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.

May include but is not limited to large and small LANs, WANs, VPNs, the internet, the use of the PSTN for dial-up modems only, private lines, data and voice

May include a supervisor, teacher, authorised business representative or client

May include but is not limited to Novell NetWare 5 or above or any operating system that has multi-user ability, Linux, Mac OS, Windows 2000 or above

May include but are not limited to how and what the organisation will operate, maintenance policy, security policy, diagnostic policy and OH&S policy

May include but is not limited to network, application, software, business, computers, financial system, management system and information system

May include motherboards, CMOS battery, central processing unit (CPU), CD and DVD drives, interface cards, drives, fax/modem cards, RAM upgrades, CPU upgrades

May include but is not limited to commercial, in-house, packaged or customised software

May include but is not limited to workstations, personal computers, modems or other connectivity devices, networks, DSL modems, remote sites, servers

May include a person within a department, a department within the organisation or a third party

May include database programs, word processors, email programs, internet browsers, system browsers and spreadsheets

May involve multiple or single servers, multiple or single logical disks and complex directory or folder structures

May include the internet, chat rooms, forums and newsgroups

May involve simple, single tape unit back-up to more comprehensive and complex back-up facilities across the network

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 of evidence
Assessment must confirm knowledge of the facilities available in the operating environment.
Assessment must confirm the ability to use network administrative tools and manage a network.
Assessment must confirm the ability to create the network configuration required by the client and provide timely client service.

Knowledge and skills
Network operating systems that are currently industry standards, and knowing where to access the various system administration tools, as well as third-party tools that may be useful for monitoring various aspects of network performance or traffic
Networking technologies, with broad knowledge of their general features and capabilities (e.g. AppleTalk, Ethernet, Novell, Linux)
How network security is implemented in a LAN, such as users and groups settings, as well as setting file and folder permissions
How anti-virus software operates, how to install it and the importance of undertaking regular and timely updates, such as that of the virus data file or a newer version of the virus search engine
Effective communication skills in relation to dealing with clients and team members (e.g. informing a client of certain technical procedures, such as virus checking a disk), with the ability to adapt the explanation of technical concepts to the level that is appropriate to the background knowledge of the client
Administering and configuring network operating system
Being able to undertake open-ended questioning techniques and to exercise active listening skills in relation to dealing with clients and team members (e.g. eliciting information for network troubleshooting)

Assessment guidance
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 to 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.

In the case of this unit, it could be assessed in a holistic manner with:

ICAI3020B Install and optimise operating system software
ICAS3024B Provide basic system administration
ICAT3025B Run standard diagnostic tests
ICAS3032B Provide network systems administration

Resources

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

User network requirements
Network administration tools
Access policy
Live network
Server

Role Context
Many organisations rely heavily on computer network infrastructure to enhance the efficiency of their activities. Consequently, it is imperative that their networks be maintained to reflect current design and usage and that no security breaches adversely affect the system. This requires constant monitoring and reviewing of the network, in order to keep up with new functionality, added workload in network traffic and new virus protection measures.

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate relevant administration skills and an understanding of the theoretical knowledge underpinning the network operating system
Apply a range of well-developed configuration skills to resolve problems
Apply known solutions to a variety of predictable configuration problems
Interpret available network systems knowledge and information, using discretion and judgement
The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover selecting, adapting and transferring skills and knowledge to new environments and providing technical advice and some leadership in resolution of specified problems. This would be applied across a range of roles in a variety of contexts with some complexity in the extent and choice of options available.
Performance of a defined range of skilled operations, usually within a range of broader related activities involving known routines, methods and procedures, where some discretion and judgement is required in the section of equipment, services or contingency measures and within known time constraints would be characteristic.
Applications may involve some responsibility for others. Participation in teams including group or team coordination may be involved.

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

Demonstrate some relevant theoretical knowledge
Apply a range of well-developed skills
Apply known solutions to a variety of predictable problems
Perform processes that require a range of well-developed skills where some discretion and judgement is required
Interpret available information, using discretion and judgement
Take responsibility for own outputs in work and learning
Take limited responsibility for the output of others
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services