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.
Jurisdiction may include:
types of matters that can be heard in that court
parties that have standing
Presiding officials may include:
single judge, master or commissioner
full bench
Status of case may include:
new case
part-heard
appeal
Information may include:
style book information for the jurisdiction
day of case
page number
Case may be:
civil
criminal
trial
appeal
Resources may include:
sufficient tapes and paperwork
monitor manual
Set up may include:
suitable number and placement of microphones
portable recording equipment
Equipment may be audio/visual and include:
microphones, including monitoring microphones
leads
digital or analogue recording equipment
headphones
Relevant information in court file may include:
correct spelling, particularly of unusual words
file numbers
Special requirements may include:
drawing up a plan of the court
identifying counsel at particular microphones
checking whether opening addresses need to be typed
obtaining names of witnesses
if appeal, copies of lists of authorities and any reports
Maintaining a high-quality recording may include:
checking, using headphones plugged into the jack
going into court and repositioning microphones
isolating channels periodically to ensure all speakers are clearly audible
checking the master tape
Monitoring includes:
ensuring accurate and comprehensive information for audio typing, including:
announcing names through the monitor microphone
completing monitor sheet with spellings of names and places
maintaining running sheet and master logs
clearly indicating where openings and/or addresses start
clear indication and time when a judgement or ruling starts
Processed tapes may include:
all tapes or remaining tapes returned to the office
tapes logged into the electronic file management system

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
Competency must be demonstrated in preparing for content of the matter to be heard, preparing for audio/visual recording, and recording the proceedings
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
locate and interpret information relevant to jurisdiction, presiding officials and case
operate equipment and resources necessary for effective audio recording
record and monitor information to produce accurate transcript of court proceedings
apply formatting and style to transcript
comply with organisational and legislative procedures and protocols.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated by producing audio recordings on a range of occasions over time, according to organisational policy and procedures.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must comply with:
applicable regulations and codes
workplace procedures and protocols.
Access may be required to:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practices and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when audio recording court proceedings, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to audio/visual recordings of court proceedings
access to a live courtroom
court audio/visual recording equipment
court transcription technology
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when audio/visual recording court proceedings.
Guidance information for assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
oral questioning about relevant legislation, acting ethically, organisational requirements, and applying processes
observation of the candidate in a range of contexts to ensure achievement of the unit outcomes
feedback from peers and/or supervisor that the candidate consistently applies relevant workplace procedures
review of records completed by candidate or reports of performance.
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency that are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.