Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan for testing information and communications technology (ICT) systems, including software development, systems administration, networking, and web development, by collating documentation of conditions and expected results sufficiently to allow for thorough system testing.
It applies to individuals who use technical and specialised knowledge and systematic approaches in performing or organising others to complete complex technical testing operations.
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 test environment and gather tools | 1.1 Determine structure of system and user accounts to understand the test environment 1.2 Determine areas to test and test objectives, according to organisational standards 1.3 Ensure accessibility of documentation 1.4 Notify user representatives or approval authorities of objectives and scheduled test 1.5 Notify operations staff of scheduled test to ensure preparedness and an understanding of implications |
2. Prepare test data | 2.1 Gather test schedules according to organisational standards 2.2 Correlate schedules with related functionality according to organisational standards 2.3 Check testing schedule prior to validation according to organisational standards 2.4 Prepare test drivers or stubs for test harness according to organisational standards 2.5 Register test plan and initiate log entries according to organisational standards |
3. Complete test plan and acceptance processes | 3.1 Use software metrics where appropriate 3.2 Validate test and acceptance processes 3.3 Ensure documentation and reporting comply with test plan and quality benchmarks |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
interpret software specifications
develop a comprehensive test plan that documents:
test conditions or cases to be applied
data to be processed
automated testing coverage
expected results
activities, dependencies and effort required to conduct the system test.
Note: Evidence must be provided for at least TWO systems.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
describe key features of at least three different operating systems, with detailed knowledge of operating systems relevant to project requirements
compare and contrast key features of automated test tools, with detailed knowledge of features and processes of tools relevant to the project
discuss organisational requirements, including a testing schedule
analyse system or application being tested
describe quality benchmarks appropriate for testing
describe testing techniques and process relevant to the project.
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:
special purpose tools, equipment and materials
industry software packages
system engineering management plan
test and evaluation program plan
system or application suitable for testing plus its associated documentation
organisational plans and documentation.
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, 1.2, 2.1-2.3 | Analyses and evaluates textual and numerical information from a range of documentation to determine required action |
Writing | 1.4, 1.5, 3.3 | Uses clear and precise language and document formats appropriate to the audience and task to convey explicit information and instructions |
Oral Communication | 1.4, 1.5 | Uses clear and accurate language, and inclusive and collaborative techniques to convey information to a range of personnel |
Numeracy | 2.2, 2.5, 3.3 | Uses mathematical equations to calculate and compare numerical test data to determine required actions |
Interact with others | 1.4, 1.5 | Identifies and uses appropriate conventions and protocols when communicating with colleagues and others |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.5, 2.1-2.5, 3.1-3.3 | Accepts responsibility for planning, prioritising and sequencing complex tasks and workload Applies systematic and analytical decision making processes for complex and non-routine situations Uses digital technologies to manage ICT operations |
Sectors
Systems administration and support