Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:21 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:21 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.
Test and measure cellular phone and network equipment performance
Test and measure cellular phone and network equipment performance
Unit of competency
National Code
ICTRFN5148A
ICTRFN5148A
State Code
D3410
D3410
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/04/2014
Field of Education
031307 - Communications Technologies
Original Release Date
15/04/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to test, measure and document the performance of cellular mobile phone and network equipment. It also involves analysing test results and recommending modifications to the network. The integration of specialised optical devices into existing networks may be required as part of an upgrade required by services and applications of Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN). No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to test cellular phone and network equipment
- 1.1. Obtain and follow relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards
- 1.2. Scope the work by obtaining work details from appropriate personnel and arrange for site access to comply with security arrangements
- 1.3. Evaluate manufacturer's technical documentation and network procedures to plan a test schedule for the cellular network
- 1.4. Verify calibration of test equipment to ensure that tested cellular equipment is compliant
- 1.5. Prepare cellular equipment for testing according to manufacturer's test procedure
- 1.6. Notify operational staff of test and measurement schedule to ensure minimal impact on the cellular network
2. Test and measure cellular phone and network equipment
- 2.1. Work safely following occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental requirements for the given work, identifying hazards and using personal protective equipment
- 2.2. Configure network equipment for testing and set options to record test results
- 2.3. Block or mask alarms that may be triggered and interfere with test programme
- 2.4. Run the performance measurement software with options set and record test results
- 2.5. Re-establish alarms and normal operational status at conclusion of tests and notify appropriate personnel of the completion of the test schedule
3. Analyse measurement and prepare an evaluation report
- 3.1. Analyse the results of the performance tests and measurements and determine the performance level of the cellular equipment and compatibility with the network
- 3.2. Prepare an evaluation report making recommendations on network modifications or changes to configurations settings for improved quality of service (QoS)
- 3.3. Present test results and evaluation report to appropriate personnel according to enterprise policy
RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards may include:
Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) standards and codes
AS Communications Cabling Manual (CCM) Volume 1
Australia building codes and regulations
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) Radiation Protection standard - Maximum Exposure Levels to Radio Frequency Fields - 3 kHz to 300 GHz
ACIF C564:2004 Deployment of mobile phone network infrastructure
Environmental Protection Acts
fire regulations
OHS
relevant international standards
technical standards AS/ACIF S008:2006 and AS/ACIF S009:2006.
Work details may include:
cellular equipment type:
base station equipment
location registers
network management module
switching
transmitter
cellular network type:
3G
4G
GPRS
GSM
WiMAX
reasons for tests
service level agreement (SLA) details.
Appropriate personnel may refer to:
design engineer
network manager
network operations centre
planning engineer.
Test schedule may include:
cellular network equipment tests:
blockage
congestion
interference
latency
packet loss
path loss
QoS
cellular phone performance tests:
firmware
network connectivity
roaming facilities
SIM card test
software
transmitter tests.
Test equipment may include:
built-in test equipment (BITE)
cable and antenna analyser
digital radio test set
E1 analyser
proprietary software
RF power meter
spectrum analyser
variable attenuator.
OHS and environmental requirements may relate to:
decommissioning and isolating worksite and lines prior to commencement
flashing lights
gas and other hazard detection equipment
identifying other services, including power and gas
safety barriers
safety equipment
safe working practices such as the safe use and handling of:
asbestos
chemicals
materials
tools and equipment
work platforms
special access requirements
suitable light and ventilation
trench guards
warning signs and tapes
witches hats
environmental considerations:
clean-up protection
noise, dust and clean-up management
stormwater protection
waste management.
Hazards may include:
activating equipment without notifying other staff who may be working remotely on the network
cleaning alcohol, epoxy resins and other solvents and chemicals may be carcinogenic, cause allergies or be dangerous to health in other ways
environmental hazards:
air pollution
dangerous gases
heavy or noxious metals pollution
noise
petrochemical spillage
release of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC)
flammable cleaning chemicals fluids and solvents
health hazards:
electromagnetic energy (EME) exposure
dangerous or harmful substances
risk of sustained injury from repetitive tasks
laser damage to eyes.
