Application
People working in any industry apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. They may work as individuals providing administrative support in an enterprise, or may be technical or knowledge experts responsible for preparing their own files for publication as either hard or soft copy documents.
At this level, work would be undertaken independently but within established parameters. Supervision or guidance is available as required.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Clarify formatting requirements | 1.1. Review documentation that provides information on printing requirements and the end use for text and image files 1.2. Plan work to comply with pre-press requirements in consultation with relevant people 1.3. Take account of the requirements for different publication processes when planning work and selecting software |
2. Prepare text for pre-press processing | 2.1. Save text in appropriate format 2.2. Review text to remove extraneous or unnecessary formatting 2.3. Apply templates and styles as required |
3. Prepare graphics for pre-press processing | 3.1. Ensure scans are completed at appropriate resolution 3.2. Use appropriate scanning curve 3.3. Save colour in required format 3.4. Undertake basic manipulation of digital images as required 3.5. Ensure that combined images can be edited and adjusted 3.6. Check that all templates and styles have been applied correctly 3.7. Save final graphic images in appropriate format |
4. Finalise work | 4.1. Evaluate final files for visual impact, effectiveness and fitness for purpose 4.2. Use feedback from others to improve own skills in preparing files for publication 4.3. Submit files to relevant personnel as required 4.4. Make back-up copies of files in line with organisational procedures |
Required Skills
Required skills
communication skills to clarify written and verbal instructions
initiative and enterprise skills to make adjustments to the layout and look of text and image files to produce the optimum visual outcome
learning skills to improve own skills from feedback
literacy skills to interpret information and material related to preparing files for publication
numeracy skills to calculate document layout requirements
planning and organising skills to plan work tasks in a logical sequence
self-management skills to prioritise work tasks and complete work within agreed timeframes
problem-solving skills to use processes flexibly and interchangeably
technology skills to:
proficiently use common page layout software applications
proficiently use a scanner to reproduce photo images to specification
use digital imaging software for basic manipulation of digital images
manage files using standard naming conventions.
Required knowledge
design issues related to different hard copy and electronic publishing processes
file formats for various outputs
basic colour theory in relation to preparing files for pre-press
basic typographic theory in relation to preparing files for pre-press
elements and principles of design
intellectual property issues and legislation associated with pre-press preparation
sustainability considerations for equipment, tools and materials associated with pre-press processing work
OHS procedures in relation to preparation for pre-press processing work, including ergonomics.
Evidence Required
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: prepare text and graphic files that meet required output specifications for at least two hard copy and two soft copy jobs apply knowledge of current pre-press techniques and technologies. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to: industry-standard page layout and digital imaging software. |
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 undertaking pre-press processing work evaluation of files prepared by the candidate discussion and questioning about candidate’s intentions and the work outcome review of portfolios of evidence review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners. Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling). |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example: BSBITU309A Produce desktop published documents CUFDIG303A Produce and prepare photo images CUVGRD302A Use typography techniques. |
Range Statement
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.
Requirements may relate to: | file formats: images text file size image resolution. |
End use of text and images may be for: | annual reports book covers corporate presentations corporate stationery electronic distribution, including as attachments: to electronic communications for download from websites invitations posters. |
Pre-press includes: | pre-press section of a printing company pre-press trade houses or bureaus. |
Relevant people | client designer graphic artist manager online production personnel other specialist creative and administrative staff supervisor. |
Publication processes may include: | any hard copy printing process electronic platforms: CD DVD games console internet kiosk mobile phone other video playback devices personal digital assistant (PDA) video players (iPods). |
Software may include: | computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) digital imaging: Adobe Photoshop Corel Paint Shop Pro layout and page description applications word processing applications. |
Format may relate to: | colour: CMYK RGB image files: GIF JPEG PICT PNG PSD TIFF text files: file outputs from word processing applications. |
Resolution may be: | high low, e.g. for position only (FPO) medium. |
Manipulation may relate to: | appending text/type for files and captions brushing creating artistic effects cropping eliminating red eye emulating photographic effects image enhancement, including: tones contrast colour cast or tint saturation masking layers retouching sharpening. |
Sectors
Visual communication – graphic design
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.