Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 11:11 PM AWST
23/07/2026 11:11 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Undertake information technology security audits
Undertake information technology security audits
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPSEC304A
PSPSEC304A
State Code
C8316
C8316
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/07/2014
Field of Education
029901 - Security Science
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers security audits of information systems and architecture in accordance with the organisation's security plan and jurisdictional standards for government information security. It includes planning and conducting the information technology security audit and reporting on security findings.In practice, undertaking information technology security audits may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, working effectively, organising information.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan security audit
- 1.1 The scope and objectives of the audit are identified.
- 1.2 An audit plan is prepared that meets organisational requirements and the objectives of the audit.
- 1.3 The organisation's information systems to be included in the audit are identified in the audit plan.
- 1.4 Appropriate personnel are advised of the audit plan and its requirements.
- 1.5 Possible sources of security risk are identified and prioritised.
- 1.6 Audit checklist is prepared in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
2. Conduct security audit
- 2.1 Systems, procedures, records and documents are identified and analysed.
- 2.2 Audit is conducted in accordance with the audit plan.
- 2.3 Audit activities are recorded in accordance with the checklist and organisational requirements.
- 2.4 Situations requiring specialist input are identified and referred for action.
- 2.5 Situations requiring referral to other areas are identified and referred in a timely manner.
3. Report on security findings
- 3.1 Audit records are maintained in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.
- 3.2 Audit report is prepared in accordance with organisational requirements and audit objectives.
- 3.3 Background and scope of the audit, outcomes and recommendations are included in the report.
- 3.4 Report is written in a language and style to suit the audience and meets organisational requirements for accuracy and timeliness.
- 3.5 Recommendations are supported by evidence, and written as actions with responsible person/s identified for implementation.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Information systems may include:
architecture
audio-visual systems
communications equipment
hardware
Internet
intranet
laptops
pagers
personal computers
scanning equipment
software
systems
Information systems may be:
centrally based
location based
stand-alone
networked
Appropriate personnel may include:
supervisors
managers
employees
contractors
Security risk may include:
technical
actual events
political circumstances
human behaviour
environmental
conflict
terrorism
internal
external
local
national
international
Specialist input may include:
agency security adviser/s
specialist agencies such as:
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian Public Service Commission
Defence Signals Directorate
Australian Federal Police
Attorney-General's Department
Australian National Audit Office
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Other areas may include:
fraud investigation area
compliance area
other organisations such as police, other law enforcement or investigation agencies
senior management
Report may be:
written
oral
electronic
Information systems may include:
architecture
audio-visual systems
communications equipment
hardware
Internet
intranet
laptops
pagers
personal computers
scanning equipment
software
systems
Information systems may be:
centrally based
location based
stand-alone
networked
Appropriate personnel may include:
supervisors
managers
employees
contractors
Security risk may include:
technical
actual events
political circumstances
human behaviour
environmental
conflict
terrorism
internal
external
local
national
international
Specialist input may include:
agency security adviser/s
specialist agencies such as:
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian Public Service Commission
Defence Signals Directorate
Australian Federal Police
Attorney-General's Department
Australian National Audit Office
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Other areas may include:
fraud investigation area
compliance area
other organisations such as police, other law enforcement or investigation agencies
senior management
Report may be:
written
oral
electronic
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC301B Uphold the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation
PSPGOV302B Contribute to workgroup activities
PSPGOV307B Organise workplace information
PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety
PSPSEC301A Secure government assets
PSPSEC302A Respond to government security incidents
PSPSEC303A Conduct security awareness sessions
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
information technology security audits undertaken in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to information technology security audits
Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)
Protective Security Policy Framework
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when undertaking information technology security audits
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when undertaking information technology security audits, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
information technology security audits undertaken in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
portfolios
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC301B Uphold the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation
PSPGOV302B Contribute to workgroup activities
PSPGOV307B Organise workplace information
PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety
PSPSEC301A Secure government assets
PSPSEC302A Respond to government security incidents
PSPSEC303A Conduct security awareness sessions
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
information technology security audits undertaken in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to information technology security audits
Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)
Protective Security Policy Framework
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when undertaking information technology security audits
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when undertaking information technology security audits, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
information technology security audits undertaken in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
portfolios
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWT41 | PSPSEC004 | Undertake information technology security audits | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J280 | PSP30512 | Certificate III in Government (Security) | Qualification |