The Malta Skills Pass for chef roles: occupation options, the published assessments, and how to confirm your route.
Overview
Yes, chefs coming to work in Malta's tourism and hospitality sector need the Skills Pass. The occupation to choose is "Commis Chef" (Kitchen Staff). The official list does not say where senior chef roles fit, so ask Skills Pass if you are a sous chef or head chef.
Choose your occupation
You choose your occupation after you pass the two courses everyone takes. The options are Luggage Porter, Receptionist, Bar Waiter, Commis Chef, Commis de Rang and “Other”.
If you are not sure which fits your chef job, email info@skillspass.org.mt before you choose.
What the assessment covers
Phase 1 is online: Basic Customer Care, Basic Maltese Tourism Product, then your occupation test. Phase 2 is an interview. It checks your English and how you do your job: you are given a work situation and asked how you would handle it.
No detailed syllabus is published for each job. Ask Skills Pass for the current guidance for your occupation. To practise, see the study hub.
For your employer
Your employer must check that you have both certificates (the Pre-Departure Course and the Skills Pass) before applying for your Single Permit. If you already hold a valid Maltese work permit, you are exempt for now; ask Identità how long that lasts.
Employers: see the employer guides for costs and role changes.
Common questions
Does the Skills Pass apply to all chef roles, or only entry-level?
The official list has one kitchen option: "Commis Chef" (Kitchen Staff), plus "Other". It does not say where sous chefs, head chefs or executive chefs fit. Do not guess. Email info@skillspass.org.mt with your real duties and ask which option to choose.
What does the Phase 1 assessment cover for a chef?
First, two courses everyone takes: Basic Customer Care and Basic Maltese Tourism Product. Then the Commis Chef occupation assessment. No detailed chef syllabus is published, so ask Skills Pass for the current assessment guidance.
Is the Phase 2 interview different for chefs than for other roles?
The interview checks your English and your skills in your occupation. You are given a work situation and asked how you would handle it. The chef questions are not published. Practise explaining how you deal with real situations from your own kitchen work. This is our study tip, not an official syllabus.
My chef certificate from my home country — does it exempt me from any part of this?
No published rule says it does. The official FAQ says qualified candidates still do Phase 1 and Phase 2, and it accepts qualifications only from Maltese, EU or UK institutions, as certified copies. If you already hold a valid Maltese work permit, you may be exempt for now. Check your case with Skills Pass.
Official sources for this page
These are the official pages this guide depends on. Open them directly before acting on a time-sensitive requirement.
- 01Skills Pass (opens in a new tab)
Official Skills Pass frequently asked questions.
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- 02Skills Pass (Tourism & Hospitality) (opens in a new tab)
Sector-specific Skills Pass operational details for tourism and hospitality.
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- 03Skills Pass (Tourism & Hospitality) (opens in a new tab)
Sector-specific Skills Pass frequently asked questions.
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- 04Skills Pass (Tourism & Hospitality) (opens in a new tab)
Sector-specific Skills Pass user guidelines.
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We never collect official login details, documents, or payment data. Use this guide for context, then take action only on the official portal. Full citations are listed at the end of this page.
Visit the official Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass websiteOpens the official website