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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to enter and change programmable controller operational parameters. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with entering and changing programmable controller operational parameters or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

selecting appropriate data transfer device(s)/procedure(s) and transferring the software accurately

verifying machine operation or process output

obtaining specific changes required to operating parameters within the software program

adjusting/changing operational parameters

checking machine operation or process output

reporting

identifying problems

reading, interpreting and following information on written job instructions, specifications, standard operating procedures, charts, lists, drawings and other applicable reference documents

planning and sequencing operations

checking and clarifying task related information

checking for conformance to specifications

undertaking numerical operations, geometry and calculations/formulae within the scope of this unit

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

appropriate and correct program loading techniques and reasons for selecting the chosen program loading technique

checks to be undertaken during and after downloading

reasons for checking that the data transfer is accurate and complete

action to be taken if data transfer is inaccurate and/or incomplete

specifications relating to the transferred data

correct operation of the machine or process

specific machine operations or process outputs being controlled by the programmable controller

specific problems in accordance with standard operating procedures

operating parameters within the software program

standard operating procedures

specification to be met and functions to be controlled and machine operation or process output

reporting process

procedures to change parameters and their implications

hazard and control measures associated with entering and changing programmable controller operational parameters, including housekeeping

safe work practices and procedures

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.

Verify

Verification of machine/process/system operation includes interpreting the program, excluding multi-loop and control sequencing programs.

Standard operating procedures

Industry standards, production schedules, material safety data sheets, work notes and plans, product labels, manufacturers' specifications, operator manuals, enterprise policies and procedures, supervisors' oral and written instructions, current State/Territory occupational health and safety legislation, standards and codes of practice.

Operating parameters

Includes timer, counter and set point settings. All specifications and procedures gained from a range of circuit drawings, engineering data sheets, step print out, manufacturers' procedure and data books