ICAWEB407A
Conduct operational acceptance tests of websites

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide high-level assurance that websites can be effectively and efficiently provisioned and deployed live in a systematic manner.

Application

This unit applies to web designers and web developers who are involved in testing the effectiveness of websites.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare test

1.1 Establish and document testing framework and schedule

1.2 Determine processes and functions to be tested and assign quantitative and qualitative performance benchmarks to each process and function

1.3 Benchmark and document page templates, style guides and expected traffic loads

1.4 Determine and document test methodology

1.5 Assemble and brief the testing panel on the conduct of the test

1.6 Develop user and installation manuals according to target audience understanding and needs

2. Test individual pages

2.1 Test pages against style guides and templates

2.2 Test pages for consistency in structure and content

2.3 Apply automatic testing software

2.4 Document page gross statistics of confirmed results of tests

3. Test page relationships against business requirements

3.1 Test installation and examples listed in instruction manual

3.2 Test page navigability using a variety of browsers

3.3 Test ease of use and functionality against requirements

3.4 Test software interface points against business and technical requirements

3.5 Test site security and privacy against business requirements

3.6 Test response time against business requirements

3.7 Conduct load simulation testing using single and multiple independent browsers or automated load testing tools

4. Apply and document further tests

4.1 Test website's ability to handle concurrent access

4.2 Test conformance to applicable privacy, accessibility and acceptable usage policy standards

4.3 Apply automatic testing software

4.4 Collect, collate and document results from sample user and data from automated test

5. Evaluate test results

5.1 Consolidate and compare results to benchmarks

5.2 Identify results that fail to meet benchmarks and conduct site remedial iteration

5.3 Record and document test results as the site performance baseline, against which further development or updating can be measured

5.4 Provide evaluation feedback to appropriate person

5.5 Ensure appropriate person signs off on site prior to go live date

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to liaise with users and website developers

literacy skills to:

document test results

document solutions according to organisational guidelines

interpret organisational requirements

numeracy skills to deal with test results

technical skills to:

analyse a website

design and implement technical tests

evaluate tests and give feedback on the evaluation

analyse the evaluation.

Required knowledge

client business domain

structure, function and business organisation of client, including business-process design

organisational policies and procedures that cover routine work processes and the use of:

web optimising tools

web monitoring tools

web testing procedures

technical performance measurement

website accessibility and equity principles

website design methods and standard website structures

website security

workload metrics.

Evidence Required

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.

Overview of assessment

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

Evidence of the ability to:

prepare an operational acceptance test that measures the independent and integrated structural content and technical components of the site

apply automatic testing software and collect, collate and document results or tests

evaluate and provide feedback on test results.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

web servers

ebusiness website

site server

site server software

analysis software

requirements documentation

organisational requirements

customer relationship model

website manuals and instructions

appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

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

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation of candidate preparing an operational acceptance test

review of candidate’s documented test results, particularly the quantitative results and their evaluation against predetermined benchmarks

verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of requirements for high-level assurance of provisioning and deploying of websites.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.

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

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.


Range Statement

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.

Test methodology may include:

background testing

distributed performance testing

error recovery methodologies

exhaustive testing

functional testing

random testing

unattended testing

user acceptance testing.

User may include:

department within the organisation

person within a department

third party

people who may have special needs.

Automatic testing software may include:

cascading style sheet (CSS) check, link testers

hypertext markup language (HTML) validator

links

spell check.

Browsers may include:

Galleon

Internet Explorer

Google Chrome

Konqueror

Lynx

Mozilla Firefox

Netscape Navigator

Opera

Phoenix.

Software may include:

commercial software applications

in-house or customised

organisation-specific

packaged.

Appropriate person may include:

authorised business representative

client

user

supervisor.


Sectors

Web


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.