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.

Market for cut and polished opals may include:
boutique jewellers
craft stores or markets
gemstone dealers
hobby jewellers
internet auction sites
internet marketing
retail and wholesale jewellers
rock and gem shows
souvenir markets.
Sources of rough opal may include:
gem and rock clubs
internet
lapidary supply shops
mining operation
noodling
opal buyers
opal miners
opal-specific stores
retail rock shops
rock and gem shows
trading newspapers
trash and treasure meets
wholesale opal dealers.
Buying parcels of classed opal may include:
considering whether the whole parcel is of use and determining whether to on-sell a segment of the parcel
determining whether the price is appropriate
negotiating the price
paying extra for segment
splitting the parcel
understanding how the parcel price was established
verifying the origin, who has seen the parcel, that the opal has been classed and how long it has been for sale.
Protocol and ethics may include:
binding nature of handshake deals
complying with noodling requirements
ensuring agreement of all parties
keeping transactions between parties private
making appointments before visiting
not entering unattended claims or property
respecting privacy and property.

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 sources and methods for obtaining opals, advantages and disadvantages of each, and the accepted procedures and protocols for obtaining rough opal
obtain rough opal.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
various samples of rough opal and suppliers of rough opal.
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:
observation of processes and procedures
oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills
review of portfolios of evidence
review of third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by candidate.
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended.