Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:26 PM AWST
22/07/2026 4:26 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.
Undertake internal audits in a seed laboratory
Undertake internal audits in a seed laboratory
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSDT406A
AHCSDT406A
State Code
WE660
WE660
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
24/06/2014
Field of Education
080317 - Quality Management
Original Release Date
24/06/2014
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This Unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to carry out an internal audit in a seed testing laboratory.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for internal audit
- 1.1 Previous internal audits are reviewed.
- 1.2 Relevant enterprise documents are sourced and reviewed.
- 1.3 Audit plan is prepared to suit staff availability and laboratory operations.
- 1.4 Appropriate checklists and audit related documentation are prepared.
- 1.5 In consultation with management, specific methods and techniques are agreed.
2. Conduct audit
- 2.1 Seed testing techniques are conducted by analysts and observed and reported on by auditor.
- 2.2 Questioning strategies are used to obtain further information from analysts on testing techniques and approaches.
- 2.3 Deviations to the SOPs observed during observations of testing are relayed to the analyst.
- 2.4 Seed storage, chemical store and sampling areas are inspected.
- 2.5 Work charts, schedules, reports and plans are scrutinized.
- 2.6 The availability and currency of laboratory documents are reviewed.
- 2.7 Archived documents are inspected to ensure they are complete and meet statutory holding period.
3. Report findings
- 3.1 Staff meeting is held to discuss outcomes of audit.
- 3.2 Continuous improvement forms are completed by auditor with suggested corrective actions.
- 3.3 An Audit Report is prepared and provided to management for review.
- 3.4 Continuous improvement forms are presented at future staff meetings until corrective action is completed.
- 3.5 Data collected during audit is filed in laboratory information management system.
- 3.6 Confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data is maintained.
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.
Audit plan may include:
audit requirements and/or identification of relevant quality system documentation
provision of personnel for audit
confidentiality requirements
reporting procedures
time lines and schedules.
Seed testing techniques may include:
working sample preparation
purity tests
germination test
tetrazolium test
determination of other seed
seed identification
1000 seed weight test
moisture content test.
Laboratory documentation may include:
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)
tolerance tables for analyst use
quality manual
quality policy manual
organisational chart
continuous improvement forms
customer complaint file
staff development and training records
seed reference collection
Archived documents may include:
ISTA Certificates
Analysis Certificates (non-ISTA)
audit reports
request forms
calibration records
equipment log books.
Audit plan may include:
audit requirements and/or identification of relevant quality system documentation
provision of personnel for audit
confidentiality requirements
reporting procedures
time lines and schedules.
Seed testing techniques may include:
working sample preparation
purity tests
germination test
tetrazolium test
determination of other seed
seed identification
1000 seed weight test
moisture content test.
Laboratory documentation may include:
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)
tolerance tables for analyst use
quality manual
quality policy manual
organisational chart
continuous improvement forms
customer complaint file
staff development and training records
seed reference collection
Archived documents may include:
ISTA Certificates
Analysis Certificates (non-ISTA)
audit reports
request forms
calibration records
equipment log books.
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 following is required:
preparation of audit plan and strategy for a seed testing laboratory
gathering of data and information by a variety of methods
developing a continuous improvement report with suggested corrective actions
preparing an audit report for management review.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Method of assessment
This Unit should be assessed together with core Units and other Units of Competency relevant to the function or work role.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit
Evidence of the following is required:
preparation of audit plan and strategy for a seed testing laboratory
gathering of data and information by a variety of methods
developing a continuous improvement report with suggested corrective actions
preparing an audit report for management review.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Method of assessment
This Unit should be assessed together with core Units and other Units of Competency relevant to the function or work role.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAR72 | AHCSDT406 | Undertake internal audits in a seed laboratory | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J273 | AHC41512 | Certificate IV in Seed Testing | Qualification |