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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Compile diagnostic tool knowledge requirements
  2. Analyse the data and testing methods
  3. Evaluate and critique test results

Performance Evidence

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.


Knowledge Evidence

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.