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.

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

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

prepare complete and compliant sets of planning approval drawings and documentation in a timely manner for a range of small-scale building design projects

arrange notifications and cooperative participation in planning approval processes for a range of small-scale building design projects, as required

incorporate negotiated and approved adjustments to drawings and documentation, as required

confirm planning approval application requirements and associated costs for a range of small-scale building design projects, including processing of final drawings and documentation, and notify clients.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit:

must be in the context of the work environment

may be conducted in an off-site context, provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills

must meet relevant compliance requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

access to:

suitable assessment venue and equipment

suitable simulated or real opportunities and resources to demonstrate competence

assessment instruments.

Method of assessment

Assessment for this unit must verify the practical application of the required skills and knowledge, using one or more of the following methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidates required knowledge for the unit

observed, documented and/or firsthand testimonial evidence of the candidates

implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes

identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

identification of viable options and the selection of options that best meet the required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Required skills

administration and management skills to:

manage documents

manage time, including planning and prioritising work

analytical and problem-solving skills to:

resolve objections to planning applications

work out optimum compliant and cost-effective design solutions

interpersonal skills to interact with clients and participants in planning approval processes

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

communicate with clients and other contacts, including writing reports

interpret and apply complex information, including legislation, regulations, codes and standards, and local authority planning schemes

present and discuss information relating to measurements and calculations

present and explain planning approval applications to individuals and groups as required

negotiate adjustments to planning approval application and their implications with clients

technical skills to produce accurate design documentation

technology skills to use information technology and relevant software

Required knowledge

basic principles of structural engineering

building designers’ duty of care to ensure quality and safety of designs

contextual and site constraints

design development and approval processes

implications of changes to designs

legislation, codes and standards relevant to small-scale building design projects, including drawing standards

organisational scope of business, service levels and fees

principles of design, including sustainable design

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.

Documentation requirements for planning approval applications may include:

arborists’ reports

architectural drawings, such as:

area calculations

car park layouts

demolition plans

design response plans

elevations

existing condition plans

floor plans

refuse circulation diagrams

shadow diagrams

site context plans

site plans

copy of titles

council forms and fees

finishes schedule for external colours

land survey plans prepared by a land surveyor

landscape plans prepared by a landscape designer or architect

town planning reports, including:

building sustainability

design response

justifications for non-compliance matters

site context.

Small-scale building design projects:

include buildings covered by the BCA, except construction Type A buildings

may be residential projects, such as:

additions and renovations

heritage restoration

new buildings

may be commercial or industrial projects, such as:

factories

motels

offices

restaurants

retail and service outlets

warehouses.

Relevant authorities may include:

local council planning department

federal, state or territory government departments for:

energy

environment

heritage

infrastructure

services

regulatory authorities in country of project location.