Assessor Resource

ICASAS301A
Run standard diagnostic tests

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit applies to workers who require the information and communications technology (ICT) skills to run diagnostics to determine the status of a computer.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to troubleshoot problems and conduct diagnostic tests on a range of platforms.

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:

troubleshoot hardware and OS problems

conduct diagnostic tests on a range of platforms according to preventative maintenance and diagnostic policy

identify the root causes of the problems

scan systems for computer viruses

remove viruses using software tools and procedures

remove viruses by restoring backups.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

security guidelines

backup procedures

diagnostic software

organisational guidelines

appropriate learning and assessment support when required

modified equipment for people with special needs.

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 observation of candidate:

troubleshooting problems

conducting diagnostic tests

adhering to organisation’s operational procedures

review of candidate’s documented report of symptom and its removal

verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of preventative maintenance within organisational guidelines.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.


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

analytical skills to interpret test results

communication skills to present information

literacy skills to interpret computer manuals

numeracy skills to:

interpret results

take test measurements

planning and organisational skills to plan, prioritise and monitor own work

problem-solving skills for a defined range of predictable problems

technical skills to use diagnostic tools.

Required knowledge

client business domain, including client organisation structure and business functionality

current industry-accepted hardware and software diagnostic tools, including products that manage:

backup procedures

configuration procedures

diagnostic software and hardware

hardware maintenance

organisational security procedures

desktop applications and operating systems.

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.

Troubleshooting process may include:

identifying the problem by questioning the user and identifying user changes to computer

performing backups before making changes

establishing a theory of probable cause

testing the theory to determine cause:

once theory is confirmed determine next steps to resolve problem

if theory is not confirmed re-establish new theory or escalate

establishing a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution

verifying full system functionality and if applicable implementing preventative measures

documenting findings, actions and outcomes.

Specific symptoms may include:

hardware-related symptoms:

alerts

excessive heat

noise

odours

status light indicators

visible damage to cable or plastic

laptop or mobile devices:

issues:

keyboard

pointer

power conditions

stylus

video

wireless card issues

methods:

check LCD cut-off switch

check switch for built-in wi-fi or external antennas

plug in external monitor

remove unneeded peripherals

toggle Fn keys or hardware switches

verify backlight functionality and pixilation

verify power (e.g. LEDs, swap AC adapter)

operating system (OS) related symptoms:

application install

bluescreen

incorrect or incompatible driver

input or output device

print spool stalled

start or load

system lock-up

Windows-specific printing problems

printers:

manage print jobs

failure to print a test page

print spooler

printer properties and settings

use documentation and resources:

internet or web-based

training materials

user or installation manuals.

Common preventative maintenance may include:

backup procedures

ensuring proper environment

optimising hard drives

power devices appropriate source:

power strip

surge protector

UPS

physical inspection

scanning for viruses

scheduling fault-finding

scheduling preventative maintenance:

check disk

defrag

scandisk

start-up programs

updates:

driver

firmware

OS

security

use of appropriate repair tools and cleaning materials:

compressed air

computer vacuum and compressors

lint-free cloth.

Organisational guidelines may include:

communication methods

content of emails

dispute resolution

document procedures and templates

downloading information and accessing particular websites

financial control mechanisms

opening mail with attachments

personal use of emails and internet access

virus risk.

Appropriate person may include:

authorised business representative

client

supervisor.

Software may include:

diagnostic tools

OS and modules for configuration

types of virus and impact

virus protection software.

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
Develop a troubleshooting process to help resolve problems 
Determine the specific symptoms relevant to different types of hardware, operating system and printer problems 
Identify common preventative maintenance techniques to support maintenance strategies 
Run the system diagnostic program according to specification 
Modify the system configuration as indicated by the diagnostic program 
Carry out preventative maintenance in line with organisational guidelines 
Scan the system to check and maintain virus protection 
Report identified viruses to an appropriate person 
Remove virus infections found by the scan using software tools and procedures, or by restoring backups 
Document relevant symptom and removal information 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICASAS301A - Run standard diagnostic tests
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

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Assessor name:

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Assessment Record Sheet

ICASAS301A - Run standard diagnostic tests

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: