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.

Network protocol services may include:
address resolution protocol (ARP)
DHCP
electronic mail protocols
file transfer protocol (FTP)
H.323 protocol
hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP)
internet protocol (IP)
internet protocol version 4 (IPv4)
internet protocol version 6 (IPv6)
simple network management protocol (SNMP)
simple object access protocol (SOAP)
TCP/IP
wireless application protocol (WAP).
Network may include:
large and small local area networks (LANs)
virtual private networks (VPNs)
wide area networks (WANs)
wireless local area networks (WLANs).
Devices may include:
emulators
gateways
routers.
Applications may include:
FTP
HTTP
hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS)
secure shell
secure socket layer (SSL)
simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP)
Telnet (not secure).

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 ability to:
configure, test and validate network protocols in order to facilitate interconnectivity
install and manage network protocols in a network, and troubleshoot when problems arise.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a live network
application software and operating system
appropriate learning and assessment support when required
modified equipment for people with special needs
networked computers
organisational guidelines
technical documentation and installation manuals
vendor software.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of communications technologies and network protocols
direction observation of candidate configuring network or application protocols
review of candidate’s analysis of client user requirements and final recommendations
evaluation of performance test results conducted by candidate.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.
In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.