Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:10 PM AWST
22/07/2026 11:10 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.
Operate a word processing application
Operate a word processing application
Unit of competency
National Code
ICAU1129B
ICAU1129B
State Code
D0241
D0241
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/10/2011
Field of Education
080905 - Practical Computing Skills
Original Release Date
12/10/2011
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit defines the competency required to correctly operate word processing applications and perform basic operations including the creation and formatting of documents, creating tables, printing labels and mail merge.The following units are linked and form an appropriate cluster:ICAU1128B Operate a personal computerICAU1130B Operate a spreadsheet applicationICAU1131B Operate a database applicationICAU1132B Operate a presentation packageNo licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Create documents
- 1.1. Open word processing application and create/open document and add data according to informationrequirements
- 1.2. Use document templates as required
- 1.3. Use simple formatting tools when creating the document
- 1.4. Save document to correct directory
2. Customise basic settings to meet page layout conventions
- 2.1. Adjust page layout to meet information requirements
- 2.2. Open and view different toolbars
- 2.3. Change fontformat to suit the purpose of the document
- 2.4. Change alignment and line spacing according to document informationrequirements
- 2.5. Modify margins to suit the purpose of the document
- 2.6. Open and switch between several documents
3. Format document
- 3.1. Use formattingfeatures and styles as required
- 3.2. Highlight and copy text from another area in the document or from another active document
- 3.3. Insert headers and footers to incorporate all necessary data
- 3.4. Save document in another file format
- 3.5. Save and close document to disk
4. Create tables
- 4.1. Insert a standard table into a document
- 4.2. Change cells to meet information requirements
- 4.3. Insert and delete columns and rows as necessary
- 4.4. Use formatting tools according to style requirements
5. Add images
- 5.1. Insert appropriate images in a document and customise as necessary
- 5.2. Position and resize images to meet the document formatting needs
6. Use mail merge
- 6.1. Create simple mailing list in layout suitable for merging
- 6.2. Create or select another document for merging
- 6.3. Mail merge list with other document
7. Print documents
- 7.1. Preview document in print preview mode
- 7.2. Select basic print settings
- 7.3. Print document or part of the document from printer
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.
memos
letters
minutes
agendas
other business documents required by the organisation
Menu commands within the application, such as: help, search and replace, spell check, undo, cut, copy, paste, borders, shading.
buttons
menus
a combination of both
Font format is the combination of typeface and other attributes, such as size, pitch and spacing of the font
left
centred
right
justified
italics
bold
underline
hyphenation
html pages
pdf files
text files
doc files
sxw (star office) files
CSV files
CDs
CD-RW (Compact Discs-Read Write)
DVD RW
zip disks
solid state hard drives
graphics
clipart
pictures
layout
paper size
number of copies
orientation
sides
memos
letters
minutes
agendas
other business documents required by the organisation
Menu commands within the application, such as: help, search and replace, spell check, undo, cut, copy, paste, borders, shading.
buttons
menus
a combination of both
Font format is the combination of typeface and other attributes, such as size, pitch and spacing of the font
left
centred
right
justified
italics
bold
underline
hyphenation
html pages
pdf files
text files
doc files
sxw (star office) files
CSV files
CDs
CD-RW (Compact Discs-Read Write)
DVD RW
zip disks
solid state hard drives
graphics
clipart
pictures
layout
paper size
number of copies
orientation
sides
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 ensure the ability to create open and retrieve documents, customise basic settings, format documents, create tables, add objects and images, and save and print documents.
To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:
Personal computer
Printer
Mouse and keyboard
Monitor
Basic software
Documents detailing organisational style guide/policy
Documents or information containing data suitable for use with word processing packages
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Operating a word processing application is a core function for almost all businesses and is an essential skill.
The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would prepare a person to perform a defined range of activities many of which may be routine and predictable.
Assessment must ensure
Applications may include a variety of employment related skills including preparatory access and participation skills, broad-based induction skills and/or specific workplace skills. They may also include participation in a team or work group.
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:
ICAU1128B Operate a personal computer
ICAU1130B Operate a spreadsheet application
ICAU1131B Operate a database application
ICAU1132B Operate a presentation package
An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge by recall in a narrow range of areas
Demonstrate basic practical skills, such as the use of relevant tools
Perform a sequence of routine tasks given clear direction
Receive and pass on messages and information
Demonstration of these competencies would involve:
Demonstrating basic word processing skills in a moderate range of areas
Applying a defined range of skills to basic processing operations
Applying known processing solutions to a limited range of predictable problems
Performing a range of basic processing tasks where operating options are varied
Assessing and recording information from varied sources
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 ensure the ability to create open and retrieve documents, customise basic settings, format documents, create tables, add objects and images, and save and print documents.
To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:
Personal computer
Printer
Mouse and keyboard
Monitor
Basic software
Documents detailing organisational style guide/policy
Documents or information containing data suitable for use with word processing packages
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Operating a word processing application is a core function for almost all businesses and is an essential skill.
The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would prepare a person to perform a defined range of activities many of which may be routine and predictable.
Assessment must ensure
Applications may include a variety of employment related skills including preparatory access and participation skills, broad-based induction skills and/or specific workplace skills. They may also include participation in a team or work group.
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:
ICAU1128B Operate a personal computer
ICAU1130B Operate a spreadsheet application
ICAU1131B Operate a database application
ICAU1132B Operate a presentation package
An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge by recall in a narrow range of areas
Demonstrate basic practical skills, such as the use of relevant tools
Perform a sequence of routine tasks given clear direction
Receive and pass on messages and information
Demonstration of these competencies would involve:
Demonstrating basic word processing skills in a moderate range of areas
Applying a defined range of skills to basic processing operations
Applying known processing solutions to a limited range of predictable problems
Performing a range of basic processing tasks where operating options are varied
Assessing and recording information from varied sources
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C8842 | ICAU1129A | Operate a word processing application | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D7836 | ICAICT102A | Operate word-processing applications | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C856 | ICA10105 | Certificate I in Information Technology | Qualification |
| D423 | SIS10110 | Certificate I in Sport and Recreation | Qualification |
| D427 | SIS20410 | Certificate II in Sport Career Oriented Participation | Qualification |
| D428 | SIS20510 | Certificate II in Sport Coaching | Qualification |