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

This unit of competency could be assessed by the preparation of schedules for materials and labour for a building project.

This unit of competency can be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

identify materials required for the project and gather supply information effectively

plan and allocate human and physical resources

produce documentation that meets the timeframes and quality standards established by the organisation

communicate information effectively within the organisation and to external agencies and the client, as required.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

documentation that should normally be available in a building or construction office

relevant codes, standards and regulations

office equipment, including calculators, photocopiers and telephone systems

computers with appropriate software to view 2-D CAD drawings, run costing programs and print copies

a technical reference library with current publications on measurement, design, building construction and manufacturers' product literature

a suitable work area appropriate to the construction process.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

Required skills

Required skills for this unit are:

communication skills to:

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand

communicate information effectively within the organisation and to external agencies and the client

read and interpret:

contracts

drawings and specifications

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication

written skills to:

prepare and maintain site files

produce schedules and orders

identify and analyse relevant information

numeracy skills to apply calculations.

Required knowledge

Required knowledge for this unit is:

operation and structure of the organisation's costing and contracting system

state or territory building and construction codes, standards and regulations relevant to the form of building or construction being undertaken

types of building or construction drawings and specifications commonly used in the industry

types, scope and usage of labour through the employee and contractor systems.

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.

Local government and regulatory bodies include:

electricity regulatory authorities

environmental authorities

health departments

shire or municipal councils

water corporations.

Plans and specifications include:

building codes

colour selections

contract requirements

material and labour schedules

materials specifications

plans, sketches and drawings

statements of requirements.

Project costs include:

building or construction materials

communications costs

fuels, lubricants and other consumables

organisational and subcontract labour costs

overheads

professional indemnity and other insurance costs

project administration costs

site facilities, such as toilets and storage sheds.