Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:38 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:38 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Manage colour
Manage colour
Unit of competency
National Code
ICPPP430C
ICPPP430C
State Code
D3148
D3148
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/09/2014
Field of Education
030103 - Printing
Original Release Date
10/09/2014
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manage colour in pre-press operations to ensure that proofs, monitors and final products match.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify colour requirements
- 1.1. Printing conditions are determined to identify colour management requirements
- 1.2. Printer's requirements are established to guide the provision and use of ICC colour profiles
2. Fingerprint press if printing in a controlled environment
- 2.1. Suitable test charts are selected
- 2.2. Test chart is printed with standard ink densities on a range of stock including non-standard types such as yellow parchment
- 2.3. Densitometer and/or spectrophotometer is used to examine printed test charts and generate colour profile for that press and that stock
3. Calibrate digital proofing device
- 3.1. Proofer is linearised for required stock
- 3.2. Digital test file (eg IT8 chart) is obtained
- 3.3. Test file is printed on a proofing device and on the type of press that will be used in order to obtain a proof for both film and direct to plate technologies
- 3.4. Results are measured with a spectrophotometer
- 3.5. Results are used to generate output profile that allows for dot gain, GCR, UCR, total gradients and black values
4. Create different monitor profiles using colour tuning package
- 4.1. A densitometer with screen suction device, if available, and/or appropriate software (OR) are used
- 4.2. Contrast (white level) and brightness are set
- 4.3. RGB and CMYK ICC profiles are applied
- 4.4. Jobs on screen are viewed through appropriate profiles
5. Calibrate scanner
- 5.1. Test chart (eg IT8) is loaded
- 5.2. Scanner input profiling software is used to calibrate scanner (OR)
- 5.3. All settings are put to zero (0)
- 5.4. Test chart is scanned and digital proof is outputted
- 5.5. Spectrophotometer is used to measure proof and ICC profile as generated ICC profile is loaded into scanning software
6. Calibrate digital camera
- 6.1. Standard lighting conditions are set up
- 6.2. ICC target is photographed and digital proof is outputted
- 6.3. Spectrophotometer is used to measure proof and ICC profile as generated
- 6.4. ICC profile is loaded into digital camera software
7. Carry out maintenance
- 7.1. Whole system is checked every two to three months
- 7.2. Monitor calibrations are checked monthly
- 7.3. Digital proofing devices are checked at least every time ink or paper stock is changed
8. Use colour profiles
- 8.1. Appropriate profiles are used to ensure that colour on monitors, proofs and final product match as closely as possible
- 8.2. In a controlled environment press fingerprint for final output is used, otherwise digital proofer profile is used
- 8.3. Colour wedges are included in all files and outputs
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Test charts may include:
3 and 4-colour neutrals
CMYK colour scales and a range of colour patches.
Spectrophotometers may include:
range of strip reader style devices including
Gretag
Macbeth
Xwrite.
Proofing systems may include:
range of digital proofing systems used in the industry.
Software may include:
range of industry colour applications including colour management software (eg Colorsync), profile creating software, scanner profiling software (eg Colortone Pro, Scan Open), densitometry and spectrophotometry software.
Monitors may include:
range of monitors used in the pre-press sector.
Controlled environment may include:
a controlled environment is one in which temperature and humidity are controlled, the press to be used for the job is known as is, preferably, the printer.
Printing processes may include:
all printing processes.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Test charts may include:
3 and 4-colour neutrals
CMYK colour scales and a range of colour patches.
Spectrophotometers may include:
range of strip reader style devices including
Gretag
Macbeth
Xwrite.
Proofing systems may include:
range of digital proofing systems used in the industry.
Software may include:
range of industry colour applications including colour management software (eg Colorsync), profile creating software, scanner profiling software (eg Colortone Pro, Scan Open), densitometry and spectrophotometry software.
Monitors may include:
range of monitors used in the pre-press sector.
Controlled environment may include:
a controlled environment is one in which temperature and humidity are controlled, the press to be used for the job is known as is, preferably, the printer.
Printing processes may include:
all printing processes.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
managing colour in pre-press operations to ensure that proofs, monitors and final products match
demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
a portfolio that demonstrates all criteria have been met. This should include evidence of THREE jobs with final product printed on various stocks and matching digital proofs on simulated stock. Monitors should also be checked to ensure that they have different loaded profiles that match jobs. There should also be evidence of colour management system maintenance procedures.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a combination of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
managing colour in pre-press operations to ensure that proofs, monitors and final products match
demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
a portfolio that demonstrates all criteria have been met. This should include evidence of THREE jobs with final product printed on various stocks and matching digital proofs on simulated stock. Monitors should also be checked to ensure that they have different loaded profiles that match jobs. There should also be evidence of colour management system maintenance procedures.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a combination of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D0410 | ICPPP430B | Manage colour | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUN31 | ICPPRP430 | Manage colour | Unit of competency |