Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Codes of practice/standards
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used.
Hazards
Hazards to be identified by standard techniques such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and controlled according to the hierarchy of control and SOP.
Etchants
Etchants includes all common etchants such as strong acid solutions.
Metallographic examination
Metallographic examination includes microscopy, photomicrographs and other standard techniques.
Mechanical sample preparation
Mechanical sample preparation includes cutting (eg to size/shape), mounting, grinding (e.g. to prepare flat surface) and polishing (e.g. on a lap) as required.
Process and record
Processing and recording of photomicrographs includes editing and enhancing of photographs and identification and filing using an appropriate procedure.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 the Training Package.

Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to prepare and examine metallographic samples. Critical aspects for assessment and evidence are required to demonstrate competency in this unit.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
Prepare and examine samples. Evidence should be provided from a number of sample preparations and examinations, covering the use of different etchants, preparation methods and examinations. The reports prepared should be a major part of this evidence, but will need supplementing to demonstrate the validity of this evidence.
Relationship to other units
This unit may be assessed concurrently with other relevant units.
Assessment method and context
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the elements, performance criteria, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.
The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace.
The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the

Resource implications
This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an organisation where metallographic sample preparation and examination is undertaken. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.