Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to ensure that the properties of the entire system are tested and proved adequate before handover to the client or user for final acceptance testing.
It applies to experienced individuals employed in a range of information and communications technology (ICT) work environments who apply specialised and technical knowledge and systematic approaches to testing and fault finding.
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. Prepare for test | 1.1 Prepare test environment 1.2 Determine software life cycle 1.3 Define test plan and appropriate test tools 1.4 Recognise and separate the system into runnable modules that mirror live scenarios 1.5 Gather and prepare logs and result sheets 1.6 Notify operations of scheduled test to ensure preparedness and understanding of implications for operations 1.7 Test scripts for online test or test run for batch test 1.8 Conduct walk-through to review expected results against acceptance criteria and system requirements documentation |
2. Conduct test | 2.1 Run test scripts and document results according to test and acceptance processes 2.2 Perform required quality benchmarks or comparisons for acceptance testing 2.3 Adopt organisation and industry standards 2.4 Compare actual results to expected results on completion of each system unit, and complete result sheets |
3. Analyse and classify results | 3.1 Summarise and classify results, highlighting critical or urgent areas of concern, and prepare report 3.2 Compare results against requirements 3.3 Notify operations of test completion 3.4 Log attendees’ details or comments and gain required signatures 3.5 Schedule feedback meeting to discuss report and possible next actions with stakeholders, if necessary 3.6 Ensure test reporting complies with documentation and reporting standards |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
test the operation and consistency of the total system prior to delivery according to system requirements, including testing:
performance
security
configuration sensitivity
start-up and recovery from failure modes
analyse test results
prepare reports in compliance with documentation and reporting standards.
Note: Evidence must be provided on at least TWO occasions or systems.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
compare and contrast the key features and processes of automated test tools
analyse input and output requirements
describe organisational practice and rules for preparing test
describe particular system requirements and key features
analyse underlying test data
Identify and summarise industry standards appropriate to performing system tests.
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 systems administration and support field of work, and include access to:
requirements and design documents
human resources
hardware and environments for system test use (all testing to be carried out on the same platform as the completed system; scheduled testing to be on the production platform; production environment is required as part of test preparation)
system or application suitable for testing.
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 | 1.2, 1.8, 2.2-2.4, 3.1, 3.2 | Interprets and analyses a range of textual information and numerical data to determine necessary actions |
Writing | 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.4, 3.6 | Uses clear language to record and report technical information, and checks for accuracy at all times Uses writing style and documentation formats appropriate to the task |
Oral Communication | 1.6, 3.3, 3.5 | Uses clear and accurate language to provide and obtain information relevant to the task |
Numeracy | 1.5, 1.8, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1 | Uses mathematical equations to calculate financial and technical data Accurately records, analyses and documents numerical and technical system data |
Navigate the world of work | 2.3, 3.6 | Takes full responsibility for following policies, procedures and legislative requirements, and identifies organisational implications of new legislation or regulation |
Interact with others | 1.6, 3.3, 3.5 | Influences and fosters a collaborative culture and facilitates a sense of commitment and workplace cohesion Uses a variety of relevant communication tools and strategies to build and maintain effective working relationships |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.3-1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.5 | Plans strategic priorities and outcomes within a flexible, efficient and effective context in a diverse environment exposed to competing demands Gathers and analyses data and seeks feedback to improve plans and processes Applies systematic and analytical decision making processes for complex and non-routine situations Addresses complex problems involving multiple variables, using formal analytical, lateral thinking techniques, experience and knowledge to focus in on the root cause |
Sectors
Systems administration and support