Assessor Resource

CUVPHI530A
Prepare digital images for pre-press processing

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit applies to the digital imaging industry where image files require processing before printing. It requires the self-directed application of skills and knowledge to prepare digital images for pre-press processing.

This work would usually be carried out independently although guidance would be available if required.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare client image files for pre-press processing.

This unit is based on CUVGRD301A Prepare files for publication and ICPPP430A Manage colour, and has been contextualised for application to the photo imaging industry.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

produce CMYK, CMYK with spot colour channel and Duo/Tri/Quad tone image files that cause no pre-press processing problems

produce clipping paths (deep etched) to suit the needs of the image and client or job requirements

manage colour in pre-press processing to ensure test prints and final products match.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to:

an environment where digital image files can be prepared for pre-press processing

appropriate sources of information to research colour theory and management

appropriate learning and assessment support when required

the use of culturally appropriate processes, and techniques appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

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 questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence

review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners

case studies to assess candidate’s ability to manage colour in pre-press processing

direct observation of candidate preparing digital image files for print processing

problem-solving activities to assess candidate’s critical thinking skills.

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:

CUVPHI521A Produce commercial photo images

CUVPHI523A Produce media photo images

CUVPHI525A Plan, capture and exploit visual art photo images

CUVPHI526A Produce technical photo images

CUVPHI527A Make illustrative images for publication and display

CUVPHI528A Plan, capture and exploit stock photo images.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

research skills to access information on colour theory and management as it applies to pre-press processing

communication skills to:

collaborate and negotiate between client and printing bureau

discuss colour, its theory and management

literacy skills to:

interpret a broad range of information on colour theory and management as it applies to pre-press processing

interpret material specifications necessary for pre-press processing

numeracy skills to:

calculate layout requirements and material specifications for pre-press processing

compare a colour sampler reading

determine colour cast and neutrality from a colour sampler reading

identify and assign numeric values to colour as required by pre-press processing

read and evaluate out of gamut colours and total ink/black ink limits

understand numeric values and meaning against colour theory and how RGB, CMYK and LAB colour values are quantified

planning and organising skills to plan integration of colour management into pre-press processing contexts

problem-solving skills to identify and resolve common colour management problems in pre-press processing

technology skills to use and calibrate scanning and digital proofing devices.

Required knowledge

colour theory and management associated with pre-press processing

copyright, moral rights, intellectual property and legislative issues associated with pre-press processing

different printing and diffusion techniques and their constraints with respect to design

environmental issues associated with pre-press processing

equipment, tools and materials associated with pre-press processing

organisational and OHS requirements associated with pre-press processing and computer usage.

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.

Checklist for printing requirements may include:

dot gain and dot gain curves

inks and ink limits

metadata requirements

optimal screen frequency

PostScript colour management

profile – embedded or not

screen:

angles

half tone

ruling

stochastic

stock

transfer function.

Appropriate people may include:

staff at pre-press trade houses and bureaux

staff within pre-press sections of printing companies.

Software may include:

colour management software

computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software

densitometry/spectrophotometry software

drawing and graphics software

page layout and page description software

profile creating software

scanner profiling software.

Appropriate pre-press processing techniques may include:

generating output profiles that allow for:

achromatic reproduction

black generation

black values

dot gain

total gradients

under colour removal (UCR), under colour addition (UCA) or varying levels of grey component replacement (GCR), including skeleton black

printing appropriate test charts:

3- and 4-colour neutrals

CMYK colour scales

colour swatches

providing combined images in editable/adjustable formats

providing combined images in security enabled or locked formats

providing scans in appropriate resolution:

low resolution FPO (for position only)

high resolution

saving colour in required formats

using appropriate digital proofing devices:

densitometers

spectrophotometers, including strip reader style devices

using appropriate ICC profiles

using templates correctly.

Stock may include:

high-groundwood

newsprint

super calendared uncoated

uncoated.

Press may include:

gravure

heatset offset

image setters

sheetfed offset

waterless sheetfed

web press offset (rollfed).

Appropriate format may include:

bit depth

compression options

encoding

file format/extension:

encapsulated postscript (EPS)

portable document format (PDF)

tagged image file format (TIFF)

PostScript level

resolution:

dots per inch

lines per inch

pixels per inch

sample points per inch

spots per inch.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Source a checklist for printing requirements from appropriate people and follow throughout preparation process 
Obtain relevant specifications for software and image file formatting from appropriate people 
Ensure constraints of different printing processes and other diffusion techniques are understood 
Prepare image files using appropriate pre-press processing techniques 
Choose suitable test charts/targets and print to appropriate specifications for ink density and stock on a linearised proofer 
Calibrate digital proofing device to examine test charts and use results to generate colour profile 
Print test file on calibrated digital proofing device and use results to generate output profile for press and stock 
Proof sample image and confirm with client 
Optimise images and output image product to profile specifications using industry standards 
Save image files in appropriate format for pre-press processing and prepare invoice or account for client 
Pack completed images for electronic or physical dispatch with invoice or account and deliver to agreed location by appropriate methods within agreed timeframe 
Conclude and maintain management procedures 
Catalogue and archive images appropriately 
Review response from client against final printed product 
Maintain contractual and financial records for business and taxation purposes 
Review personal performance within job context 
Identify future opportunities, work directions, equipment needs and workflow changes resulting from job 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUVPHI530A - Prepare digital images for pre-press processing
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

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Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

CUVPHI530A - Prepare digital images for pre-press processing

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: