Application
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to use computer applications employing advanced features and maintain computer systems. It includes performing routine personal computer maintenance and software upgrades; and data back-up, storage, conversion and transmission.
The unit supports the work of Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) assessors when engaged in assessment services.
In some jurisdictions, this unit of competency may form part of the accreditation, licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements for NatHERS assessors.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions. | ||
1. | Perform routine maintenance of own computer system. | 1.1. | Equipment required to support NatHERS assessment is checked to be in working order and available for use. |
1.2. | Peripherals are fitted, maintained, cleaned and adjusted within scope of own role. | ||
1.3. | Personal computer furniture and fittings are adjusted to suit user work health and safety, organisational and ergonomic requirements. | ||
1.4. | Routine system maintenance and security processes are performed within scope of own role. | ||
1.5. | Correct functioning of automated processes is monitored. | ||
1.6. | Troubleshooting procedures are followed to address routine problems. | ||
1.7. | Off-line maintenance records are kept up-to-date. | ||
2. | Manipulate data. | 2.1. | Advanced features of applications are used in the preparation and presentation of data. |
2.2. | Data is efficiently transferred between applications, linking and embedding related data files as required. | ||
2.3. | Objects, macros and templates are used for routine activities. | ||
2.4. | Shortcuts and features are used to increase personal productivity. | ||
3. | Back up and restore files on a personal computer. | 3.1. | File system back-ups are performed regularly. |
3.2. | Back-up media are labelled, stored and rotated. | ||
3.3. | Files are restored from back-up as required. | ||
3.4. | Data is recovered from damaged and corrupted files using appropriate software. | ||
3.5. | Records of back-ups are kept. | ||
4. | Store and supply consumables. | 4.1. | Consumables are stored and disposed of, taking into account sustainability, work health and safety, and system security requirements. |
4.2. | Stock levels and user needs are monitored to ensure required consumables are available. | ||
5. | Upgrade and configure a personal computer. | 5.1. | Software and peripherals are installed, upgraded and configured. |
5.2. | New software, upgrades and adjustments are tested to ensure adequate performance. | ||
5.3. | Records of installations, upgrades and configurations are maintained. | ||
6. | Access documentation, records and updates. | 6.1. | Documentation is stored and accessed appropriately. |
6.2. | Supplementary product information, updates and technical reference material are accessed using the internet, journals and other sources. | ||
7. | Access and deliver data. | 7.1. | Removable storage devices are connected, disconnected and configured as required. |
7.2. | Data is accessed from different types of file systems. | ||
7.3. | Data is stored and converted to suit a variety of operating systems, environments and applications. | ||
7.4. | Data is transmitted effectively by the method most appropriate to the task. | ||
8. | Access and use support resources. | 8.1. | Routine problems are resolved using support resources. |
8.2. | Online help is used to overcome difficulties with applications. | ||
8.3. | Technical support for system problems is accessed, using troubleshooting results and alert messages. | ||
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy the requirements of the elements, performance criteria, foundation skills and range of conditions of this unit.
The person must also demonstrate the use of one computer software application with advanced features relevant to Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) and the implementation of routine personal computer maintenance.
In doing the above, the person must:
perform routine system maintenance within scope of own role
perform system back-ups, upgrades, restorations, data storage, conversions and transmission on a personal computer
store and supply consumables
upgrade and configure a personal computer
access documentation, records and updates
access and deliver stored data
access and use support services.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:
back-up and restoration procedures
data loss prevention: importance of, procedures for, and associated technologies
data security procedures
data storage procedures
ergonomics of computer use
features of different operating systems
file exchange procedures
file naming conventions
internet searching procedures
NatHERS software tools
procedures for completing web-based application forms
purpose and types of virus protection
purpose, management and types of removable media
risks associated with viruses, and strategies to minimise them
software installation procedures
suitable file naming conventions
work health and safety (WHS)requirements.
Assessment Conditions
The following must be present and available to learners during assessment activities:
equipment:
computer equipment suitable for using NatHERS software tools
NatHERS software tools and other relevant commercial software packages
materials:
building documentation for residential buildings to be assessed
relevant codes, standards and government regulations
technical reference library with current publications on NatHERS software and other applications relevant to residential building thermal performance assessment
relationships with team members and supervisor:
assessment activities are performed on an individual basis under general supervision.
Assessor requirements
As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.
Foundation Skills
This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Skill | Performance feature |
Learning skills to: | maintain up-to-date knowledge of computer systems and routine problems associated with computer system operation and maintenance. |
Reading skills to: | read and interpret a variety of text in print and electronic formats, including: computer system manuals operating instructions directions for installing software. |
Technology skills to: | access online information relevant to NatHERS assessments. |
Writing skills to: | maintain routine records relating to computer use complete standard forms and logs relating to stocks of computer consumables, service requirements and software updates. |
Range Statement
This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. | |
Applications must include at least one of the following: | building energy software tools building life cycle assessment software tools commercial software applications communication packages database graphic packages NatHERS accredited software organisation-specific software presentation functionalities spreadsheet web-based applications word processing. |
System must include at least one of the following: | business computers financial system information system management system network software. |
Sectors
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