Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:01 PM AWST
22/07/2026 6:01 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.
Operate surveying equipment
Operate surveying equipment
Unit of competency
National Code
CPPSIS4030A
CPPSIS4030A
State Code
WE777
WE777
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/03/2013
Field of Education
031101 - Surveying
Original Release Date
20/03/2013
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to operate surveying equipment for basic measurements, recording and calculating horizontal and vertical information. It requires technical ability in the use of equipment, as well as an understanding of how to use it, to satisfy key task requirements. Functions would be carried out under limited supervision and within organisational guidelines.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Plan the survey task.
- 1.1 Task objectives and principal work activities are defined.
- 1.2 Pertinent standards are identified, considered and adhered to.
- 1.3 Plans for team activity are put into place.
2 Execute the task.
- 2.1 Identified survey components are measured.
- 2.2 Measured survey data is reduced for comparison with design.
- 2.3 Measurements are validated and recorded according to the project specifications.
- 2.4 Checks are completed according to organisational documented and undocumented practices.
- 2.5 Team activity is monitored according to plan.
- 2.6 OHS requirementsare planned for and adhered to.
3 Finalise the task.
- 3.1 Required documentation is completed according to organisational guidelines.
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 in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any 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.
Objectives may include:
agreed client requirements
written survey data specifications.
Pertinent standards are standards essential to the accuracy of:
basic measurement
calculation of horizontal and vertical information
data recording.
Measurements may include use of:
current meter
echo sounder
global navigation satellite system (GNSS)
level
photogrammetry
remote sensing
tape
theodolite
tide gauge
total station.
Project specifications refer to:
detailed technical descriptions of the survey data and its requirements.
Organisational documented and undocumented practices may include:
appropriate timelines
data processing requirements
final product formats
formal design parameters
communication protocols
activity protocols for teamwork.
OHS may include:
Australian standards
identification of potential hazards
inspection of work sites
use of personal protective clothing
use of safety equipment and signage.
Organisational guidelines may include:
code of ethics
company policy
legislation relevant to the work or service function
manuals
OHS policies and procedures
personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles and responsibilities.
Objectives may include:
agreed client requirements
written survey data specifications.
Pertinent standards are standards essential to the accuracy of:
basic measurement
calculation of horizontal and vertical information
data recording.
Measurements may include use of:
current meter
echo sounder
global navigation satellite system (GNSS)
level
photogrammetry
remote sensing
tape
theodolite
tide gauge
total station.
Project specifications refer to:
detailed technical descriptions of the survey data and its requirements.
Organisational documented and undocumented practices may include:
appropriate timelines
data processing requirements
final product formats
formal design parameters
communication protocols
activity protocols for teamwork.
OHS may include:
Australian standards
identification of potential hazards
inspection of work sites
use of personal protective clothing
use of safety equipment and signage.
Organisational guidelines may include:
code of ethics
company policy
legislation relevant to the work or service function
manuals
OHS policies and procedures
personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles and responsibilities.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Overview of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example CPPSIS4029ACollect and set out basic surveying data, and CPPSIS4031A Perform surveying computations.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:
matching objectives with resources
accuracy in:
basic measurements
reducing and manipulating survey data
interpreting design information to identify the components to be measured.
Specific resources for assessment
Resource implications for assessment include access to:
assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book
assignment instructions, work plans and schedules, policy documents and duty statements
registered training provider of assessment services
relevant guidelines, regulations and codes of practice
suitable venue and equipment.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Context of assessment
Holistic: based on the performance criteria, evidence guide, range statement, and required skills and knowledge.
Method of assessment
Demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment).
Demonstrated competency in a range of situations, that may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Obtained by observing activities in the field and reviewing induction information. If this is not practicable, observation in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment requires that the clients’ objectives and industry expectations are met. If the clients’ objectives are narrowly defined or not representative of industry needs, it may be necessary to refer to portfolio case studies of a variety of surveying and spatial information services requirements to assess competency.
Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge (in assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning or written assessment, questions are to be identical).
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
All practical demonstration must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each State or Territory.
Where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (recognition of current competencies [RCC] or recognition of prior learning [RPL]), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
Assessment processes will be appropriate to the language and literacy levels of the candidate and any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.
Overview of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example CPPSIS4029ACollect and set out basic surveying data, and CPPSIS4031A Perform surveying computations.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:
matching objectives with resources
accuracy in:
basic measurements
reducing and manipulating survey data
interpreting design information to identify the components to be measured.
Specific resources for assessment
Resource implications for assessment include access to:
assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book
assignment instructions, work plans and schedules, policy documents and duty statements
registered training provider of assessment services
relevant guidelines, regulations and codes of practice
suitable venue and equipment.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Context of assessment
Holistic: based on the performance criteria, evidence guide, range statement, and required skills and knowledge.
Method of assessment
Demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment).
Demonstrated competency in a range of situations, that may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Obtained by observing activities in the field and reviewing induction information. If this is not practicable, observation in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment requires that the clients’ objectives and industry expectations are met. If the clients’ objectives are narrowly defined or not representative of industry needs, it may be necessary to refer to portfolio case studies of a variety of surveying and spatial information services requirements to assess competency.
Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge (in assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning or written assessment, questions are to be identical).
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
All practical demonstration must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each State or Territory.
Where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (recognition of current competencies [RCC] or recognition of prior learning [RPL]), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
Assessment processes will be appropriate to the language and literacy levels of the candidate and any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1505 | CPPSIS4010A | Operate surveying equipment | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXF48 | CPPSIS4030 | Operate surveying equipment | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC526 | CPPSS00038 | Provide Technical Assistance with Surveying Skill Set | Skill set |
| J355 | CPP40212 | Certificate IV in Spatial Information Services | Qualification |
| J354 | CPP40112 | Certificate IV in Surveying | Qualification |
| J352 | CPP30112 | Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services | Qualification |