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Plan Competency Assessment

UNDERSTANDING TRAINING
REGULATION & COMPETENCY
STANDARDS
Session 2
Parts of a Unit of Competency

Unit Title

Unit Descriptor

Elements Performance Criteria

Range of Variables

Evidence Guide
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Aim of Unit of Competency

Together all the parts of the unit of

competency:
 describe a work activity
 guide the assessor in determining whether
the learner / candidate is competent.

Each part of the unit of competency must

be written with the purpose of
achieving these two aims.
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Unit Title

 Defines the area of competency

 Written in output terms - ‘obtain, prepare and
supply materials for production’ [verb]
 A well framed unit will comprise a manageable
component of work
 Example: Service Engine System
( Heavy Equipment Servicing (Mechanical) NC II)

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Unit Descriptor

 Outlines what is done in the workplace.

 Expands on information in the title.
 Clarifies scope and intent of the unit.
 Helps to differentiate between units with similar
titles.
Example: This unit of competency covers the KSA required in
checking, testing, adjusting, troubleshooting, repairing/replacing the
various parts and components of heavy equipment engine system.
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 Elements

 Building blocks of a unit of competency

 Describe in outcome terms the functions that
a person who works in a particular area of
work is able to perform [start with a verb]
 Describes actions or outcomes that are
demonstrable and assessable and which the
candidate must attain.
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Sample Element Structure

Unit title: Operate a Presentation

Package
 Create presentations
 Customize basic settings
 Format presentation
 Add show effects
 Print presentation and notes
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Performance Criteria

 Specifies what is assessed and the required level

of performance
 Precise as possible so that standards are
assessable
 Covers all components of competency
 Focus on evidence to prove competency
 Contains an outcome and a level of performance

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Sample Performance Criteria

Engine system and related components and

parts checking procedure is applied following
manufacturer’s specifications.
Critical outcome:
Engine system and related components and
parts checking procedure is applied...
level of performance:
.... following manufacturer’s specifications.
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Sample Performance Criteria

A simple design is created according to

organizational requirements
Critical outcome:
A simple design is created...
level of performance:
.... According to organizational
requirements.

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Range of Variables

Describe the circumstances or context in

which the work is to be performed.

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Range of Variables
 Define the boundaries  Allows for insertion of
within which the unit specific knowledge
of competency applies and enterprise
 Range of situations requirements
that should be the  Adjust Range of
focus of assessment Variables to update
 Relates to the unit of standards
competency as a
whole

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 Sample Range of Variables

Unit Title:
Variable
Service engine system
Range of Variables:
 Engine system and related components & parts:
 Air induction and exhaust system
 Cooling system
 fuel system Range
 Lubrication system
 Electronic system

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 Sample Range of Variables

Unit Title:
Operate a presentation package
Performance Criteria: Variable
 Appropriate print format is selected
Range of Variables:
Print format may include:
 layout
 quality
 number of copies Range
 Color or black and white

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 Performance Criteria
• evaluative statements which specify
what is to be assessed
•specifies the required level of
performance
•specifies the activities, knowledge,
skills and understanding which
provide evidence of competent
performance
•task performed as per prescribed
procedure
e.g. Objects are packed in accordance with
specified guidelines and procedures
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 Range of Variables

•defines the boundaries of the standards

supplies and materials
tools and equipment
quality assurance requirements
occupational health and safety
personal protective equipment

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 Evidence Guide

relate directly to:

- Elements
-Performance Criteria
-Range of Variables

guide the assessor in

the collection of
evidence
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 Evidence Guide

 The Evidence Guide is mandatory

 The purpose of the Evidence Guide is to guide the
assessor in the collection of evidence.
 Evidence Guide must relate directly to:
 the Elements and Performance Criteria
 Range of Variables

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Parts of the Evidence Guide

There are six sections:

 Critical aspects of competency
 Underpinning knowledge
 Underpinning skills
 Resource implications
 Method of assessment
 Context of assessment

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Critical Aspects of Competency
 Tells the assessor what evidence is essential for successful
performance.
 It identifies the essential:
 product evidence
 completes work piece / service to specification
 knowledge evidence
 things that must be known
 process evidence
 complies with industry practices and procedures
 complies with OH&S practices
 sets up tools and equipment
 handles tools, materials and equipment
 identifies and solves faults and problems
 communicates with others to ensure safe and effective operations 20
 Underpinning Knowledge

 Competency involves applying knowledge to

perform work activities.
 Underpinning knowledge includes:
 specific knowledge that is essential to the performance of
the competency such as basic infant care, dependent
nature of infants/toddlers
 evidence of knowledge of legislation, regulations and Codes
of Practice
 knowledge beyond the immediate scope of the unit

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Underpinning Skills

 This provides the assessor with a list of

the skills needed to achieve the elements
and performance criteria in the unit of
competency.
 Underpinning skills include both:
 generic skills – communication, listening
 industry specific skills - using relevant
equipment, following manufacturer’s
specifications, applying mensuration.
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Resource Implications

 This section identifies the resources needed for

the successful performance of the work activity
described in the unit of competency.
 This would usually include:
 Work environment and conditions
 Tools
 Equipment
 Materials

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Resource Implications
 Unit Title
 Service engine system
 Resource Requirements
 Access to heavy equipment
 Access to basic and special tools and shop
equipment
 Materials relevant to the activity
 Shop and parts manual/catalogue

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Method of Assessment
 This component provides advice on:
 when evidence should be collected
 the ways of collecting evidence
 whether evidence should be collected over a period of
time.
 This information is provided in order to:
 cover all aspects of the unit
 determine whether it is necessary to collect evidence in
a particular way and over time
 establish consistency in performance.
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Context of Assessment @@@

In most cases, assessment may be conducted at

work or in a simulated workplace environment.

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