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.

Types of plates
Range of plates used in offset lithography

Quality standards
Should meet client requirements and enterprise and industry standards

Degree of autonomy
Working to defined procedures in consultation with other relevant persons to ensure production requirements are met

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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency

Evidence of the following is essential:

The plate is processed according to the plate manufacturer's specifications. Changes to the plate image are carried out correctly to deliver the standard of output required by the job brief
The underlying skills of plate making should be transferable across the design and pre-press sectors. It is important that the substrate for reproduction is identified and that the quality of the plate be suitable for the identified printing processes
Demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
Prepare, set up and use lithographic plate exposure and plate processing equipment to produce ONE lithographic plate manually and ONE using a machine according to the listed Performance Criteria

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a combination of both. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment
it is expected that special purpose tools and equipment will be used where appropriate

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:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.