Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:03 PM AWST

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Operate spreadsheet applications

Operate spreadsheet applications

Unit of competency
National Code
ICAICT105A
State Code
D7839
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/07/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/10/2014
Field of Education
080905 - Practical Computing Skills
Original Release Date
14/10/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to operate spreadsheet applications and perform basic operations, including creating and formatting spreadsheet data, incorporating charts and objects, and customising and printing spreadsheets.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Create spreadsheets
  • 1.1 Open spreadsheet application, create spreadsheet files and enter numbers, text and symbols into cells according to information requirements
  • 1.2 Enter simple formulas and functions using cell referencing where required
  • 1.3 Correct formulas when error messages occur
  • 1.4 Use a range of common tools during spreadsheet development
  • 1.5 Edit columns and rows within the spreadsheet
  • 1.6 Use the auto-fill function to increment data where required
  • 1.7 Save spreadsheet to directory or folder
2. Customise basic settings
  • 2.1 Adjust page layout to meet user requirements or special needs
  • 2.2 Open and view different toolbars
  • 2.3 Change font settings so that they are appropriate for the purpose of the document
  • 2.4 Change alignment options and line spacing according to spreadsheet formatting features
  • 2.5 Format cell to display different styles as required
  • 2.6 Modify margin sizes to suit the purpose of the spreadsheets
  • 2.7 View multiple spreadsheets concurrently
3. Format spreadsheet
  • 3.1 Use formatting features as required
  • 3.2 Copy selected formatting features from another cell in the spreadsheet or from another active spreadsheet
  • 3.3 Use formatting tools as required within the spreadsheet
  • 3.4 Align information in a selected cell as required
  • 3.5 Insert headers and footers using formatting features
  • 3.6 Save spreadsheet in another format
  • 3.7 Save and close spreadsheet to storage device
4. Incorporate object and chart in spreadsheet
  • 4.1 Import an object into an active spreadsheet
  • 4.2 Manipulate imported object by using formatting features
  • 4.3 Create a chart using selected data in the spreadsheet
  • 4.4 Display selected data in a different chart
  • 4.5 Modify chart using formatting features
5. Print spreadsheet
  • 5.1 Preview spreadsheet in print preview mode
  • 5.2 Select basic printer options
  • 5.3 Print spreadsheet or selected part of spreadsheet
  • 5.4 Submit the spreadsheet to appropriate person for approval or feedback
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.

Simple formulas and functionsmay include:
addition
division
multiplication
subtraction
application of the above to a series of cells.
Tools may include:
help
search and replace
simple formatting tools
spell check
undo.
Edit may relate to:
adding
copying
deleting
moving
pasting
selecting.
Data may include:
symbols added to the document
text added to the document.
Layout may include:
display modes
orientation
size.
Toolbars may contain:
buttons
menus
a combination of both.
Font settings may include:
colour
size
type.
Alignment may refer to:
centred
justified
left
right.
Formatting features may include:
bold
hyphenation
italics
underline.
Format may refer to:
saving the spreadsheet as another type of document:
comma separated values or text
HTML
XML.
Formatting tools may include:
menu commands within the application:
copy
cut
help
paste
search and replace
spell check
undo.
Storage device may include:
disks:
CD
DVD
blu-ray
external hard drive, such as universal serial bus (USB) flash drive
internal hard drive
web storage area.
Object may include:
items that can be inserted into the spreadsheet, such as:
other documents
pictures
sound.
Appropriate person may include:
authorised business representative
client
supervisor.
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:
create spreadsheets
customise basic settings
format spreadsheets
create basic formulas
work with objects and charts in spreadsheets
save and print spreadsheets.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
use of PC and printer
use of spreadsheet software currently used in industry
documents detailing organisational style guide and policy
documents or information containing data suitable for creating spreadsheets
appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.
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:
verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of spreadsheet operations
direct observation of candidate creating and formatting spreadsheets
review of spreadsheets, including formatting, formulas, objects and images.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.
In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D0242 ICAU1130B Operate a spreadsheet application Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUU17 ICTICT105 Operate spreadsheet applications Unit of competency