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.

supervisor
teacher
authorised business representative
client

guidelines
corporate purchasing
licensing arrangements
budget

database programs
word processors
email programs
internet browsers
system browsers
spreadsheets

type of licence
cost of licence
support provided
number of licences required

internal departments
external organisations
individual people
internal employees

laptops
workstations
servers

Workstations, personal computers
Modem or other connectivity device, including DSL modems
Networks
Remote sites
Servers

Linux 7.0 or above
Windows 2000 or above
Apple OS X or above

commercial software applications
organisation-specific software

installation time
effect on normal business
problems
data entry

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 essential:

Assessment must confirm the ability to install software applications through operating system instructions and to configure computer to accept new software or upgrade.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:

Organisation's applications needs
Appropriate software

Context of and specific resources for assessment
The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would prepare a person to perform in a range of varied activities or knowledge applications where there is a clearly defined range of contexts in which the choice of actions required is usually clear. There would generally be limited complexity in the range of operations to be applied.

Assessment must ensure:

Performance of a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and some accountability for the quality of outcomes would be characteristic.
Applications may include some complex or non-routine activities involving individual responsibility or autonomy and/or collaboration with others as part of a group or team.

Method of assessment
The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.
Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.
Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICAU2005B Operate computer hardware
ICAU2006B Operate computing packages
ICAU2231B Use computer operating system
ICAS2016B Record client support requirements
ICAS2017B Maintain system integrity

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate basic operational knowledge in a moderate range of areas
Apply a defined range of skills
Apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems
Perform a range of tasks where choice between a limited range of options is required
Assess and record information from varied sources
Take limited responsibility for own outputs in work and learning
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services