Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:15 AM AWST
22/07/2026 4:15 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Respond to government security incidents
Respond to government security incidents
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPSEC302A
PSPSEC302A
State Code
C8314
C8314
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/07/2014
Field of Education
099905 - Security Services
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit covers the requirements to respond to security incidents, that may be intentional or unintentional, and that relate to people, information, property or reputation. It includes assessing and advising on security incidents and planning an incident response.In practice, responding to security incidents may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, working effectively, organising information. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess and advise on security incidents
- 1.1 Security incidents are identified in accordance with legislation, government security policy and guidelines.
- 1.2 Response is provided in accordance with organisational policy and procedures, incident management plan and reflects seriousness of the incident.
- 1.3 Preliminary assessment is conducted that considers the nature of the breach, level of risk and likely consequences.
- 1.4 Initial advice regarding the incident is given to relevant personnel in a timely fashion.
- 1.5 Complete and accurate records relating to the incident are maintained, based on information collected in a timely fashion.
2. Plan incident response
- 2.1 Evidence is identified and collected in accordance with legislation, organisational policy and procedures.
- 2.2 Evidence is assessed to determine risk factors.
- 2.3 Action is recommended which is appropriate to the level of seriousness of the incident.
- 2.4 Any changes required in security policy as a result of the incident are identified and documented.
- 2.5 Appropriate agencies are advised of the incident in accordance with legislation, government security policy and procedures.
- 2.6 A final report is prepared that incorporates background to the incident, action taken, interview statements, outcomes, summary of findings and recommended action.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Security incidents may be:
breaches
violations
contact
approach
intentional
unintentional
deliberate
Incidents may relate to:
people
information
property
reputation
Preliminary assessment may include:
site visit
identification of nature of the incident
collection of evidence
determination of the origin of the incident
likely cause
notification of incident to appropriate agencies
Relevant personnel may include:
supervisors
managers
emergency services
other government departments or agencies
police
contract guarding force
Records may include:
evidence
written
oral
files
email
Internet/intranet
electronic records
video images
graphics
notes
diary entries
telephone messages
pager records
fax journals
Security incidents may be:
breaches
violations
contact
approach
intentional
unintentional
deliberate
Incidents may relate to:
people
information
property
reputation
Preliminary assessment may include:
site visit
identification of nature of the incident
collection of evidence
determination of the origin of the incident
likely cause
notification of incident to appropriate agencies
Relevant personnel may include:
supervisors
managers
emergency services
other government departments or agencies
police
contract guarding force
Records may include:
evidence
written
oral
files
Internet/intranet
electronic records
video images
graphics
notes
diary entries
telephone messages
pager records
fax journals
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC301B Uphold the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation
PSPGOV307B Organise workplace information
PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector
PSPSEC301A Secure government assets
PSPSEC303A Conduct security awareness sessions
PSPSEC304A Undertake information technology security audits
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
response to security incidents in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols related to handling security incidents
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when responding to security incidents
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when responding to security incidents, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
response to security incidents in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
portfolios
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses, such as incident reports
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC301B Uphold the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation
PSPGOV307B Organise workplace information
PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector
PSPSEC301A Secure government assets
PSPSEC303A Conduct security awareness sessions
PSPSEC304A Undertake information technology security audits
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
response to security incidents in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols related to handling security incidents
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when responding to security incidents
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when responding to security incidents, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
response to security incidents in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
portfolios
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses, such as incident reports
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWT42 | PSPSEC002 | Respond to government security incidents | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J280 | PSP30512 | Certificate III in Government (Security) | Qualification |