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.
Characteristics of materials may include:
acoustic properties
aesthetic properties
availability
cost
defects
durability
fire resistance properties
health and safety issues
interaction with other materials
limitations due to manufacturing process
structural safety
sustainability features, such as energy efficiency
thermal properties
tolerance
transport, storage and handling requirements.
Applications of materialsused for structural elements may include:
aesthetic properties
coatings required
compatibility with other elements
fixings required
structural application
substructural application
use in specific construction methods or systems.
Materials used for structural elements may include:
composite materials
glass
masonry, such as:
bricks
clay
concrete
glass blocks
stone
metals
new and emerging materials
timber and timber products.
Structural elements may include:
footings, including:
concrete pad
piles
post and concrete
strip
floors, including:
bearers and joists
pier and beam
slabs, including:
raft
suspended
waffle
walls, including:
frame
post and beam
solid masonry
roofs, including:
conventional
truss.
Research may be:
consultation with:
builders
clients
manufacturers
representatives of regulatory authorities
suppliers
data analysis and comparison, including:
manufacturer specifications
performance test information
literature review, including peer assessments.
Small-scale residential building design projects:
include all buildings covered by the BCA, except construction Type A buildings
may be:
additions and renovations
heritage restorations
new buildings.
Compliance requirements may include:
Australian standards
BCA
legislation
performance requirements specified by clients
quality standards specified by clients.
Applications ofmaterials used for building envelope may include:
cladding
flashing
lining
roofing
waterproofing.
Materials used for building envelope may include:
composite materials
new and emerging materials
plaster and plasterboard
slate
terracotta
timber and timber products.
Services may include:
alternative energy sources, including solar
electricity
environmentally sustainable design (ESD) energy systems
fire suppression
gas, including:
natural gas
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC)
telecommunications
water.

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
A person should demonstrate the ability to:
develop a body of current research findings suitable for application to a range of small-scale residential buildings, including:
characteristics and applications of materials suitable for structural elements and building envelope
construction methods and systems applicable to structural elements and building envelope
components and systems for services, including:
compliance requirements
installation methods
evaluate suitability of materials, construction methods and services for at least three specific projects, covering different types of buildings
systematically document and store research findings.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this unit:
must be in the context of the work environment
may be conducted in an off-site context, provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills
must meet relevant compliance requirements.
Resource implications for assessment include:
access to:
suitable assessment venue and equipment
suitable simulated or real opportunities and resources to demonstrate competence
assessment instruments.
Method of assessment
Assessment for this unit must verify the practical application of the required skills and knowledge, using one or more of the following methods:
written and/or oral assessment of the candidates required knowledge for the unit
observed, documented and/or firsthand testimonial evidence of the candidates
implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes
identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes
identification of viable options and the selection of options that best meet the required outcomes
consistently achieving the required outcomes.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.