Assessor Resource

AHCARB608
Interpret diagnostic test results

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret diagnostic test results and evaluate and critique the testing methods and results. It requires knowledge and application of tree anatomy, physiology, pathology, tree dynamics and edaphic environment with substantial depth of understanding of diagnostics methods and analysis.

The unit applies to individuals with broad theoretical and technical knowledge of tree diagnostics. They have a broad range of cognitive, technical and communication skills and demonstrate autonomy and judgement for a defined area of responsibility, undertaking complex work with broad parameters to provide specialist advice and functions.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has analysed and critiqued a minimum of five different diagnostic test results.

For each of the five tests, there must also be evidence that the individual has:

compiled a portfolio of sample reports of diagnostic test results, including the following types of tests:

dynamic and static loading

drill resistance measurement device

sap flow measurements

electronic impedance

chlorophyll fluorescence

increment core

sonic tomography

radar imaging system

bulk density

soil and pH tests

compiled peer reviewed papers on the use of each diagnostic tool

reviewed diagnostic tool specifications and user manuals and researched output ranges for each diagnostic tool

identified key thresholds and benchmarks

determined suitability of tool selection for purpose of test

identified and evaluated testing methods

assessed relevance, benefits and limitations and determined assumptions of methodology

determined veracity of the equipment, software and systems

accessed available raw data and testing evidence and verified data relevance and accuracy

reviewed references cited in the report and identified inconsistencies

evaluated test results and completed the following:

recorded discrepancies against standards

assessed the suitability of diagnostic tool for purpose

highlighted unsupported statements and factual errors

detailed significant omissions, errors and ambiguities

detailed inconsistencies and errors of logic

identified variances to specifications

assessed the suitability of the testing process as fit for purpose

analysed test results, compared test outcomes with original interpretation and considered and accounted for anomalies

determined validity of outcomes of original report

developed substantiated positions for critical analysis

determined further testing required to verify results

compiled the analysis and reviewed completeness and accuracy of analysis

recorded analysis outcomes and rationale and documented the analytical processes

provided alternate analysis and conclusion and documented critique in a report

presented report according to agreed format and within agreed timelines.

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

diagnostic tests and tools used in arboriculture and their purpose, including:

dynamic and static loading

drill resistance measurement device

sap flow measurements

electronic impedance

chlorophyll fluorescence

increment core

sonic tomography

radar imaging system

bulk density

soil and pH tests

specifications of arboricultural diagnostic tools, including:

arboriculture terminology and language used in tree diagnostics

data output, interpretation and output ranges, key thresholds and benchmarks

diagnostic tool selection and testing methods

developing an evidence-based critique of testing procedures and results, including:

reviewing and verifying cited references and data reports

data accuracy and relevance

testing diagnostic tools and methods against standards and quality assurance

identifying non-conformances in documentation of results and reports, including:

unsupported statements and factual errors

significant omissions, errors and ambiguities

variances to specifications and standard procedures

incorrect use of arboricultural terminology

verification and falsification of results

selecting and determining the suitability of diagnostics tools and testing procedures and deciding best fit for purpose

analysing test results and use of industry benchmarks and standards.

Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:

physical conditions:

an arboriculture work site or environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

resources, equipment and materials:

computer with word processing software and statistical analysis software

specifications:

test equipment manuals, standard procedures and quality standards

sample reports for the diagnostic test methods listed in the performance criteria.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards. In particular, assessors must have:

arboriculture vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed

current arboriculture industry skills directly relevant to the unit of competency being assessed.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has analysed and critiqued a minimum of five different diagnostic test results.

For each of the five tests, there must also be evidence that the individual has:

compiled a portfolio of sample reports of diagnostic test results, including the following types of tests:

dynamic and static loading

drill resistance measurement device

sap flow measurements

electronic impedance

chlorophyll fluorescence

increment core

sonic tomography

radar imaging system

bulk density

soil and pH tests

compiled peer reviewed papers on the use of each diagnostic tool

reviewed diagnostic tool specifications and user manuals and researched output ranges for each diagnostic tool

identified key thresholds and benchmarks

determined suitability of tool selection for purpose of test

identified and evaluated testing methods

assessed relevance, benefits and limitations and determined assumptions of methodology

determined veracity of the equipment, software and systems

accessed available raw data and testing evidence and verified data relevance and accuracy

reviewed references cited in the report and identified inconsistencies

evaluated test results and completed the following:

recorded discrepancies against standards

assessed the suitability of diagnostic tool for purpose

highlighted unsupported statements and factual errors

detailed significant omissions, errors and ambiguities

detailed inconsistencies and errors of logic

identified variances to specifications

assessed the suitability of the testing process as fit for purpose

analysed test results, compared test outcomes with original interpretation and considered and accounted for anomalies

determined validity of outcomes of original report

developed substantiated positions for critical analysis

determined further testing required to verify results

compiled the analysis and reviewed completeness and accuracy of analysis

recorded analysis outcomes and rationale and documented the analytical processes

provided alternate analysis and conclusion and documented critique in a report

presented report according to agreed format and within agreed timelines.

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

diagnostic tests and tools used in arboriculture and their purpose, including:

dynamic and static loading

drill resistance measurement device

sap flow measurements

electronic impedance

chlorophyll fluorescence

increment core

sonic tomography

radar imaging system

bulk density

soil and pH tests

specifications of arboricultural diagnostic tools, including:

arboriculture terminology and language used in tree diagnostics

data output, interpretation and output ranges, key thresholds and benchmarks

diagnostic tool selection and testing methods

developing an evidence-based critique of testing procedures and results, including:

reviewing and verifying cited references and data reports

data accuracy and relevance

testing diagnostic tools and methods against standards and quality assurance

identifying non-conformances in documentation of results and reports, including:

unsupported statements and factual errors

significant omissions, errors and ambiguities

variances to specifications and standard procedures

incorrect use of arboricultural terminology

verification and falsification of results

selecting and determining the suitability of diagnostics tools and testing procedures and deciding best fit for purpose

analysing test results and use of industry benchmarks and standards.

Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:

physical conditions:

an arboriculture work site or environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

resources, equipment and materials:

computer with word processing software and statistical analysis software

specifications:

test equipment manuals, standard procedures and quality standards

sample reports for the diagnostic test methods listed in the performance criteria.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards. In particular, assessors must have:

arboriculture vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed

current arboriculture industry skills directly relevant to the unit of competency being assessed.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Compile a portfolio of sample reports of diagnostic test results 
Compile peer reviewed papers on the use of each diagnostic tool 
Review the diagnostic tool specifications and user manuals 
Research output ranges for each diagnostic tool 
Identify key thresholds and benchmarks for diagnostic test outputs 
Determine suitability of tool selection for purpose of test 
Identify and evaluate testing methods used 
Assess relevance, benefits and limitations of methodology 
Determine assumptions used in formulating testing method 
Determine veracity of equipment, software and systems used for test 
Access raw data and testing evidence for test results 
Verify data relevance and accuracy against standard industry test procedures 
Review report and identify discrepancies against industry testing procedures and testing standards 
Record discrepancies according to workplace procedures 
Assess the suitability of the testing process as fit for purpose 
Analyse the test results against benchmarks 
Reconcile analysis with original interpretation and account for anomalies 
Determine the validity of outcomes of original report 
Develop substantiated positions to inform critical analysis of test results 
Determine further testing required to verify results 
Compile analysis of test method and results 
Review the completeness and accuracy of the analysis 
Record analysis outcomes and rationale 
Document the analytical processes 
Provide alternative analysis and conclusion 
Document critique in a report 
Present report according to agreed format and timelines 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCARB608 - Interpret diagnostic test results
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

AHCARB608 - Interpret diagnostic test results

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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Date:

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