The evidence guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence. It is essential for assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the range statement and the assessment guidelines of the relevant Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency must be able to develop and apply knowledge of a range of hairdressing products and services to meet the needs of clients. The evidence provided must demonstrate the ability to make comparisons between products and between services/treatments. Knowledge and skill in the application of relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures must also be demonstrated.

Specific evidence requirements

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

consistent use of effective questioning and active listening techniques to consult, reassure and negotiate with clients while maintaining discretion, tact and confidentiality

knowledge and consistent application of relevant federal, state and local health and hygiene regulations

knowledge and consistent application of workplace policies, procedures and safe work practices in relation to advising on hairdressing services

knowledge and skill in the application of product knowledge, including comparisons between products, to offer advice to clients

knowledge and skill in identifying client requirements

applying research, planning and design skills to achieve design outcomes that meet client needs and are appropriate to particular events

recommending products and services to clients, including the incorporation of detailed specialised product knowledge, and the ability to demonstrate products and services when providing advice to clients.

Context of assessment

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the hairdresser and/or an experienced person at the workplace.

Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Specific resources for assessment

Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:

relevant documentation, such as workplace policy and procedures manuals

a range of clients with different requirements

a portfolio of hair designs

a list of other professionals within or outside the workplace

a range of merchandise and products appropriate to the hairdressing workplace

product labels and other sources of product information such as colour charts

a qualified assessor or assessment team.

Relationship to other units

In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, all units that relate to a job function can be integrated for assessment purposes.

:

none.

:

none.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested.

Observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

describing a range of product development to other staff members

explaining and demonstrating products and services to clients

providing advice on products and services according to client needs.

Written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of a range of hairdressing services, including products, services and treatment needs of clients. Questions will be asked in a manner appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy level of the learner.

Completing workplace documentation relevant to the provision of advice on hairdressing services.

Third-party reports from experienced hairdressers in the workplace.

Completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer/coach/supervisor.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.

It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.

Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

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

Skills may include:

identifying client requirements

selling products and services, using skills including:

listening and questioning techniques

verbal and non-verbal communication skills

dealing with clients in a culturally appropriate manner

negotiation techniques

conflict resolution skills

problem solving techniques

gathering and organising information to develop and maintain product and service knowledge

applying hair design skills using the full range of available salon services to achieve a planned look

language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements.

Knowledge may include:

the provisions of relevant health and hygiene legislation and regulations

the provisions of relevant occupational health and safety legislation and regulations

workplace policies and procedures in regard to the performance of selling products and services

the effects and benefits of a defined range of workplace professional hairdressing and treatment products

factors likely to affect the suitability of each workplace treatment in relation to clients' needs, and the effects and benefits of various treatments

the causes of skin reactions and allergies in regard to treatments.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

The following variables 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. Bold italicised text from the performance criteria is detailed here.

Events may include:

weddings

debutante balls

fancy dress balls

parties

other formal events.

Clients may include:

women

men

children

people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

new or regular clients with routine or special needs.

Finished hair designs may be reviewed via:

discussion

hair and/or fashion magazines

photographic folios.

Additional available services may include:

haircutting

hair colouring

hair lightening

chemical reformation

chemical relaxation

hair and/or scalp treatments

make-up design and application

manicure services

hair pieces.

After service maintenanceproducts may include:

sprays

waxes

pins.