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.
General properties may include:
odour
volatility
flammability
concentration
viscosity
lipophilicity
hydrophilicity.
Plant information must include:
common name
synonym
botanical name
plant family.
Aromatic plant oils may include:
basil
bergamot
cajeput
chamomile
cypress
eucalyptus
geranium
grapefruit
juniper
lavandin
lavender
lemon
mandarin
niaouli
orange
rosemary
sandalwood
tea tree.
Profiles must include:
existing chemotypes
extraction method
colour and odour characteristics.
Different bonds may include:
single
double
triple.
Carbon backbone must include:
elements
bonds.
Functional groups may include:
alcohols
phenols
aldehydes
ketones
organic acids
esters
ethers
lactones
amines/imines
sulphides
furocoumarins.
Chemical terminology must include:
isoprene unit
aliphatic molecule
terpene and terpenoid compound
monoterpene and sesquiterpene
monoterpenol and sesquiterpenol.
Processes that affect the chemistry may include:
oxidation
temperature variations
exposure to light.
Solubility may include:
water soluble
oil soluble.
Emulsifiers and dispersants may include:
lecithin oil
alcohols
creams.
Carrier oils may include:
almond
apricot
grape seed
peach
macadamia
sesame seed
soya bean
safflower
sunflower.
Characteristics may include:
chemical components
smell
taste
colour
viscosity.
Quality may include:
grading process
storage
handling
shelf life.
Additives may include:
arnica
avocado
borage
calendula
carrot (infused)
evening primrose
jojoba
hazelnut
hypericum
linseed
olive oil
pumpkin seed
rose hip
wheatgerm.
Other mediums may include:
alcohol
clay
creams
dispersants
gels
macerations
tinctures
hydrosols
water.
Uses of aromatic plant oil may include:
relaxation
stress reduction
skin care
alleviation of headaches and migraines.
Ingredients may include:
aromatic plant oils
carrier oils
additives
other mediums.
Beauty treatments may include:
facial treatments
body treatments
hand and foot treatments
spa treatments.
Relevant legislation and codes may include:
Therapeutic Goods Act
occupational health and safety
industry codes of practice.
Workplace policies and procedures may include:
health and hygiene
environmental controls
storage of products
care and use of equipment.
Storage and handling may include:
temperature control
light exposure
ventilation.
Storage and labelling requirements may include:
listing ingredients
listing contraindications
decanting oils.

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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
applying common names, botanical names and plant family of twelve selected aromatic plant oils
applying properties and profiles of minimum of twelve aromatic plant oils
applying organic chemistry in selecting and preparing aromatic plant oils for use in range of beauty treatments
applying knowledge of properties of carrier oils and additives
applying knowledge of appropriate ratios of aromatic plant oils to carrier oils, additives and other mediums for use in a range of beauty treatments
applying safe work practices when storing and handling ingredients
accurately and legibly recording relevant data.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
that competency is consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor as described in the Assessment Guidelines
that competency is demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of real work situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace.
Assessment must ensure access to:
an environment, which includes as a minimum:
aromatic plant oils preparation and storage area
range of aromatic plant oils, carrier oils and additives
text and online information relating to application of aromatic plant oils in beauty treatments
product information and safety data on range of aromatic plant oils, carrier oils and additives
a range of clients with different aromatherapy treatment requirements.
For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.
Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of learner performing a range of tasks in the workplace or a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:
evaluating carbon backbone and functional groups of selected aromatic oils
identifying proportions of carrier oils and additives for aromatic plant oil blends for use in beauty treatments
consistent application of workplace policies and procedures and safe work practices when storing and handling ingredients
case studies, written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of such things as:
common names, botanical names and plant family of twelve selected aromatic plant oils
properties and profiles of a minimum of twelve aromatic plant oils
application of organic chemistry in selection and preparation of aromatic plant oils for use in a range of beauty treatments
properties of carrier oils and additives
appropriate ratios of aromatic plant oils to carrier oils, additives and other mediums for use in a range of beauty treatments
uses of aromatic plant oils
completion of workplace documentation relevant to applying aromatic plant oil chemistry to beauty treatments
third-party reports from technical experts
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from a trainer, workplace coach or supervisor.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SIBBBOS505A Blend and apply a range of aromatic plant oils for beauty treatments
SIBBCCS407A Interpret the chemical composition and physical actions of cosmetic products.