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

This unit of competency could be assessed by correctly interpreting a range of plans and specifications for activities relating to low rise residential and commercial construction projects.

This unit of competency can be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

read and interpret plans and specifications including identification of key features, levels, contours, sections, service entry points, site features to be removed or retained and other details pertinent to the construction process

identify the characteristics and features of sites and structures pertinent to a construction project, including:

determine correct orientation of structures on site

establish location of key on-site features in relation to building or other structures

identify and incorporate customer variations to agreed plans and specifications

correctly interpret essential elements and apply these to estimation, planning and supervisory tasks

effectively communicate specification changes to organisational personnel and confirm variations with the client.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

documentation that should normally be available in either a building or construction office

relevant codes, standards and government regulations

office equipment, including calculators, photocopiers and telephone systems

computers with appropriate software to view 2-D CAD drawings, run costing programs and print copies

technical reference library with current publications on measurement, design, building construction and manufacturer's product literature

suitable work area appropriate to the construction process.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

Required skills

Required skills for this unit are:

communication skills to:

consult with industry professionals

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand

interact effectively by telephone, facsimile, email and in writing with clients, organisational personnel and appropriate local authorities

read and interpret:

tender documentation

other relevant workplace documentation

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication

written communication skills to produce required documentation

identify and analyse relevant information

numeracy skills to calculate labour hours and costs and material quantities and costs

translation of documented requirements into on-site activities and site and structural features from two-dimensional to three-dimensional formats.

Required knowledge

Required knowledge for this unit is:

building and construction practices

internal documentation systems

regulatory approvals processes and timeframes

relevant state or territory building and construction codes, standards and regulations

types of building and construction drawings and drawing perspectives

types of building and construction industry contracts.

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.

Types of drawings include:

CAD drawings

construction information

detailed amendment drawings

details of:

roads and pathways

parking areas

boundaries and landscaping

initial sketches

preliminary and final drawings and plans

presentation drawings

service details, such as:

wiring

piping

ducts and waste disposal

sketch plans

working drawings.

Aspects of drawings include:

elevations

plans

sections

views in isometric projection and perspective.

Key features of site plan include:

access and egress

contours and slopes

drainage lines

easements

existing dwellings, buildings or other structures

location and situation

major geological and topographical features

paving

retaining walls

service connection points

set backs

stormwater disposal

trees and vegetation.

Specification includes:

levels and survey information

materials lists

performance data and material technical data

schedules of quantities

stress, load and bearing calculations.