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

This unit of competency could be assessed by preparing and presenting to a client a written estimate of the cost for the supply of swimming pool and spa products and services.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

In particular, the person should demonstrate the ability to:

confirm customer requirements and identify specifications for required product or service

research information on the cost of swimming pool and spa products and services

prepare an estimate of the cost of swimming pool and spa products and services

present and explain the estimated cost to clients.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context and is to comply with relevant regulatory and Australian standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

relevant codes, standards and government regulations

technology suitable for generating reports

technical reference library with current publications on:

procedures for determining cost of swimming pool and spa products and services

swimming pool and spa products and services.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should, as far as is practical, take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Required skills

analytical skills to interpret cost information relevant to swimming pool and spa products and services

communication skills to interact with people from diverse social, economic and cultural backgrounds

decision-making and problem-solving skills to assess relative costs of products and services offered by different suppliers

literacy skills to:

complete standard forms

prepare general information and papers

prepare written cost estimates

read and interpret a variety of texts, including product descriptions

write formal and informal letters

numeracy skills to calculate and interpret cost data relating to swimming pool and spa products and services

planning, organising and scheduling skills to undertake work-related tasks, such as obtaining prices from suppliers

research skills to identify and locate documents and information on the costs and features of swimming pool and spa products and services

technology skills to use general purpose software and access online catalogues

Required knowledge

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission product safety guidelines

commonwealth, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations, and Australian standards related to:

consumer protection, fair trading and trade practices

work health and safety

product safety

privacy

factors involved in estimating costs of swimming pool and spa products and services:

cost range

ethical practices in identifying suppliers and product and service information

limitations

product and service specifications

reasons for explaining inclusions, exclusions and limitations

required information

sources of information on products and services relevant to swimming pools and spas

swimming pool and spa products and services:

accessories

chemicals

servicing

water testing:

equipment

parameters

techniques

test results

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.

Client requirements mayinclude:

swimming pool and spa:

accessories

chemicals

components:

installation

maintenance

repair

servicing and repair

technical information and advice

water testing.

Appropriate sources may include:

catalogues

conferences

industry associations

industry publications:

electronic

print

product and service suppliers

professional organisations

technical experts

trade associations

trade exhibitions

tradespeople.

Factors that may influence estimated cost may include:

availability

changes in product and service specifications

changes in professional fees

date of order or purchase

delays in supply

foreign exchange movements

guarantees

insurance

labour costs

product changes and upgrades

service changes and upgrades

source of supply

taxes and charges

transport and handling costs.

Limitations may include:

availability of products and services

exclusions

factors that may be subject to change, such as:

installation charges

prices

product and service features

product and service performance

product and service back-up and support

rebates and other support programs

specialist advice on products and services that may be required

supply time for products and services

fees, taxes and levies

inclusions.

Effective communication strategies may include:

active listening

being non-judgemental

exploring problems

expressing an individual perspective

providing sufficient time for questions and responses

providing summarising and reflective responses in conflict situations

using appropriate words, behaviour, posture and tone

using clarifying and summarising questions

using clear and concise language

using culturally appropriate communication

using plain English

using verbal and non-verbal communication.