Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

Inking systems
Range of inks, dyes, toners commonly used in 2-colour printing, including special colours

Colour matching systems
Use of visual colour assessment and matching under controlled lighting conditions

Machines
Range of non-impact printing machines including inkjet and laser with or without colour manipulation capability, and including machines with computerised monitoring and / or control

Design
1-2 colour, simple graphics and text. Minor variation in registration position

In-line processes
Minor in-line processes such as perforating, numbering, date coding, imposition, that do not constitute another defined unit of competency. Major in-line process is defined as a separate competency eg flat-bed cutting, folding

Substrates
Range of print media and paper

Degree of autonomy
Working to defined procedures under limited supervision

Manufacturer's specifications
Technical, administrator and user specifications documented by a manufacturer for a range of printing machines

User replaceable consumables
Consumables required to be changed by an individual if damaged or reached expiry. Used by a range of printing machines for correct functioning such as ink, toner, developer, waste toner, cleaning web, fuser, substrates

User control interface
Computerised monitoring and data entry device used to enter machine default settings, job specification settings, monitor machine status and perform machine productivity enhancements

Performance expectations
Manufacturer's documented statement of print machine productivity and quality capabilities and limitations eg substrate feed and speeds, substrate recommendations, substrate weight and size capabilities, productivity and performance issues associated with a variety of print jobs

Registration mechanisms
Mechanical and / or electronic controls used to adjust substrate position throughout substrate feeding and transport units of a range of printing machines

Calibration
Mechanical and / or electronic and / or visual controls used to identify and correct ink coverage and density inconsistencies in a range of printing equipment

Enterprise procedures
May include rules, standards, OHS guidelines, communication protocols and behaviour codes of a range of workplace environments

Workstation computer
Personal computer with either proprietary or non-proprietary operating systems used to create, access and edit electronic data files from a range of manufacturers eg Apple, IBM, UNIX

Industry software
Range of software to design, create, access, edit and print electronic data files from a range of manufacturers eg Adobe, Quark Inc., Macromedia, Microsoft

Electronic data files
Range of proprietary or non-proprietary data file formats compatible with a range of workstation computers and industry software

Digital front-end
Proprietary computer processor hardware and software required to interpret electronic data files and convert to print-ready data

Pre-flight
User software designed to check, preview and edit to ensure data file integrity for a range of operating systems and printing machines

Workflow
Task breakdown of the print production cycle for a range of electronic data files, computer systems, digital front ends, industry software, workplace regulations and printing machines

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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency

Evidence of the following is essential:

Organisation skills to coordinate pre-press, print run, finishing and delivery production workflows
Produce and access complex electronic data
Conduct a digital proof run
Perform digital colour management
Adjust settings and ensure productivity
Perform preventive maintenance on digital printer
Demonstrate use of computerised control and monitoring systems if available and appropriate
Perform preventive maintenance tasks on a digital printer according to manufacturer's specifications

Prepare a written document that outlines production workflow and give reasons for production methods selected for a print job using the following job specifications within a specified production environment for:

4-colour advertising brochure
Quantity: 2000
Substrate: 120gsm coated
Text: supplied electronically
Images: continuous tone photographs supplied
Logos and line art: supplied electronically
Layout: hand drawn thumbnails supplied
Finished size: A3 bleed
Finishing: guillotined, folded and saddle
Packaging: boxed
Turnaround time: 100 in 48 hours and remainder in 14 days
Produce a digital colour proof of a supplied electronic file
Use a digital colour management system to perform colour matching to a supplied proof
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered over a period of time through a range of methods for assessment to indicate consistent performance
Evidence for assessment may be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone or through an integrated assessment activity

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
a digital printing machine and a digital front end

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.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICPPR281B Set up and produce basic digital print
ICPPR282B Produce and manage basic digital print
ICPPR481B Set up and produce complex digital print