Assessor Resource

PSPSEC505A
Protect security classified information

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Not applicable.

This unit covers the provision of advice and guidance to senior managers and staff on classifying information and determining clearances to ensure the protection of official information. It includes advising on classified information and improving information security.

In practice, protection of security classified information may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, promoting compliance with legislation, coordinating protective security, communicating security awareness.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

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 specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service

PSPGOV502B Develop client services

PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPSEC504A Coordinate protective security

PSPSEC506A Communicate security awareness

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)

protection of security classified information in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to protection of security classified information

Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)

Protective Security Policy Framework

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when protecting security classified information

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when protecting security classified information, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

protection of security classified information in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses, such as briefing plans

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

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.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to protection of security classified information

reading and analysing complex documents such as legislation, regulations and standards in the context of information security

researching and critically analysing the operational environment and drawing conclusions

using communication with diverse stakeholders involving listening, questioning, paraphrasing, clarifying and summarising, to provide advice and support

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying procedures relating to occupational health and safety and environment in the context of protecting security classified information

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to security classified information, such as:

public service Acts

Crimes Act 1914 and Criminal Code 1985

Freedom of Information Act 1982

Privacy Act 1988

fraud control policy

protective security policy

Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)

Protective Security Policy Framework

standards for the management of security classified information

government information classification system

international protocols and treaties

the organisation's security environment

Australian standards, quality assurance and certification requirements

AS/NZS ISO31000:2009 Risk management - Principles and Guidelines

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of protecting security classified information

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Information may be:

hard copy

electronic

audio-visual

photographic

encrypted

national security information

non-national security information

classified by third parties

Standards may include those referred to in:

public service Acts

protective security policy

fraud control policy

Crimes Act 1914 and Criminal Code 1985

Freedom of Information Act 1982

Privacy Act 1988

occupational health and safety legislation

AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management - Principles and Guidelines

Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)

Protective Security Policy Framework

Other security measures may include:

correct filing

clean desk

quitting all electronic systems and networks

checking environment including:

desks

whiteboards

waste bins

computer drives

containers

cabinets

safes

vaults

windows

doors

safe carriage of keys

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
The combination of the 'need to know' principle with different levels of security clearance to protect official information, is explained to staff and contractors in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Guidance is provided on the type of information requiring security classification and the range of classification levels available in accordance with security standards. 
Advice is provided on determining the necessity for security clearances and the level of access required in different situations. 
Advice is provided in accordance with organisational policy and procedures on the eligibility and suitability of applicants for security clearances. 
Advice is provided on other security measures to protect security classified information. 
Recipients of security classified information are encouraged to challenge any security classification they believe to be unnecessary or inaccurate. 
Originators of security classified information are contacted to discuss re-classification or de-classification of information in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Advice is provided to senior management on the extent to which the organisation meets government standards for the protection of security classified information. 
Recommendations for improvements to information security measures are made in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPSEC505A - Protect security classified information
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:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

PSPSEC505A - Protect security classified information

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: