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.

Software may include but is not limited to:
commercial software applications; organisation-specific software, packaged software, in-house or customised software

Specifications may include but is not limited to:
technical requirements
user problem statement
current system functionality
project plan
software requirements
metrics

Client may include but is not limited to:
internal departments
external organisations
clubs
individual people
internal employees

System may include but is not limited to:
databases
applications
servers
operating systems
gateways
application service provider
ISP

Solutions may include but is not limited to:
new hardware
hardware upgrades; new software, software upgrades
user training or implementing a new system
changes to network infrastructure
changes to security or privacy provisions
quality requirements
OH&S requirements
audit requirements
inventory management
an e-business/e-commerce solution

Database may include but are not limited to:
relational databases
object-relational databases
proprietary databases
commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) database packages

Payment method may be:
off-line
on-line or a combination of both
include the use of credit cards
on-line cheques or digital cash
and provide for local and/or international transactions

Server may include:
Application/web servers
BEA Weblogic servers
IBM VisualAge and WebSphere
Novell NDS servers
Email servers
File and print servers
FTP servers
Firewall servers
Proxy/cache servers

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:

Assessment must confirm the ability to install, configure and test a payment gateway.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:

Website
Appropriate servers and software
Payment software
Simulated merchant account

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Payment gateways meet business requirement for on-line transactions. As more business is transacted globally, payment gateways provide an important option for financial transactions.
Configuring a payment gateway is a complex process involving analysis, diagnosis and, planning, execution and evaluation across a broad range of technical and management functions, including development of new criteria, applications, knowledge and procedures.
Applications involve significant judgement in planning, design and technical solutions.
The breadth, depth and complexity covering planning and initiation of alternative approaches to skills or knowledge applications across a broad range of technical and/or management requirements, evaluation and coordination would be characteristic.

Assessment must ensure:

The demonstration of competency may also require self-directed application of knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some areas where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services and techniques for self and others.
Applications involve participation in development of strategic initiatives as well as personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations or organising others. It may include participation in teams including teams concerned with planning and evaluation functions. Group or team coordination may also be involved.

Method of assessment
The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.
Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.
Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating theoretical concepts, with substantial depth in some areas
Analyse and plan approaches to technical problems or management requirements
Transfer and apply theoretical concepts and/or technical or creative skills to a range of situations
Evaluate information, using it to forecast for planning or research purposes
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to broad quantity and quality parameters
Take some responsibility for the achievement of group outcomes
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services

Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of merchant accounts and payment software, with depth in some areas
Evaluate and execute judgements related to configuring payment software
Demonstrate accountability for outputs related to payment solutions