Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:51 PM AWST
22/07/2026 3:51 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.
Protect security classified information
Protect security classified information
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPSEC505A
PSPSEC505A
State Code
C8327
C8327
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/07/2014
Field of Education
099905 - Security Services
Original Release Date
07/07/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the provision of advice and guidance to senior managers and staff on classifying information and determining clearances to ensure the protection of official information. It includes advising on classified information and improving information security.In practice, protection of security classified information may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, promoting compliance with legislation, coordinating protective security, communicating security awareness.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Advise on security classified information
- 1.1 The combination of the 'need to know' principle with different levels of security clearance to protect official information, is explained to staff and contractors in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 1.2 Guidance is provided on the type of information requiring security classification and the range of classification levels available in accordance with security standards.
- 1.3 Advice is provided on determining the necessity for security clearances and the level of access required in different situations.
- 1.4 Advice is provided in accordance with organisational policy and procedures on the eligibility and suitability of applicants for security clearances.
- 1.5 Advice is provided on other security measures to protect security classified information.
2. Improve information security
- 2.1 Recipients of security classified information are encouraged to challenge any security classification they believe to be unnecessary or inaccurate.
- 2.2 Originators of security classified information are contacted to discuss re-classification or de-classification of information in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 2.3 Advice is provided to senior management on the extent to which the organisation meets government standards for the protection of security classified information.
- 2.4 Recommendations for improvements to information security measures are made in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Information may be:
hard copy
electronic
audio-visual
photographic
encrypted
national security information
non-national security information
classified by third parties
Standards may include those referred to in:
public service Acts
protective security policy
fraud control policy
Crimes Act 1914 and Criminal Code 1985
Freedom of Information Act 1982
Privacy Act 1988
occupational health and safety legislation
AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management - Principles and Guidelines
Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)
Protective Security Policy Framework
Other security measures may include:
correct filing
clean desk
quitting all electronic systems and networks
checking environment including:
desks
whiteboards
waste bins
computer drives
containers
cabinets
safes
vaults
windows
doors
safe carriage of keys
Information may be:
hard copy
electronic
audio-visual
photographic
encrypted
national security information
non-national security information
classified by third parties
Standards may include those referred to in:
public service Acts
protective security policy
fraud control policy
Crimes Act 1914 and Criminal Code 1985
Freedom of Information Act 1982
Privacy Act 1988
occupational health and safety legislation
AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management - Principles and Guidelines
Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)
Protective Security Policy Framework
Other security measures may include:
correct filing
clean desk
quitting all electronic systems and networks
checking environment including:
desks
whiteboards
waste bins
computer drives
containers
cabinets
safes
vaults
windows
doors
safe carriage of keys
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPGOV502B Develop client services
PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPSEC504A Coordinate protective security
PSPSEC506A Communicate security awareness
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
protection of security classified information in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to protection of security classified information
Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)
Protective Security Policy Framework
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when protecting security classified information
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when protecting security classified information, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
protection of security classified information in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses, such as briefing plans
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPGOV502B Develop client services
PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPSEC504A Coordinate protective security
PSPSEC506A Communicate security awareness
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
protection of security classified information in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to protection of security classified information
Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)
Protective Security Policy Framework
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when protecting security classified information
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when protecting security classified information, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
protection of security classified information in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses, such as briefing plans
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J322 | PSP52612 | Diploma of Government (Road Transport Compliance) | Qualification |