Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:42 PM AWST

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Edit texts

Edit texts

Unit of competency
National Code
CUFWRT401A
State Code
D1197
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/03/2009
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/07/2014
Field of Education
100705 - Written Communication
Original Release Date
08/07/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to edit written material.People in editorial roles refine and amend text to enhance the clarity of written communication. They may also be involved in making decisions about the placement of visual material in relation to text. When editing text, they take into account the needs of the readership, the author's intention, available resources and the type of publication.A thorough knowledge of grammar, syntax, spelling and punctuation is essential, along with an eye for detail and a systematic approach to work.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
Prepare to edit written content
  • 1. In consultation with relevant personnel clarify the scope of editing tasks, including timelines
  • 2. Determine style or tone appropriate to the publication or type of communication materials
  • 3. Identify factors that have implications for the way content will be edited
Enhance clarity of written communication
  • 4. Amend text according to the principles of clear language and logical structure
  • 5. Ensure that language level is appropriate to target audience
  • 6. Ensure that tone is consistent with theme and purpose of the communication
  • 7. Review punctuation to ensure clarity of meaning and ease of reading
  • 8. Review written material for correct use of grammar and syntax
  • 9. Monitor text for non-inclusive or potentially offensive language
  • 10. In consultation with relevant personnel, clarify areas where content is unclear and amend accordingly, giving due consideration to preserving the integrity of the author's voice as amendments are made
  • 11. Amend text for consistency where additional information has been incorporated
  • 12. Mark up text according to enterprise procedures
Finalise editing process
  • 13. Check accuracy of references and organise copyright clearances as required
  • 14. In consultation with relevant personnel, finalise the format and placement of visual material as required
  • 15. Submit final edited material to relevant personnel by agreed deadline
  • 16. Evaluate editing process, assessing one's own performance and noting areas for future improvement
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.
Relevant personnel may include:
author
client
editor
graphic artist
graphic designer
manager
marketing and publicity personnel
permissions department personnel
producer
subeditor
typesetter.
Publications may include:
books
corporate documents:
reports
newsletters
marketing and promotional materials, including online
print and online publications:
literary
magazines
journals
newspapers.
Communication materials may include:
content written for a range of interactive media, such as:
websites
e-learning resources
games
essays
extended non-fiction writing, including biography
feature articles or profiles
fiction writing:
short stories
novels
novellas
information articles and features
life writing or autobiography
literary non-fiction
marketing materials
poetry
reports and memos
scripted material for broadcast:
news items
intros
outros
voice-overs and narration
writing for children:
stories
picture books
novels
non-fiction.
Principles of clear language may include:
compliance with genre
consistency of tone
language that is free of:
verbosity
ambiguity
unnecessary repetition
jargon
non-discriminatory language
use of plain English
use of words appropriate to the context.
Elements of logical structure may include:
connections between phrases, clauses, paragraphs and sections
paragraph structure
sentence structure.
Tone may include:
dramatic
entertaining
formal
humorous
informal or casual
informational.
Grammar and syntax may include application of:
Australian Standards for Editing Practice - Council of Australian Societies of Editors
grammar and punctuation conventions as demonstrated by Australian Government Style Manual and other house style guides.
References may include:
bibliography
footnote or endnote
index
list of references
table of contents.
Copyright clearances may be required for:
fonts
quotations from:
literary works
song lyrics
visual material:
photos
illustrations
cartoons.
Visual material may include:
cartoons
charts
diagrams
illustrations
logos
photos.
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 following is essential:
examples of edited written material that:
demonstrate correct application of grammatical and punctuation conventions
are free of spelling errors
are coherent and clear to read
are presented in a format appropriate to the stipulated audience and purpose
ability to work to deadlines
collaborative approach to work
attention to detail.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to a computer and the internet
access to a range of information, publication and communications material sources as listed in the range statement
provision of workplace sample documents or workplace-oriented simulation case studies or scenarios
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required
use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

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:
evaluation of a range of written material edited by the candidate, which involves comparing the original and final edited copy
case studies and problem-solving exercises to determine ability to correctly apply grammatical and punctuation conventions
written or oral questioning to test knowledge of principles for writing and editing in plain English
written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance.

Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBCRT402A Collaborate in a creative process
CUFWRT301A Write content for a range of media
CUFWRT302A Write simple stories
CUFWRT402A Write extended stories
CUFWRT403A Write narration and current affairs material.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWF34 CUAWRT401 Edit texts Unit of competency