Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Test environment
data
program libraries
network/communications and other equipment
operating system
other support software
Testtools may include:
Code/unit/class testing: AssertMate, BoundsChecker, C-Cover, CodeReview, CodeWizard, DeepCover, FailSafe, Hindsight, Insure++, JCAST, Logiscope, JavaPureCheck
Stress load testing: automated test facilities, e-Load, E-TEST Suite, e-MONITO, Astra SiteManager, Astra SiteTest, AutoTester Web, LoadRunner, JavaLoad
Applications testing: DataShark, Cyrano Suite, Datatect, preVue-C/S

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
Assessment must confirm sufficient knowledge of components and run-able modules that make up a total system.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:
System test plan
Requirements and design documents
Test plan
Human resources assigned and in place
Test hardware and environments in place and free for system test use
System/application suitable for testing
Context of and specific resources for assessment
All testing should be carried out on the same platform as the completed system. Scheduled testing should be on the production platform. The production environment is required as part of test preparation.

The systems test is a fully functional exercising of the system to be implemented. As such, all resources necessary to execute the entire system will be required.

The purpose of system testing is to identify defects that will only surface when a complete system is assembled. That is, defects that cannot be attributed to individual components or the interaction between two components. System testing includes testing of performance, security, configuration sensitivity, start-up and recovery from failure modes and takes place prior to delivery.

The breadth, depth and complexity covering planning and initiation of alternative approaches to skills or knowledge applications across a broad range of technical and/or management requirements, evaluation and coordination would be characteristic.

Assessment must ensure:
The demonstration of competency may also require self-directed application of knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some areas where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services and techniques for self and others.

Applications involve participation in development of strategic initiatives as well as personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations or organising others. It may include participation in teams including teams concerned with planning and evaluation functions. Group or team coordination may also be involved.
Method of assessment
The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.

Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.

Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment must confirm the ability to test the operation and consistency of the total system according to the system requirements.

The person will have clearly identified the results of the systems tests. The system test should clearly confirm that:
Functionality, delivered by the development team, is as specified by the business in the business design specification document and the requirements documentation
Software is of high quality; the software will replace/support the intended business functions and achieves the standards required by the organisation for the development of new systems
Software delivered interfaces correctly with existing systems

If the system test does not confirm the above, then the person will need to document how the system has not met the test criteria.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICAA5056B Prepare disaster recovery and contingency plans
ICAT5084B Perform stress and load testing on integrated platform

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating theoretical concepts, with substantial depth in some areas
Analyse and plan approaches to technical problems or management requirements
Transfer and apply theoretical concepts and/or technical or creative skills to a range of situations
Evaluate information, using it to forecast for planning or research purposes
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to broad quantity and quality parameters
Take some responsibility for the achievement of group outcomes
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services