What is a Challenge Assessment?
Challenge Assessments may enable a student to be awarded direct entry into a Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand (LCBNZ) course without having to undertake the formal course of study, which includes classes and assessments.
The Challenge Assessment is available for prospective students who have experience working in the culinary industry as a Cuisine or Pâtisserie Chef, or received formal qualifications from an education provider outside of New Zealand, to gain direct entry to a course by passing the Challenge Assessment for their chosen course.
A Challenge Assessment may be requested by applicants for the Intermediate (Level 3) or Superior (Level 4) Cuisine/Pâtisserie certificates, or the Diplôme Avancé Culinaire with strands in Cuisine or Pâtisserie (Level 5) certificate.
What is required?
You must be able to demonstrate that you can satisfy all the learning outcomes of the course applied for. You will be required to undertake a practical examination at our Wellington Campus – located on Level 2, 52 Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand.
For example:
If you are applying for direct entry to our Diplôme Avancé Culinaire (Level 5) with strands in Cuisine or Pâtisserie – you would need to have the ability to satisfy all learning outcomes of the Superior Cuisine/Pâtisserie (Level 4) certificate to the same standard as all students at our School. If you do not satisfy the ability to pass the Superior Cuisine/Pâtisserie (Level 4) certificate, there will be an opportunity to test at the Intermediate Cuisine/Pâtisserie (Level 3) certificate.
How do I apply?
You apply for a Challenge Assessment and direct entry at the same time as applying for admission to one of our courses.
You must submit:
· LCBNZ Enrolment Form
· LCBNZ Challenge Assessment Form
· Proof of Identity – Passport or Birth Certificate
· Education Qualifications (if any)
· English Proficiency results (if required)
· Curriculum Vitae/Resume
· Portfolio of work – including images of dishes created
· Menu’s from your past work experiences
When do I apply for a Challenge Assessment?
We recommend enrolling to study and applying for a Challenge Assessment with Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand at least two months before course commencement.
What is the process?
1. Once you have submitted your application and supporting documents, it is checked by our Technical Director to ensure that everything is submitted to enable matching the learning outcomes to the course for which you are applying.
2. You will then be contacted by our Admissions team to propose a Challenge Assessment date at our Wellington Campus.
3. You will then need to attend to undertake the Challenge Assessment on the agreed date.
4. Details of the Challenge Assessment will be sent to you one week before enable you to prepare.
5. You will receive feedback regarding the outcome of your Challenge Assessment within 2 working days.
6. You will then be able to make an informed decision regarding your enrolment.
How long will it take?
The Challenge Assessment can take between 4-6hours and the structure of the Assessment is as follows:
· 30 minutes - Candidate will have a briefing with the Assessor and have the opportunity for Questions and Answers
· 15-minute break
· 30 minutes - Candidate will have the opportunity to set up their station in the kitchen
· 3 hours - Practical Examination
· Feedback provided within 2 working days
What will be assessed?
The candidate will be marked on their ability to:
· Follow Health and Safety (uniform protocols and New Zealand Food Control Plan)
· Demonstrate kitchen organisation
· Perform Culinary Techniques to the level of their pre-requisite entry course(s).
· Showcase presentation of a dish/dishes to the level of their pre-requisite entry course(s).
· Flavour and seasoning of the dish
· Serve all dishes within the given 3-hour timeframe
A full recipe with the required ingredients will be provided to the candidate one week prior.
What will it cost?
The cost of the Challenge Assessment is NZ$500 (including GST). This cost covers the use of the kitchen, equipment required, the Assessor (Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand Chef), and all ingredients provided on the day of the Challenge Assessment.
The fee must be paid in advance at least two weeks before the proposed assessment date.
What are the benefits?
· Less time to complete a qualification in certain instances
· Encouragement in starting a qualification
· Allows you to save time and money spent on tuition fees
What happens if I do not pass my Challenge Assessment?
If you do not meet the entry requirements for your chosen course, you may be assessed at a lower level for direct entry either before or after receiving your feedback; there is no extra cost for this service. Upon completion of your Challenge Assessment, within 2 working days, you will be provided with feedback regarding the assessed level of your ability.
What happens if my Challenge Assessment application is rejected?
LCBNZ reserves the right to respectfully reject any Challenge Assessment applications based on the documents provided in support of a Challenge Assessment form, if your experience does not reflect the prerequisite required for your chosen course of study.
If you have any other questions regarding the Challenge Assessment, please don’t hesitate to contact our Admissions Office by emailing
enrol@cordonbleu.edu
