a Managers Certificate. There is no age restriction to complete this programme, but applicants must be a minimum age of 20 years old to apply for a Manager's Certificate.
- This programme requires students to have access to a laptop/desktop that can connect to the internet with a web browser and a required minimum screen size of 10 inches. For device specifications, please talk to your Course Advisor.
For International Students
- This programme is open for international students to enrol, please consult Course Advisor for details.
- Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake the programme, which is taught and assessed in English.
- Graduates of this programme will be competent in:
- Health and safety, food safety and security practices.
- Communicating effectively when serving customers and behaving professionally with colleagues.
- Preparing and serving food and beverages in a café, restaurant, buffet, fast-food, and bar environments .
- Following standard operating procedures to deal with a range of scenarios in a hospitality establishment.
What's next?
Graduates of this programme are prepared for a wide range of exciting entry-level hospitality roles, both in New Zealand and overseas. You could find yourself working in cafés and restaurants, hotels, event centres, airports, casinos — or even on cruise ships, combining your career with travel and adventure. With practical experience, industry-ready skills, and exposure to real service environments, this qualification opens the door to flexible job opportunities and long-term pathways in the global hospitality sector.
Need help making your decision?
Schedule and Fees
- 23/02/2026
- 29/06/2026
- Join our alumni network
- Create a job-ready portfolio
- Learn from industry experts
- Live classes
- NZQA Certified
- Project-based and practical
This programme is not available for international students.
Looking for More?
Check out more of our Education courses here.