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 following is essential:

Assessment must confirm the ability to install software applications through operating system instructions and to configure computer to accept new software or upgrade.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:

Organisation's applications needs

Appropriate software

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would prepare a person to perform in a range of varied activities or knowledge applications where there is a clearly defined range of contexts in which the choice of actions required is usually clear. There would generally be limited complexity in the range of operations to be applied.

Assessment must ensure:

Performance of a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and some accountability for the quality of outcomes would be characteristic.

Applications may include some complex or non-routine activities involving individual responsibility or autonomy and/or collaboration with others as part of a group or team.

Method of assessment

The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.

Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.

Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Guidance information for assessment

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

ICAU2005B Operate computer hardware

ICAU2006B Operate computing packages

ICAU2231B Use computer operating system

ICAS2016B Record client support requirements

ICAS2017B Maintain system integrity

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate basic operational knowledge in a moderate range of areas

Apply a defined range of skills

Apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems

Perform a range of tasks where choice between a limited range of options is required

Assess and record information from varied sources

Take limited responsibility for own outputs in work and learning

Maintain knowledge of industry products and services

Required skills

General customer service

Decision making in a limited range of options

Problem solving of known problems in routine procedures

Plain English literacy and communication skills in relation to the presentation of information

Report writing skills for business requiring some analysis and evaluation of information in a defined range of areas

Required knowledge

Organisational guidelines for purchasing

Broad general knowledge of licensing arrangements and responsibilities

Broad general knowledge of software copyright responsibilities

Broad general knowledge of operating systems supported by the organisation

Broad general knowledge of hardware storage devices

Broad general knowledge of input/output devices

Broad general knowledge of the client business domain

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.

Appropriate person may include:

supervisor

teacher

authorised business representative

client

Organisationalrequirements may include but are not limited to:

guidelines

corporate purchasing

licensing arrangements

budget

Application program may include:

database programs

word processors

email programs

internet browsers

system browsers

spreadsheets

Licensing requirements may include:

type of licence

cost of licence

support provided

number of licences required

Client may include but is not limited to:

internal departments

external organisations

individual people

internal employees

Computer may include:

laptops

workstations

servers

Hardware may include:

Workstations, personal computers

Modem or other connectivity device, including DSL modems

Networks

Remote sites

Servers

Operating System may include but is not limited to:

Linux 7.0 or above

Windows 2000 or above

Apple OS X or above

Software may include but is not limited to:

commercial software applications

organisation-specific software

Impact may be in relation to:

installation time

effect on normal business

problems

data entry