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 diagnose and repair microprocessor-based equipment. 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 diagnosing and repairing microprocessor-based equipment 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 techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. 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 relevant circuit diagrams, manuals, specifications, schematics, maintenance records, supplier catalogues

locating, reading/recording and diagnosing built-in fault indicators

obtaining error code interpretation documents

running test functions and recording faults and/or equipment status indicated by built-in test functions/displays

checking microprocessor-based equipment, electronic equipment/sub-assemblies, components, connections and terminations for conformance to specifications

removing and replacing/repairing faulty components and/or microprocessor from the electronic equipment

recording results tests undertaken on the microprocessor-based equipment

isolating the microprocessor-based equipment from the power supply

adjusting/tuning and calibrating the microprocessor-based equipment

returning to service and testing to specification the repaired microprocessor-based equipment

reporting/recording return to service

reproducing fault symptoms in the microprocessor-based equipment and verifying faults using appropriate test equipment and fault finding techniques

refitting repaired/replaced components into the microprocessor-based equipment

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

microprocessor systems, architecture, circuits and dedicated chips

function(s) of the microprocessor-based equipment

electronic principles utilised in the operation of the microprocessor-based equipment

procedures for running built-in test functions

errors indicated by built-in devices

symptoms of the fault in the microprocessor-based equipment

purpose of reproducing fault symptoms

test equipment and fault finding techniques necessary to confirm microprocessor-based equipment faults

procedures for verifying faults in microprocessor-based equipment

procedures for testing faulty microprocessor-based equipment

hazards associated with microprocessor-based equipment including electro-static discharge (ESD)

equipment and techniques to be used to test the faulty microprocessor-based equipment

probable causes of component failure

procedures, tools and techniques for removing and/or repairing faulty components from microprocessor-based equipment

reasons for identifying the faulty component for repair or replacement

procedures, tools and techniques for refitting repaired/ replaced components into the microprocessor-based equipment

procedures for testing microprocessor-based equipment performance

operational specifications of the microprocessor-based equipment

test equipment and fault finding techniques necessary to check the microprocessor-based equipment performance

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.

Equipment

Digital hardware, sub-assemblies of systems or discrete equipment used in computer, communication, consumer audio/video, electronic appliances, scanning systems, security/fire systems, power supplies and test equipment etc.

Fault finding techniques

Include signal injection, substitution, monitoring, measurement, heating/cooling, sound, visual, touch, smell and the use of inbuilt software and hardware diagnostics

Component/s

Discrete component assemblies or individual components such as resistors, switching devices, capacitors, transformers, solenoids, tubes, semi-conductors, transistors, ICs, digital timers, gate arrays, transmitters, converters and microprocessors

Test equipment

Continuity testers, ammeters, voltmeters, cathode ray oscilloscopes, frequency counters, signal generators, pulse generators, computer and computer software, data analysers and digital probes etc.