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

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment providing that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate plumbing and services workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

locating, interpreting and applying relevant information, standards and specifications to the estimation and costing of work

applying safety requirements throughout the work sequence, including electrical safety requirements and the use of personal protective clothing and equipment

estimating and costing three varied jobs in at least Class 1 buildings, including:

applying sustainability principles and concepts

estimating quantities of material required

determining types and amount of labour required to complete the work

estimating time required to complete the work

estimating overheads associated with the job

providing a written quotation and tender for each of the work requirements

communicating and working effectively and safely with others.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

an induction procedure and requirement

realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the minimum task requirements

relevant specifications and work instructions

tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices

support materials appropriate to activity

workplace instructions relating to safe work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies

material safety data sheets

research resources, including industry-related systems information.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

Required skills

communication skills to:

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand

identify customer requirements

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication

literacy skills to:

complete workplace documentation

prepare quotes and tenders

record details, including costs and charges

numeracy skills to:

estimate materials and labour required for provision of services or products

determine costs for the provision of a quotation or tender in the plumbing and services industry

apply calculations

Required knowledge

estimating and calculating processes

impact of time on wages and other costs

job safety analysis (JSA) and safe work method statements (SWMS)

process for estimating and costing work

processes for accessing information and for calculating material requirements

relevant statutory requirements related to estimating and costing work

SI system of measurements

relevant Australian standards applicable to the work to be undertaken

tendering and contracting processes

workplace and equipment safety requirements

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.

Factors for estimating and costing must include:

labour

materials

overheads.

Sustainability principles and concepts:

cover the social, economic and environmental use of resources to meet current and future needs

may include:

use of materials and resources to meet the current needs of society while preserving the environment for the future

efficient use and recycling of material

disposing of waste material to ensure minimal environmental impact

energy efficiency

water efficiency.

Equipment may include:

calculators

computers running appropriate software to estimate and calculate necessary details

measuring equipment appropriate to work

stationery.

Information may include:

charts and hand drawings

instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel

job drawings

manufacturer specifications and instructions

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

memos

organisation work specifications and requirements

regulatory and legislative requirements, particularly those pertaining to:

codes of practice

contracts

building codes

WHS and environmental requirements

plumbing regulations

relevant Australian standards

safe work procedures relating to estimating and costing work

signage

verbal, written and graphical instructions

work bulletins

work schedules, plans and specifications.