Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake digital proofing.
It applies to individuals working as pre-press tradespeople in the printing and graphic arts industry. They typically apply solutions to a range of problems associated with the print medium. They may provide some leadership and guidance to others with some limited responsibility for the output of others.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 Calibrate proofing device | 1.1 Machine calibration is checked for conformance to job specifications 1.2 Appropriate International Colour Consortium (ICC) profiles are applied to meet colour requirements 1.3 Paper for output |
2 Produce proofs from digital data | 2.1 Image is retrieved from the database using industry software 2.2 Data file is checked for structural compatibility with capability of the Raster Image Processor (RIP) 2.3 Special colours are sent to the RIP where appropriate 2.4 Proof is produced according to job specifications and workflow procedures 2.5 Proof is evaluated against job specifications using a densitometer, and checked against changes and original working data 2.6 Proof is prepared for client submission 2.7 Proof is used as a contract proof only if RIP is the same for both proof and film, and if client accepts it as such |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
transfer underlying skills of proofing across the design and pre-press sectors
identify the substrate for reproduction and ensure quality of image is suitable for the printing process
produce image file(s) compatible with a Raster Image Processor (RIP) including an example with special colours
produce proofs to job specifications and client submission using quality control devices and colour evaluation charts.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
identify types of digital colour proofing systems
describe method of producing the colour image and
variations that may occur when different imaging methods are used
Production of colour proofs
explain the procedure for outputting the image and production of a colour proof, i.e. transfer of files and use of specific assembly software
list constraints on file structure imposed by RIP
describe the function of an International Colour Consortium (ICC) profile
list differences that various RIPs can have on output
Use of quality control devices for colour appraisal
describe how a densitometer is used for proof evaluation
explain the function of calibration software for the output device
explain the purpose of colour evaluation charts and how they are used
Evaluation of the proof
list criteria for evaluating a colour proof
explain differences that can occur between preliminary proofs and a contract proof
Information sources
identify manuals, safety and other documentation relevant to this task, their location; and describe the information included
identify other available sources of information.
Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the Pre-Press field of work and include access to special purpose tools, equipment and industry software packages.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1, 2.4, 2.5 | Recognises and interprets text to establish job requirements from information contained within relevant procedures and specifications |
Oral Communication | 2.7 | Participates effectively in spoken interactions to confirm client acceptance |
Numeracy | 2.5 | Interprets and analyses a range of mathematical information used in familiar and routine tasks |
Navigate the world of work | 2.4 | Follows organisational policies and procedures relevant to own role |
Interact with others | 2.7 | Uses appropriate communication protocols and conventions to confirm client acceptance |
Get the work done | 1.2, 1.3, 2.1-2.6 | Takes responsibility for planning and organising own workload and assembles resources required Utilises a broad range of features within digital applications to improve personal productivity, optimising software functions for specific purposes Recognises and takes responsibility for addressing predictable, and some less predictable, problems in familiar work contexts |
Sectors
Pre-Press