Personal protective equipment may include:
personal protective clothing:
earmuffs
gloves
head protection
knee pads
mask
safety boots
safety glasses
safety harness
safety line.
Options may include:
file setting
macro setting.
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.
Relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards may include:
Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) standards and codes
AS Communications Cabling Manual (CCM) Volume 1
Australia building codes and regulations
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) Radiation Protection standard - Maximum Exposure Levels to Radio Frequency Fields - 3 kHz to 300 GHz
ACIF C564:2004 Deployment of mobile phone network infrastructure
Environmental Protection Acts
fire regulations
OHS
relevant international standards
technical standards AS/ACIF S008:2006 and AS/ACIF S009:2006.
Work details may include:
cellular equipment type:
base station equipment
location registers
network management module
switching
transmitter
cellular network type:
3G
4G
GPRS
GSM
WiMAX
reasons for tests
service level agreement (SLA) details.
Appropriate personnel may refer to:
design engineer
network manager
network operations centre
planning engineer.
Test schedule may include:
cellular network equipment tests:
blockage
congestion
interference
latency
packet loss
path loss
QoS
cellular phone performance tests:
firmware
network connectivity
roaming facilities
SIM card test
software
transmitter tests.
Test equipment may include:
built-in test equipment (BITE)
cable and antenna analyser
digital radio test set
E1 analyser
proprietary software
RF power meter
spectrum analyser
variable attenuator.
OHS and environmental requirements may relate to:
decommissioning and isolating worksite and lines prior to commencement
flashing lights
gas and other hazard detection equipment
identifying other services, including power and gas
safety barriers
safety equipment
safe working practices such as the safe use and handling of:
asbestos
chemicals
materials
tools and equipment
work platforms
special access requirements
suitable light and ventilation
trench guards
warning signs and tapes
witches hats
environmental considerations:
clean-up protection
noise, dust and clean-up management
stormwater protection
waste management.
Hazards may include:
activating equipment without notifying other staff who may be working remotely on the network
cleaning alcohol, epoxy resins and other solvents and chemicals may be carcinogenic, cause allergies or be dangerous to health in other ways
environmental hazards:
air pollution
dangerous gases
heavy or noxious metals pollution
noise
petrochemical spillage
release of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC)
flammable cleaning chemicals fluids and solvents
health hazards:
electromagnetic energy (EME) exposure
dangerous or harmful substances
risk of sustained injury from repetitive tasks
laser damage to eyes.
Personal protective equipment may include:
personal protective clothing:
earmuffs
gloves
head protection
knee pads
mask
safety boots
safety glasses
safety harness
safety line.
Options may include:
file setting
macro setting.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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:
plan and coordinate test activities and equipment
test cellular phone and network equipment according to test procedure
analyse test results
report and make recommendations on performance.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
sites on which cellular network testing may be conducted
use of test equipment currently used in industry
manufacturer's and enterprise technical documentation
relevant regulations and standards.
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:
direct observation of the candidate performing tests
review of test documentation and reports completed by the candidate
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of testing procedures and required knowledge.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICTRFN5097A Test cellular handset enhancements and international roaming agreements.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non-English speaking background may have second language issues.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.
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:
plan and coordinate test activities and equipment
test cellular phone and network equipment according to test procedure
analyse test results
report and make recommendations on performance.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
sites on which cellular network testing may be conducted
use of test equipment currently used in industry
manufacturer's and enterprise technical documentation
relevant regulations and standards.
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:
direct observation of the candidate performing tests
review of test documentation and reports completed by the candidate
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of testing procedures and required knowledge.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICTRFN5097A Test cellular handset enhancements and international roaming agreements.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non-English speaking background may have second language issues.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWD87 | ICTRFN502 | Test and measure cellular phone and network equipment performance | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J821 | ICT40713 | Certificate IV in Telecommunications Network Design | Qualification |