The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

For assessment of aspiring marriage celebrants, this unit is most appropriately assessed by the observation of a simulated interview with marrying couple and simulated ceremony or through role play and the completion and submission of documents

For existing marriage celebrants choosing to be assessed against the competencies, this unit is most appropriately assessed prior to and during the conduct of a marriage ceremony and the completion and submission of completed documents

Assessment should enable assessment of response to a diverse range of marrying couples in a range of situations

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to:

relevant or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place

relevant legislation, guidelines, Code of Practice, and range of required documentation

Method of assessment may include:

Observation of simulation and/or role play of interview with marrying couple

Observation of simulation and/or role play of ceremony

Evidence during process for assessment of accurate completion of required documentation prior to ceremony and correct finalising of documents for forwarding to Registry Office following ceremony

Evidence of knowledge of all elements of Code of Practice/Marriage Act and its Regulations

Evidence of the appropriate use of ceremony and symbolism

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include:

Knowledge of sources of legal and practical information;

Understanding and awareness of cultural rights, multicultural contributions, and the place of the arts in culture and ceremony

Knowledge of the importance of ceremony and ritual in community and family life

Understanding of client liaison techniques

Understanding of and a commitment to ongoing professional development

Elements of conducting an effective ceremony including use of additional materials

The candidate must also be able to apply knowledge outlined in CHCCEL402A Establish and maintain knowledge of legal responsibilities of a marriage celebrant, including:

Marriage Act:

knowledge of the obligations and responsibilities of a marriage celebrant according to the Marriage Act and Marriage Regulations and Code of Practice

knowledge of all documentation which must be sighted before a marriage can take place

knowledge of offences under the Marriage Act

Other legislation

general knowledge of aspects of Commonwealth Migration, Privacy, Trade Practices, Commonwealth Statutory Declarations and Copyright Acts relevant to performing the role of a marriage celebrant

awareness of Commonwealth discrimination laws as well as those in each state and territory

knowledge of the processes and procedures of State/territory Registrars of Births, Deaths and Marriages

Statutory Declarations Act 1959 (Cwlth):

detailed knowledge of responsibilities in accepting a Commonwealth Statutory Declaration

Migration Act 1958:

broad understanding of immigration laws and the issues that may arise for parties who do not have permanent residency status and wish to marry

awareness that marriage does not automatically give permanent residency

Copyright Act 1968 especially applicability of the use of material in ceremonies

Privacy Act 1988

understanding that celebrants have an obligation to protect privacy and maintain confidentiality

continued ...

Essential knowledge (contd):

Trade Practices Act 1974

understanding of obligations relevant to operating as a marriage celebrant within the Trade Practices Act; and

knowledge of where to locate relevant information

Marriage/Relationship Education Services - knowledge of pre-marriage and other relationship education services

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Comply with all obligations and responsibilities under the Marriage Act

Adhere to all required legislation

Deliver the agreed format and content of the ceremony

Facilitate ceremonies in a manner that demonstrates cultural and social respect

Convey a non-judgemental attitude towards marrying couples

Manage ceremonies consistent with the celebrant's responsibility towards the significance of marriage

Determine and understand needs of marrying couples and assist them to feel at ease

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include the ability to:

Provide information about the availability of relationship education services

Establish networks with relevant marriage/relationship education service provider/s

Demonstrate effective communication skills, including:

speaking in a firm, diplomatic and culturally appropriate manner

providing clear information, listen to and understand the needs of marrying couples, and clarify ceremony instructions

effective and empathetic listening skills while avoiding acting as a counsellor or educator

maintaining awareness of and sensitivity to needs of marrying couples (e.g. demonstrate sensitivity to issues of race, religious beliefs, cultural background, language levels, personal capabilities of clients)

discussing appropriate check/to do lists with couple

summarising and clarify issues covered during consultation interviews prior to conduct of ceremony

effective negotiation skills

effective conflict resolution skills

confirming procedures with translator as necessary

Apply effective management skills

Explain the key features of the Marriage Act

Accurately complete essential legal documents

Access information about and an understanding of GST and its application

Locate the relevant information for other state/territory legislation as required (such as local government parks and gardens, state and territory registering authorities)

Refer persons to appropriate authority for further information

Provide ceremony resources that are varied, presentable and well maintained

Work with others and display empathy

continued ...

Essential skills (contd):

Ability to:

Demonstrate language and literacy competence, including:

literacy competence to satisfactorily fulfil the role of a marriage celebrant including the ability to interpret legal requirements and Commonwealth policies and procedures

using appropriate ritual and symbols in ceremony

language competence to provide clear information, listen to and understand the needs of marrying couples and clarify ceremony instructions

Apply problem solving skills including the ability to work with a group and calmly manage disruptions

Demonstrate effective presentation skills, including:

presenting materials for ceremony professionally; and controlled assembly of wedding party and guests with discretion

effective projection of voice and ability to work in public before an audience

discretion in terms of any perceived or actual disruption during ceremony

conducting ceremony with flow and continuity

introducing couple in the manner previously agreed

presentation of a complete and professional folder of ceremony to couple

demonstrating respect and courtesy to wedding party, guests and other participants
(i.e. photographer, musicians, translator) before, during and following the ceremony

consultation and presentation skills including an ability to convey an attitude of professionalism and compassion

using effective problem solving skills to clarify any legal or other business issues arising

departing tactfully and at the appropriate time

Demonstrate management and administrative skills, including:

effectively using techniques for monitoring own service area including client satisfaction

applying numeracy skills including satisfactory record-keeping

being honest and open in terms of fees and what monies are refundable and in what circumstances [note: this needs to be conveyed at the first interview with the couple]

using effective time management skills to ensure arrival at venue at agreed time

checking any equipment or resources as necessary

following up on any outstanding issues

contributing to revision of procedures and guidelines as appropriate

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.

Secure storage of documentation includes:

Addressing storage requirements including appropriate types of storage for marriage records

Ensuring that records can be kept secure for at least six years

Addressing specific documentation requirements for:

religious registers

civil celebrant certificates

Maintenance of record-keeping sheets

Marriage regulations includes:

Knowledge of and adherence to the Marriage Regulations

Other relevant legislation: includes

Knowledge of aspects of Commonwealth Migration, Privacy, Trade Practices, Commonwealth Statutory Declarations, Discrimination and Copyright Acts relevant to performing the role of a marriage celebrant

Knowledge of State/territory discrimination laws.

Knowledge of the processes and procedures of State/territory Registrars of Births, Deaths and Marriages

Code of Practice includes:

Knowledge of and adherence to the Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants as specified in the Marriage Regulations

Relationship education services includes:

Information about the availability of relationship education services is provided in accordance with the Code of Practice

Communication includes:

Effective and professional communication with marrying couple

Ceremony options presented to marrying couple for consideration
This may vary taking account of whether the ceremony is civil or religious

Marrying couple's needs identified
This may vary taking account of whether the ceremony is civil or religious

Feedback sought from marrying couple employing a range of techniques

Feedback used to improve service

Collaboration with colleagues sought to develop, maintain and improve skills and resources

Administrative/business management skills includes:

Privacy, security and confidentiality of marrying couple documentation and communications maintained

All forms and procedures completed accurately and within the required timeframe as specified in the Marriage Act

All relevant materials provided to marrying couple in a timely and professional manner

All documentation available and accurately completed within the required timeframe and lodged appropriately as specified in the Marriage Act

Documentation collected and stored securely and appropriately

Presentation includes:

Ceremony presentation is accurate and professional

Orderly progression of ceremony, as agreed to with marrying couple, is facilitated

The roles of ceremony participants or other service providers, where relevant, are confirmed