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 by candidates demonstrating the use of computer applications with advanced features; implementing routine personal computer maintenance; and implementing procedures for upgrades, restorations, data storage, conversions and transmission.

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

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

perform routine system maintenance

apply the advanced features of a software application

perform system back-ups and restorations on a personal computer

store and supply consumables

upgrade and configure a personal computer

access documentation, records and updates

access and deliver data

access and use support services.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit:

must be in the context of the work environment

may be conducted in an off-site context, provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills

must meet relevant compliance requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

NatHERS software tools

relevant codes, standards and government regulations

building plans and specifications for residential buildings to be assessed

computer equipment suitable for using NatHERS software tools

technical reference library with current publications on NatHERS software and other applications relevant to residential building thermal performance assessment.

Method of assessment

Assessment for this unit must verify the practical application of the required skills and knowledge, using one or more of the following methods:

written and/or oral assessment

observed, documented and/or first-hand testimonial evidence of the candidate:

demonstrating the use of computer applications with advanced features

implementing routine personal computer maintenance

implementing procedures for upgrades, restorations, data storage, conversions and transmission.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

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.

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.

Required skills

decision-making and problem-solving skills to make computer system upgrade decisions and resolve routine problems with computer system operation and maintenance

literacy skills to read and interpret a variety of text in print and electronic formats, including computer system manuals, operating instructions, and directions for installing software

planning, organising and scheduling skills to maintain stocks of computer consumables

research skills to identify and locate software and hardware upgrades

technology skills to access online information relevant to NatHERS assessments

time-management skills to ensure maintenance of computer system

Required knowledge

back-up and restoration procedures

data loss prevention: importance of, procedures for, and associated technologies

data security procedures

data storage procedures

ergonomics of computer use

features of different operating systems

file exchange procedures

file naming conventions

internet searching procedures

main types and parts of computers

NatHERS software tools

procedures for completing web-based application forms

purpose and types of virus protection

purpose, management and types of removable media

risks associated with viruses, and strategies to minimise them

software installation procedures

suitable file naming conventions

work health and 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.

Ergonomic requirements may include:

adjusting chair height, seat and back

avoiding radiation from computer screens

keyboard and mouse position

lighting

noise minimisation

posture

screen position

using:

document holder

footrest

workstation height and layout.

Applications may include:

building energy software tools

building life cycle assessment software tools

commercial software applications

communication packages

database

graphic packages

NatHERS accredited software

organisation-specific software

presentation functionalities

spreadsheet

web-based applications

word processing.

Objects may include:

buttons

checkboxes

drop down lists

option buttons

text boxes.

Documentation may include:

equipment inventory

hardware and software manuals

service records.

Data transmission may include:

ISDN

removable devices

internet.

System may include:

business

computers

financial system

information system

management system

network

software.