Application
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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
1. Compile diagnostic tool knowledge requirements | 1.1 Compile a portfolio of sample reports of diagnostic test results 1.2 Compile peer reviewed papers on the use of each diagnostic tool 1.3 Review the diagnostic tool specifications and user manuals 1.4 Research output ranges for each diagnostic tool 1.5 Identify key thresholds and benchmarks for diagnostic test outputs 1.6 Determine suitability of tool selection for purpose of test |
2. Analyse the data and testing methods | 2.1 Identify and evaluate testing methods used 2.2 Assess relevance, benefits and limitations of methodology 2.3 Determine assumptions used in formulating testing method 2.4 Determine veracity of equipment, software and systems used for test 2.5 Access raw data and testing evidence for test results 2.6 Verify data relevance and accuracy against standard industry test procedures 2.7 Review report and identify discrepancies against industry testing procedures and testing standards 2.8 Record discrepancies according to workplace procedures |
3. Evaluate and critique test results | 3.1 Assess the suitability of the testing process as fit for purpose 3.2 Analyse the test results against benchmarks 3.3 Reconcile analysis with original interpretation and account for anomalies 3.4 Determine the validity of outcomes of original report 3.5 Develop substantiated positions to inform critical analysis of test results 3.6 Determine further testing required to verify results |
4. Document the critique | 4.1 Compile analysis of test method and results 4.2 Review the completeness and accuracy of the analysis 4.3 Record analysis outcomes and rationale 4.4 Document the analytical processes 4.5 Provide alternative analysis and conclusion 4.6 Document critique in a report 4.7 Present report according to agreed format and timelines |
Evidence of Performance
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.
Evidence of Knowledge
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 Conditions
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.
Foundation Skills
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret and critique complex texts relating to testing procedures and test results to gather information for analysis |
Writing | Create logical, succinct and accurate documents that express views and ideas from analysis of test results |
Numeracy | Manipulate and calculate numerical information and data from test results to assess and verify accuracy |
Sectors
Arboriculture (ARB)