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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to commission programmable controller programs. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with commissioning programmable controller programs or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

obtaining all relevant circuit drawings, ladder diagrams, engineering data sheets, manufacturers' procedures and data sheets

complying with specifications and adjusting programs

reading, interpreting and following information on written job instructions, specifications, standard operating procedures, charts, lists, drawings and other applicable reference documents

planning and sequencing operations

checking and clarifying task related information

checking external inputs for conformance to specification using appropriate techniques/equipment

checking process operation, and editing and adjusting as required to ensure conformance to specification

undertaking numerical operations, geometry and calculations/formulae within the scope of this unit

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

format of the program

program specifications

procedures and techniques for checking that program instructions comply with specifications

procedures for dealing with any non-conformances with specifications

procedures for setting software timers and counters

function of software timers and counters

procedures for manually stepping through the program

checks that can be made of program outputs

techniques to be used in checking program outputs

measurements to be taken during the checking of program outputs

instruments to be used to take measurements

procedures for editing programs

checks to be made to ensure that the external inputs comply with specifications

techniques and equipment to be used in checking external inputs

procedures for running the program

specifications and operational processes controlled by the programmable logic controller

techniques and equipment to be used to check the operational process

adjustments that can be made to the program

effects of adjustments on the operational processes controlled by the program

procedures to be followed when adjusting programs

hazards and control measures associated with commissioning programmable controller programs, including housekeeping

safe work practices and procedures

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.

Specifications

All specifications and procedures gained from circuit drawings, ladder diagrams, engineering data sheets, program print-out manufacturers' procedures and data books