The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required Skills and Knowledge, the 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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge.

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to apply and demonstrate knowledge of:

location of relevant sources of information on vehicle electrical circuits and wiring systems

operating principles of electrical circuits and wiring systems

relationship of volts, amps and ohms in a vehicle electrical circuit

relationship of current flow and necessary wire gauge

relationship of voltage dropping across a resistive load and the current flowing in the circuit

circuit components, their function and operation in a vehicle electrical circuit

testing principles and processes for checking a vehicle’s electrical circuits and wiring systems.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessment is to occur:

using standard workplace practices and procedures

following safety requirements

applying environmental constraints.

Assessment is to comply with relevant:

regulatory requirements

Australian standards

industry codes of practice.

The following resources must be made available for the assessment of this unit:

technical reference library with various information resources

a range of functioning vehicle electrical circuits, components and wiring systems

functioning light vehicle or vehicles

automotive tools and electrical test equipment.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with the application of required skills and knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on required skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with other units which together form part of a holistic work role.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate the needs of diverse clients.

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

Required skills

communication skills to:

follow verbal and written instructions

communicate ideas and information relating to electrical terminology and procedures verbally and in writing

apply questioning and active listening skills, e.g. when obtaining factual information from sources

initiative and enterprise skills to recognise a workplace problem or potential problem and take action

learning skills to:

identify sources of information, assistance and expert knowledge to expand skills, knowledge and understanding

participate in self-improvement activities

literacy skills to:

understand workplace safety procedures

read and follow information in written instructions, specifications and other applicable reference documents

numeracy skills to:

understand measurement, units of measure, formulae, testing and proportions

planning and organising skills to:

identify risk factors and take action to minimise them

plan and organise activities that implement and follow standard procedures

problem-solving skills to:

refer problems outside area of responsibility to appropriate person

use and communicate basic mathematical ideas and techniques that relate to automotive systems and components

self-management skills to:

recognise limitations and seek timely advice

follow workplace documentation, such as workplace safe operating procedures

technical skills to:

collect, organise and understand technical information relating to:

identifying, locating and determining function of vehicle electrical circuit components and wiring systems

recognising and reporting unsafe situations

collect, organise and apply knowledge of vehicle electrical circuit and wiring information and concepts

technology skills to use information technology equipment to assist with research

Required knowledge

principles of vehicle electrical circuits and wiring systems

principles of electricity, including:

alternating current (AC)

direct current (DC)

Ohm’s law

Watts law

Kirchhoff’s voltage law

Kirchhoff’s current law

range of sources of information available to assist with understanding basic principles and elements of electricity as they relate to automotive applications

range of sources of information available to service, maintain and repair light vehicles

industry and workplace practice in relation to working safely in an automotive workplace

identification, location and function of major components of common automotive:

engine electrical systems, including:

battery systems

ignition systems

charging systems

starting systems

vehicle body electrical systems, including:

exterior lighting systems

internal lighting systems

vehicle access systems

wiper and washer systems

vehicle entertainment systems

wiring harness and loom assembly

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, 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.

Sources of informationmay include:

workplace service information

automotive electrical texts

original equipment manufacturer information

vehicle workshop manuals

service bulletins

magazine technical articles.

Electrical circuitsmay include:

voltage

current

resistance

series circuits

parallel circuits

series and parallel circuits

open circuit to power, signal or ground

short circuit to power, signal or ground

high resistance to power, signal or ground.

Wiring systemsmay include:

common multi-stand conductor

various wire gauges and insulation types

twisted pair (CAN-bus network wiring)

shielded wire (audio speaker wiring).