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.

Diagnostic tool may include:
server software or may be inbuilt to the server software
software applications external to the database server.
Database may include:
commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) database packages
object-relational databases
proprietary databases
relational databases.
Performance may include:
archiving old records
compacting database files
creating indexes
improvements to response time
latch contention
preventing events causing waits
record or table locking
repairing the database
simultaneous access
splitting database files.
Architecture may include:
configuration:
large memory model
requests per second
small memory model
database software:
DB2
Informix
Ingres
Microsoft SQL (MS SQL) server
Mini SQL (mSQL)
MySQL
Oracle
Sybase
operating system:
Linux
Mac
multi-user ability
Novell NetWare 5 or above
Windows 2000 or above.
SQL may include:
ISO/IEC 9075 (1-4,9-11,13,14):2008:
ISO/IEC 9075-1:2008 Framework (SQL/Framework)
ISO/IEC 9075-10:2008 Object Language Bindings (SQL/OLB)
ISO/IEC 9075-11:2008 Information and Definition Schemas (SQL/Schemata)
ISO/IEC 9075-13:2008 SQL Routines and Types Using the Java TM Programming Language (SQL/JRT)
ISO/IEC 9075-14:2008 XML-Related Specifications (SQL/XML)
ISO/IEC 9075-2:2008 Foundation (SQL/Foundation)
ISO/IEC 9075-3:2008 Call-Level Interface (SQL/CLI)
ISO/IEC 9075-4:2008 Persistent Stored Modules (SQL/PSM)
ISO/IEC 9075-9:2008 Management of External Data (SQL/MED)
proprietary extensions: AS/NZS 3968.0:1994/Amdt 1:1996 Information technology - database languages - SQL - definition of data structures and basic operations
SQL:2008.

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:
correctly identify common database problems
select appropriate solutions to solve the problem
implement such solutions to improve database performance.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
diagnostic tools
database operating on a network
appropriate learning and assessment support when required
modified equipment 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:
review of candidate’s documentation of problem resolution
direct observation of the candidate using database tools to solve a database problem
evaluation of database after candidate has resolved issues affecting its performance.
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.