How many dishes are prepared in a practical exam?

Five dishes.

For a balanced meal two skilful dishes (starter & main course or main course & desert) and two suitable accompaniments are required. This will count for three of the five dishes.

A skilful dish can be a starter, main or dessert. Accompaniments MUST be appropriate for the skilful dish they will accompany. For example, a potato topped pie, or a pizza will not need more carbohydrate, and two suitable vegetable / salad dishes would be ideal. A quiche could be accompanied by potatoes, rice, or couscous plus a vegetable / salad dish. Lasagne could be served with a fresh-made garlic bread and a side salad. If a candidate chooses an accompaniment for a skilful dish, it is marked out of 2 for Choice, up to half marks for that dish on the Method of Working (i.e. maximum 6 overall), and maximum 4 for Results.