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.
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 | Identify the measured quantity and the uncertainty components | 1.1 | Specify an equation for the measurement |
| 1.2 | List uncertainty components that are associated with each input in the equation |
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2 | Determine the size of each uncertainty component | 2.1 | Calculate the standard deviations and standard deviation of the mean from the measurement results |
| 2.2 | Use calibration reports, manufacturer's specifications, quality control and validation data, and experimental data to collect other available information on the uncertainty components |
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3 | Reduce each uncertainty component to a standard uncertainty | 3.1 | Allocate an appropriate distribution for each uncertainty component |
| 3.2 | Calculate the standard uncertainties |
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4 | Calculate an expanded uncertainty to the required confidence level | 4.1 | Calculate the sensitivity coefficient for each uncertainty component |
| 4.2 | Calculate a combined standard uncertainty |
| 4.3 | Determine an appropriate coverage factor based on the degrees of freedom associated with each uncertainty component |
| 4.4 | Calculate the expanded uncertainty |
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5 | Report the expanded uncertainty | 5.1 | Report the result and uncertainty to an appropriate number of significant figures |
| 5.2 | Report the confidence level and coverage factor |
| 5.3 | Determine the appropriateness of the size of the expanded uncertainty relative to the tolerance or required accuracy of the test |
| 5.4 | Determine the fitness for purpose of the expanded uncertainty relative to the use of the measurement result |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
using scientific notation, correct units and correct number of significant figures
evaluating formulae containing powers, exponents and logarithms functions
preparing and interpreting linear graphs
using statistical analysis to estimate and report measurement uncertainty in accordance with the ISOGuide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement
preparing a fully documented, realistic uncertainty budget that is appropriate for the application
calculating a combined standard uncertainty using root-sum-of-squares, accounting for correlations where necessary
gathering information about uncertainty components from calibration reports or reference material report
calculating sensitivity coefficients either experimentally or by partial differentiation
calculating expanded uncertainty
using spreadsheets to calculate uncertainties
deciding if the uncertainty is suitable for the accuracy required for the test and establishing whether it is fit for purpose using the tolerance to uncertainty ratio (TUR)
using and interpreting mean, standard deviation, standard deviation of the mean, degrees of freedom, histograms and frequency plots, probability, normal probability plots and control charts
using the student's t-table to get a coverage factor for a particular level of confidence
using and interpreting significance tests, such as t-test, f-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), variances, standard deviation of prediction and linear regression
using regression methods for calibration, linearity checks and comparing analytical methods
using and interpreting normal, rectangular, triangular distributions and the factors used to reduce each to a standard uncertainty
allocating degrees of freedom to each uncertainty component using the Welch-Satterthwaite equation
reporting results and uncertainties in the required formats.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
the steps in the measurement, test or calibration involved
the difference between errors, corrections and uncertainties
uncertainty in the uncertainty estimation process
uncertainty components that are common to the use of an instrument
uncertainty components that arise due to the instrument being used under different conditions to those when it was calibrated
uncertainty components, such as:
calibration uncertainty
instability or drift in the calibrated instrument
repeatability of the results
resolution or readability of the instrument
environmental influences, such as temperature, air pressure, humidity, vibration, electrical noise and gravity
reference material uncertainty
factors arising from using an instrument under a different operating environment or procedures (e.g. orientation of a transducer and immersion depth of a temperature probe)
reproducibility of quality control data
procedures for determining the uncertainty components associated with each of the inputs and whether they are significant and for applying appropriate corrections
manufacturer's specifications (e.g. instrument drift specification and reference materials)
procedures for determining uncertainty components from quality control data
the concept of degrees of freedom
the characteristics of a valid measurement
reporting requirements, such as the uncertainty in measurement (GUM), National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) or other applicable reference material
confidence levels required by the National Measurement Act 1960 (e.g. 95% for most applications, but others may require a higher confidence level).
Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
This unit of competency may be assessed with:
MSL904001 Perform standard calibrations
MSL905001 Perform non-standard calibrations
Holistic assessment methods include:
review of data worksheets, calculations, spreadsheets, databases, statistical analysis, graphs and/or tables prepared by the candidate
questions to assess understanding of relevant procedures, trends in data and sources of uncertainty
review of reports and records prepared by the candidate
feedback from supervisors and peers regarding the candidate's ability to estimate uncertainty in accordance with workplace procedures.
Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:
data sets and records
test methods and description of test set-up
computer and relevant software or laboratory information system
workplace procedures.
Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.
Technical competence can be demonstrated through:
relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
relevant workplace experience.
Currency can be demonstrated through:
performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.