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.

Command line tools may include:
arp
arping
dig
hostname
ifconfig
ipconfig
mtr
nbtstat
netstat
nslookup
Ping
route
traceroute.
GUI environment may include:
Linux platforms
Mac platforms
Windows platforms.
Hardware tools may include:
butt set
cable stripper
cable testers
multimeter
optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR)
protocol analyser
punch down tool
snips
temperature monitor
time-domain reflectometer (TDR)
toner probe
voltage event recorder.
Software tools may include:
intrusion detection software
intrusion prevention software
packet sniffers or network analysers
port scanners
protocol analysers.
Areas of vulnerability may include:
exploits
unsecured ports
wide-scale attacks
worms.

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
identify and use appropriate tools for:
monitoring network performance
identifying network threats
isolating security breaches.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
maintenance procedures
network system
availability of hardware and software tools
security diagnostic software
appropriate learning and assessment support when required
modified equipment for people with special needs.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of network tools
direct observation of candidate demonstrating use of appropriate network tools
evaluation of prepared report, outlining:
selection of appropriate tool
interpretation of output
recommendation of solution
evaluation of candidate’s secured system.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.
In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.