Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

ICTTEN6094A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Verify new software and hardware releases

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency ICTTEN6094A - Verify new software and hardware releases
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to verify compliance and compatibility of software and hardware to an existing system.Installation may be new software and hardware releases for an existing system or new infrastructure for convergence to Next Generation Networks NGN).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.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application Technical staff who verify new software and hardware releases apply the skills and knowledge in this unit. They may make use of software test routines and testing hardware for performance to manufacturer's and design specifications.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Telecommunications networks engineering
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Plan the testing of new software releases
  • Obtain manuals, specifications and instructions associated with new releases and identify areas of uncertainty for confirmation with the vendor
  • Plan the testing environment of the software release and likely impact with network management centre
  • Determine resources required to assist with the test and negotiate their availability
  • Determine and plan outage and notify network management centre as required
  • Notify customers of impact on the network during the test
  • Develop contingency plans to cater for likely problems during the test
       
Element: Test software and hardware units
  • Load new software and conduct tests using appropriate test equipment according to vendor specifications
  • Evaluate test results to assess functionality and features of software and hardware according to vendor documentation
  • Test compatibility with existing network and take corrective action with vendor as required
  • Implement contingency plans in conjunction with network management if integrity of the network is compromised by the new release
       
Element: Undertake administrative work
  • Document test results and store according to enterprise policy
  • Discuss ongoing or likely problems with the vendor and initiate follow up arrangements to ensure a permanent solution
  • Provide clearance for software and hardware release to be put in service in the system according to enterprise procedures
       


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.

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:

develop a plan for testing new software releases including functionality and performance under load conditions

develop a contingency plan recognising potential causes of problems and impact on service levels

test compatibility of software and hardware with existing system

analyse impact of integration of new hardware and software release on the network and make recommendations for improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

a system to verify compliance and compatibility of software and hardware

test equipment currently used in industry

systems manuals, vendor specifications and enterprise policy.

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 testing compatibility of software and hardware with existing system and analysing problems arising

review of test regime, including test results with analysis and improvement recommendations prepared by the candidate

review of contingency plan prepared by candidate

oral or written questioning of the candidate to assess knowledge of test methods, performance and integration requirements.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICTTEN6045A Implement planned network changes with minimal impact to the customer.

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

Required skills

communication skills to interact with enterprise personnel, customers and other contractors, while maintaining a customer focus and consideration of customer needs

literacy skills to interpret technical documentation, such as software and hardware manuals, specifications and relevant enterprise policy and documentation

numeracy skills to take and analyse measurements

planning and organisational skills to organise testing and contingency plans

problem solving skills to solve software, hardware and logistics problems

safety awareness skills to follow occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices

task management skills to work systematically with required attention to detail

technical skills to:

conduct tests on software and hardware units

load software

use diagnostic programs and equipment

Required knowledge

features and operating requirements of testing routines and equipment, key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements

information required to operate software and hardware according to a test specification

manufacturer's requirements for operation of equipment

specific organisational requirements relating to the activity and site conditions

system maintenance and upgrade procedures, codes of practice and other formal agreements that impact on the work activity

test methods, performance and integration requirements

typical issues and challenges that occur with new software and hardware releases

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.

Testing environment may include:

live as a pilot

simulated controlled environment

staged

variables:

availability of suitable location for testing

compatibility of existing software and hardware

nature of the release

operational environment involved

risks and uncertainty involved.

Tests may include:

error check

full system

load testing of new system

performance

software performance using independent third party software

switching

traffic flow

transmission

transmitter power.

Test equipment may include:

communication testers

network manager

protocol analyser

transmission measuring sets.

Compatibility may include affect on:

network

network management tools

new vendor network elements.

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
Obtain manuals, specifications and instructions associated with new releases and identify areas of uncertainty for confirmation with the vendor 
Plan the testing environment of the software release and likely impact with network management centre 
Determine resources required to assist with the test and negotiate their availability 
Determine and plan outage and notify network management centre as required 
Notify customers of impact on the network during the test 
Develop contingency plans to cater for likely problems during the test 
Load new software and conduct tests using appropriate test equipment according to vendor specifications 
Evaluate test results to assess functionality and features of software and hardware according to vendor documentation 
Test compatibility with existing network and take corrective action with vendor as required 
Implement contingency plans in conjunction with network management if integrity of the network is compromised by the new release 
Document test results and store according to enterprise policy 
Discuss ongoing or likely problems with the vendor and initiate follow up arrangements to ensure a permanent solution 
Provide clearance for software and hardware release to be put in service in the system according to enterprise procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTTEN6094A - Verify new software and hardware releases
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

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

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

ICTTEN6094A - Verify new software and hardware releases

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

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: