Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:01 PM AWST
22/07/2026 8:01 PM 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.
Conduct personnel security assessments
Conduct personnel security assessments
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPSEC404A
PSPSEC404A
State Code
C8320
C8320
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
40
Description
This unit covers the conduct of personnel security assessments to ensure that government staff and contractors who have access to security classified information meet general suitability indicators. It includes collecting, analysing and evaluating personal information, making recommendations on security assessment outcomes, and recording and reporting on personnel security assessments.In practice, the conduct of personnel security assessments may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government processes, gathering and analysing information, using resources.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Collect, analyse and evaluate personal information
- 1.1 Information is collected from the subject to be assessed in accordance with the purpose of the security assessment.
- 1.2 Where gaps, anomalies, deficiencies or discrepancies exist in the information provided, additional information is obtained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 1.3 Information is corroborated in accordance with organisational policy and procedures and assessed for its validity and reliability.
- 1.4 Analysis is conducted in accordance with general suitability indicators in accordance with legislation and security standards.
- 1.5 Data is extracted and interpreted and outcomes are recorded in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 1.6 Assessment process is conducted with care and sensitivity to assist subjects to deal with its discriminatory and intrusive nature.
2. Make recommendations on security assessment outcomes
- 2.1 Recommendations are formulated consistent with the information obtained.
- 2.2 Recommendations are consistent with organisational guidelines and security standards.
- 2.3 Recommendations are conveyed in accordance with organisational guidelines.
- 2.4 Where recommendations are negative, the right to seek a review of the decision is confirmed with the requester of the security assessment and the subject, where appropriate, in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 2.5 Improvements to procedures are recommended as required as part of the cycle of continuous improvement.
3. Record and report on personnel security assessments
- 3.1 Accurate, complete, up-to-date records are presented in the required format.
- 3.2 Reports are prepared that are clear, fair and objective and use language suited to the purpose of the report and organisational requirements.
- 3.3 Reports are presented in the required format.
- 3.4 Urgency and levels of risk are addressed in reports.
- 3.5 Procedures for storage and management of confidential and sensitive information are adhered to.
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.
Information may include:
birth certificate
marriage certificate
decree nisi/decree absolute
deed poll
academic qualifications/academic transcripts
employment histories
citizenship
passport
defence forces discharge certificate
Security assessment may be for:
initial evaluation
re-evaluation
temporary access
emergency access
provisional access
limited higher access
Corroboration of information may be with:
official records
referee reports
employer records
third party reports
Assessment of information may relate to:
character
attributes
background
actions
anything in a person's background or lifestyle likely to pose a security threat
Legislation and security standards may include those referred to in:
public service Acts
protective security policy
fraud control policy
Crimes Act 1914 and Criminal Code 1985
Freedom of Information Act 1982
Privacy Act 1988
occupational health and safety
AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management - Principles and Guidelines
Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)
Protective Security Policy Framework
Recommendations may relate to:
assessment of suitability
action required
Completeness of records includes:
request from someone other than the subject, such as a supervisor
despatch of information pack/forms
all enquiries and responses
receipt of incoming documents
consent to collect/corroborate information
personal security file
Reports may include:
interview reports
assessment reports
case notes
incidents
records of interview
notes for file
Information may include:
birth certificate
marriage certificate
decree nisi/decree absolute
deed poll
academic qualifications/academic transcripts
employment histories
citizenship
passport
defence forces discharge certificate
Security assessment may be for:
initial evaluation
re-evaluation
temporary access
emergency access
provisional access
limited higher access
Corroboration of information may be with:
official records
referee reports
employer records
third party reports
Assessment of information may relate to:
character
attributes
background
actions
anything in a person's background or lifestyle likely to pose a security threat
Legislation and security standards may include those referred to in:
public service Acts
protective security policy
fraud control policy
Crimes Act 1914 and Criminal Code 1985
Freedom of Information Act 1982
Privacy Act 1988
occupational health and safety
AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management - Principles and Guidelines
Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)
Protective Security Policy Framework
Recommendations may relate to:
assessment of suitability
action required
Completeness of records includes:
request from someone other than the subject, such as a supervisor
despatch of information pack/forms
all enquiries and responses
receipt of incoming documents
consent to collect/corroborate information
personal security file
Reports may include:
interview reports
assessment reports
case notes
incidents
records of interview
notes for file
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:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPSEC401A Undertake government security risk analysis
PSPSEC402A Implement security risk treatments
PSPSEC403A Develop and advise on government security procedures
PSPSEC405A Handle security classified information
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)
conduct of personnel security assessments 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 relating to the conduct of personnel security assessments
Commonwealth Protective Security Manual
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when conducting personnel security assessments
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 conducting personnel security assessments, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
conduct of personnel security assessments 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
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses, such as 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:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPSEC401A Undertake government security risk analysis
PSPSEC402A Implement security risk treatments
PSPSEC403A Develop and advise on government security procedures
PSPSEC405A Handle security classified information
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)
conduct of personnel security assessments 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 relating to the conduct of personnel security assessments
Commonwealth Protective Security Manual
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when conducting personnel security assessments
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 conducting personnel security assessments, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
conduct of personnel security assessments 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
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses, such as 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWT38 | PSPSEC008 | Conduct personnel security assessments | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J294 | PSP41712 | Certificate IV in Government (Personnel Security) | Qualification |