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 who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

accurately diagnosing and rectifying errors and lags in data processing

implementing a broad application of database functions using accurate data inputting techniques to complete work tasks within designated timeframes

monitoring and reviewing database effectiveness and using constructive feedback to improve and maintain database systems.

producing reports in required formats in a timely manner and reviewing for accuracy, compatibility and reliability of data

using established storage, protection and backup procedures and security and access systems to maintain database effectiveness and data integrity.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment includes:

a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.

Resource implications for assessment include:

access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures

access to a registered provider of assessment services

access to a suitable venue and equipment

assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book

work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.

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

Method of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:

observation of processes and procedures

questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

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

Required skills

apply best practice in backup and recovery strategies

apply keyboarding skills to maintain data

apply safe and effective ergonomic workplace practices

collate and present data

conduct checks for accurate and consistent information

create simple queries using simple formulae

interpret and evaluate the purposes and uses of various features of databases

prepare reports for analysis and evaluation of information in a defined range of areas

read and interpret complex instructions and technical material

use processes flexibly and interchangeably to solve routine problems.

Required knowledge

backup and recovery methodologies

common database performance problems and solutions

data analysis techniques

data entry procedures and processes

database administration, security and storage requirements

database diagnostic tools and their functions

energy and resource conservation

OHS guidelines including ergonomic requirements

range of database software and hardware and their application

report and other documentation formats.

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.

Legislative requirements may relate to:

Australian standards and quality assurance requirements

counter-terrorism

crowd control and control of persons under the influence of intoxicating substances

force continuum, use of force guidelines

general 'duty of care' responsibilities

licensing or certification requirements

privacy and confidentiality

relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:

anti-discrimination

cultural and ethnic diversity

environmental issues

equal employment opportunity

industrial relations

OHS

relevant industry codes of practice

telecommunications

trespass and the removal of persons.

Organisational requirements may relate to:

access and equity policies, principles and practices

business and performance plans

client service standards

code of conduct, code of ethics

communication and reporting procedures

complaint and dispute resolution procedures

emergency and evacuation procedures

employer and employee rights and responsibilities

OHS policies, procedures and programs

own role, responsibility and authority

personal and professional development

privacy and confidentiality of information

quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards

resource parameters and procedures

roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel

storage and disposal of information.

Ergonomic considerations may include:

avoiding radiation from computer screens

chair height, seat and back adjustment

document holder use

footrest use

lighting

noise minimisation

posture

rest periods and exercise breaks

screen, keyboard and mouse positions

work station height and layout.

Conservationtechniques may include:

recycling used and shredded paper

using of double sided paper

using re-used paper for drafts (observing confidentiality requirements)

utilising power-save options for equipment.

Security and accessprocedures may include:

data inputting

search and browse authorities

viewing and operation

write permission.

Back-up:

facilities range from a single tape unit to more comprehensive and complex backup facilities across the network.

Data entry, output and presentationprocedures include:

author's instructions

coding

data input

fault-finding

installation or de-installation of software or hardware

location and storage of data

log-on

password protection

standard formats

start-up or shutdown

troubleshooting

use of templates.

Sourcesmay include:

computer data files

government documents and registers

media reports

policy statements

statistical summaries

statutes.

Checksmay include:

consistency of data

ensuring accuracy of data

ensuring accuracy of formulae

ensuring instructions with regard to content and format have been followed filtering

proofreading

spelling.

Diagnosismay relate to:

hardware

input

output

running

software.

Relevant personsmay include:

clients

management

other professional or technical staff

security consultants

security personnel.

Feedbackmay include:

comments from management, colleagues or clients

formal and informal performance appraisals

personal, reflective behaviour strategies

workplace assessment.

Procedures for thestorage and protection of datamay relate to:

authorised access requirements

CD-ROM backup

maintaining hard copies

secure filing locations

storage (eg folders, sub-folders, hard drives, CDs, DVDs)

Documentationmay include:

costings

equipment faults and diagnosis

materials used, parts and components replaced

operational details

recommended repairs or disposal of equipment

repairs or servicing undertaken

testing and inspection results.