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 in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any 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.
Types of odours can include:
narcotics
amphetamines
other tablets
alcohol
food
plant materials
animal materials
metals
gun oil
explosives
propellants
fuels
money.
Suitable resources can include:
actual or artificial materials that produce odours, such as heroin, marijuana, etc.
fabrics, such as towelling and cotton
rooms or areas where tracks and trails can be set
people
cardboard and wood constructions
money.
Organisational policies and procedures can include:
enabling legislation
particularly those organisational policies and procedures relating to the preparation of stimulus aids for use with dogs
workplace health and safety Acts, regulations and guidelines
national and regional policies and procedures
procedural guides, standard operating procedures and work instructions.
Methods of preparing stimulus aids to include:
sourcing suitable materials for construction of stimulus aids
determining amounts of source materials to be used in stimulus aids
preventing cross-contamination of odours
cleaning area and materials
storing stimulus aids.
Factors that may affect the preparation and use of stimulus aids include:
staff available to prepare stimulus aids
variety in people preparing stimulus aids
types of odours that are to be detected
source material available to the organisation
shelf life of source material
length of time stimulus aids are sitting in location awaiting detection
detection experience of the dog
environment in which stimulus aids are prepared
frequency of training using stimulus aids
materials and conditions available that help to prevent cross-contamination of odours
cleaning capacities within the preparation area
suitable rewards, such as food
areas where stimulus aids can be located for detection.
Administrative requirements may include:
recording the acquisition of materials used
completing records regarding the use of stimulus aids
cross-referencing to other reports
assigning a file number
number of copies and where each is lodged.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Evidence for assessment must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of employability skills as they relate to this unit.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit contains knowledge that may be assessed off the job, for example, in a structured learning process, and performance outcomes which should be assessed ideally in the workplace in routine activities and in conjunction with other units with dog-handling skills set.
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when preparing stimulus aids, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine
legislation, policy, procedures and guidelines relating to:
preparation of stimulus aids
use of stimulus aids in the organisation
safety, health and welfare of dogs working in security situations
security of unauthorised and illegal materials
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.