Application
This unit describes the skills required to inspect, test and maintain electronic forensic equipment (computer, recording, communications and organisational specialist equipment). The inspection, maintenance and testing of electronic forensic equipment is an essential component of electronic forensics that ensures the electronic forensic equipment is available and fit for purpose.
This unit applies to those working in the gathering and analysis of electronic information.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently or as part of a team, under indirect supervision, while performing complex tasks in a broad range of contexts. They must be able to use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | 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 section. |
1. Inspect electronic forensic equipment | 1.1 Conduct visual, auditory or tactile inspection to identify possible operational failure of electronic equipment or physical failure of equipment. 1.2 Identify and report missing parts. 1.3 Record and report damaged equipment. |
2. Test electronic forensic equipment | 2.1 Test equipment to ensure it is fit for purpose. 2.2 Record test results. 2.3 Report and record defective equipment. |
3. Clean, maintain and store electronic forensic equipment | 3.1 Clean, maintain and assemble equipment. 3.2 Update equipment records. 3.3 Recover and store equipment for future use. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
inspecting and testing equipment such as computer, recording, communications and organisational specialist equipment
maintaining equipment, including power checks, software checks and cleaning
storing equipment
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
WHS policy relevant to the maintenance, servicing and testing of equipment
organisation’s policies and procedures concerning the use, testing, cleaning and servicing of equipment
recording procedures including:
verbal
record sheets or books
computer data bases, card systems or microfiche systems
maintenance schedules
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations, with access to electronic devices with content suitable for forensic extraction including mobile devices, computers or communications equipment.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
ACSF levels indicative of performance:
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Electronic Forensics