Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:03 AM AWST
22/07/2026 11:03 AM 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.
Select and employ software and hardware tools
Select and employ software and hardware tools
Unit of competency
National Code
ICAU4205B
ICAU4205B
State Code
D0259
D0259
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/11/2007
Field of Education
029999 - Information Technology, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
09/11/2007
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit defines the competency required to select and use software and hardware diagnostic tools, including multimedia contexts and automated testing environments.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Establish process operational requirements
- 1.1. Identify the process requirements ensuring they are accurate, complete, prioritised, have functionality and reference appropriate method/media types
- 1.2. Identify conflicting or overlapping requirements
- 1.3. Document and validate functional requirements of the client
- 1.4. Identify and validate available resources and budget of the client
2. Select hardware and software for processing function
- 2.1. Identify and evaluate relevant hardware and software with reference to functional requirements
- 2.2. Identify and analyse relevant products and equipment interdependencies with reference to functional requirements and systemarchitecture
- 2.3. Identify and document appropriate tools, including their limitations for the required use and industry standards
- 2.4. Select and acquire tools in accordance with purchasing policies
3. Configure and test hardware and software
- 3.1. Install and configure appropriate hardware and software according to vendor guidelines with reference to systemarchitecture and client functionality requirements
- 3.2. Configure system architecture for optimal usage
- 3.3. Prepare, schedule and execute tests and record outcomes
- 3.4. Track errors, interpret and correct
- 3.5. Make changes based on test results
- 3.6. Document the hardware and software configuration according to requirements
4. Use and validate software and hardware
- 4.1. Provide appropriate training of client with reference to guides, instructions and vendor materials
- 4.2. Use hardware and software according to vendor guidelines
- 4.3. Validate hardware and software performance with reference to client functional requirements
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.
business
system
application
network
people in the organisation for the purpose of developing multimedia products or carrying out automated testing of software and systems
workstations
personal computers
other peripherals or standalone units
internal departments
external organisations
clubs
individual people
internal employees
Operating system: Novell NetWare 5 or above or operating system that has multi-user ability; Linux, Mac OS, Windows 2000 or above
Database software: PostgresSQL,Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server, Ingres, DB2, Informix, mSQL, MySQL, SQL server
Configuration: small memory model, large memory model, requests per second
new hardware
hardware upgrades
new software
software upgrades
user training
implementing a new system
ISO/IEC/AS standards
organisational standards
project standards (for further information refer to the Standards Australia website at:
workstations
personal computers
modems and other connectivity devices
networks
DSL modems
remote sites
servers
commercial software applications
organisation-specific software, packaged software, in-house or customised software
business
system
application
network
people in the organisation for the purpose of developing multimedia products or carrying out automated testing of software and systems
workstations
personal computers
other peripherals or standalone units
internal departments
external organisations
clubs
individual people
internal employees
Operating system: Novell NetWare 5 or above or operating system that has multi-user ability; Linux, Mac OS, Windows 2000 or above
Database software: PostgresSQL,Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server, Ingres, DB2, Informix, mSQL, MySQL, SQL server
Configuration: small memory model, large memory model, requests per second
new hardware
hardware upgrades
new software
software upgrades
user training
implementing a new system
ISO/IEC/AS standards
organisational standards
project standards (for further information refer to the Standards Australia website at:
workstations
personal computers
modems and other connectivity devices
networks
DSL modems
remote sites
servers
commercial software applications
organisation-specific software, packaged software, in-house or customised software
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 select and use the correct automating tools and to develop an automating process that produces an outcome that is measurable and meets specified requirements.
To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:
Specifications for a range of automating vendor products
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Meeting modern IT needs can be complex and difficult. Using process automating can improve organisation performance and remove mundane tasks. Designing and automating processes should undergo an analysis and design across a broad range of technical and/or managerial functions.
Meeting technical applications involves significant judgement in planning, design, evaluation, technical or leadership/guidance and communications functions related to services, operations and processes.
The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover a broad range of varied activities or application in a wider variety of contexts most of which are complex and non-routine. Leadership and guidance would be involved when organising activities of self and others as well as contributing to technical solutions of a non-routine or contingency nature.
Assessment must ensure:
Performance of a broad range of skilled applications including the requirement to evaluate and analyse current practices, develop new criteria and procedures for performing current practices and provision of some leadership and guidance to others in the application and planning of the skills would be characteristic.
Applications may involve responsibility for, and limited organisation of, others.
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.
An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts
Apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems
Identify and apply skill and knowledge areas to a wide variety of contexts, with depth in some areas
Identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards
Take limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of the output of others
Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of automating processes, with depth in some areas
Use judgements and analysis to employ automated processes in the organisation
Demonstrate a command of wide-ranging, highly specialised technical, creative or conceptual skills
Generate ideas through the analysis of information and concepts at an abstract level
Demonstrate accountability for personal outputs within defined technical requirements
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services
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 select and use the correct automating tools and to develop an automating process that produces an outcome that is measurable and meets specified requirements.
To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:
Specifications for a range of automating vendor products
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Meeting modern IT needs can be complex and difficult. Using process automating can improve organisation performance and remove mundane tasks. Designing and automating processes should undergo an analysis and design across a broad range of technical and/or managerial functions.
Meeting technical applications involves significant judgement in planning, design, evaluation, technical or leadership/guidance and communications functions related to services, operations and processes.
The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover a broad range of varied activities or application in a wider variety of contexts most of which are complex and non-routine. Leadership and guidance would be involved when organising activities of self and others as well as contributing to technical solutions of a non-routine or contingency nature.
Assessment must ensure:
Performance of a broad range of skilled applications including the requirement to evaluate and analyse current practices, develop new criteria and procedures for performing current practices and provision of some leadership and guidance to others in the application and planning of the skills would be characteristic.
Applications may involve responsibility for, and limited organisation of, others.
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.
An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts
Apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems
Identify and apply skill and knowledge areas to a wide variety of contexts, with depth in some areas
Identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards
Take limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of the output of others
Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of automating processes, with depth in some areas
Use judgements and analysis to employ automated processes in the organisation
Demonstrate a command of wide-ranging, highly specialised technical, creative or conceptual skills
Generate ideas through the analysis of information and concepts at an abstract level
Demonstrate accountability for personal outputs within defined technical requirements
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C8860 | ICAU4205A | Select and employ software and hardware tools | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D7873 | ICAICT411A | Select and employ software and hardware testing tools | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C864 | ICA40605 | Certificate IV in Information Technology (Testing) | Qualification |
| C861 | ICA40305 | Certificate IV in Information Technology (Websites) | Qualification |